Chapter 55 I Won't Run Away
What else could he do? He accepted his fate and went forward to untie the chains of the remaining people in the Xia family.
Wang Xiaoer's face darkened when he saw this. He stepped forward and asked, "Zhang San, what are you doing? Why are you untying their chains? Do you know they are exiles? What if they run away?"
As escort officers, if the exiles escaped, they would be held responsible and would suffer the consequences, even at the cost of their entire family's lives.
Zhang San said helplessly to Wang Xiaoer, "With their skills, if they wanted to escape, do you think these little shackles would be enough to stop them?"
"Don't forget, just now the two of them killed more than thirty men in black."
When Wang Xiaoer thought of the fate of the more than 30 men in black, cold sweat broke out on his back.
Seeing his solemn expression, Zhang San continued, "Why do you think the Emperor only confiscated the Zhennan Palace and didn't strip him of his title? He even allowed him to ride in a carriage, accompanied by guards and servants?"
After a pause, he continued, "That guy has been on the battlefield since he was ten years old and has never been defeated. Do you think he's that easy to kill?"
"He still has 30,000 Black Potassium Troops at his disposal. Even if he's in trouble now, it's not something you and I can offend."
"Although the Xia family was stripped of their titles, they were only demoted to commoners. Logically, they shouldn't have been shackled, but we put them on privately."
"The Xia family's master also came from the battlefield in his early years. His children are so outstanding. Do you think he will be mediocre?"
"Look at the other people in the team. They all look pale and exhausted. But the Xia family members all have rosy complexions and walk as if they were taking a stroll."
"The second young master of the Xia family has been following that person for years. How can he be a good person? Look at Miss Xia, she wields a sword very well. With their skills, no matter how many shackles we put on them, it will be useless. If they want to escape, we can't stop them!"
Wang Xiaoer thought about it and realized that it was true. He became even more frightened: "If they really want to escape, aren't we..."
Zhang San glanced at the Xia family and continued, "They won't run away. They're commoners now. Once they're exiled, they'll be able to live freely. If they run away, they'll become fugitives and be wanted nationwide. They'll have to live in hiding for the rest of their lives. People like them definitely don't want to live that kind of life."
He glanced at Xuanyuan Yi's carriage again, "That guy certainly won't run away. No matter what, he's still a prince. Maybe one day he can clear his name. But if he runs away, it will give the emperor a legitimate reason to purge him. Then all his achievements over the years will be wiped out, and he will forever bear the charge of treason!"
Wang Xiaoer looked at Zhang San and asked, "Do you think that person was wrongly accused?"
Zhang San was silent. Was he going to tell Wang Xiaoer that he not only felt that the man was innocent, but also that the man in black might have been sent by Emperor Shunkang?
He even suspected that the officers they were escorting this time were sacrifices sent by their superiors, and none of them would be able to return and all would die.
You can only think about this in your mind, can you say it out loud?
That’s definitely not possible. If others knew what I was thinking, I would definitely lose my life.
Seeing that he didn't reply for a long time and was still in a daze, Wang Xiaoer thought that he agreed and glared at him.
He scolded, "How dare you say anything out loud? Have you been idle for too long? I'm going to pretend I didn't hear anything today, and don't say it in front of others again!"
Wang Xiaoer knew that Xuanyuan Yi and the Xia family would not run away, and he finally let go of his worried heart.
Then he thought of his mission and became melancholy again.
The postmaster had already moved the donkey cart to the entrance of the post station. The donkey was kept shiny and it was obvious that it was well fed.
The postmaster was also thoughtful enough to put a canopy on the donkey cart to block the wind. This was a very good thing to do.
The supplies prepared by the postmaster are really comprehensive, providing everything from food, clothing, housing and transportation.
The group set off at noon. Of course, Xia Qingyu was driving the donkey cart. Not to mention that he drove in a very professional manner, not like a novice.
Because there were supplies on the donkey cart and the carriage was not very big, the children and women were on the cart, and all the men walked.
Without shackles and chains, I could walk faster.
There is no harm without comparison. The Xia family members cannot be happy even if they wear cotton clothes.
Although it was no longer cold, they were still tired. Looking at Xia Chengsheng and the others, they felt very sad.
When they walked, the chains rattled and the skin on their heels was rubbed raw, causing a burning pain.
Others travel light, but they carry heavy loads; others eat meat, but they don’t even have soup to drink.
If Second Master Xia and Third Uncle Xia had not acted so excessively at the time, would they have had a share of Xia Chengsheng and the others' things, and would they not have to wear chains?
They thought so in their hearts, but they still did not dare to challenge the authority of their third uncle.
As soon as they left the post station, the station manager immediately sent a letter to the capital, informing them of what had happened at the post station and that none of the men in black survived.
It was two hours later when Emperor Shunkang received the news.
Emperor Shunkang's face was as black as a coal ball. His eyes were gloomy and his tone was cold: "Of the thirty or so secret guards I sent, none survived. I never expected that old man Xia Chengsheng to raise such a good pair of children. What a pity."
Previously, he had been prepared to give the Xia family a chance to live, as long as Xuanyuan Yi's life was spared. But now...
The Xia family can no longer be kept. If they continue to ruin his plans, they will have to pay the price...
Emperor Shunkang said angrily, "Send people to keep an eye on Xuanyuan Yi. Send more people. Keep a close eye on Xia Chengsheng and his family as well. If they show any signs of escaping, report them immediately."
"Also, send more people to ambush along the way. If anyone is found helping Xuanyuan Yi, kill them immediately. I don't want to see Xuanyuan Yi and Xia Chengsheng's family arrive in Liangzhou."
"Observe the dark to see if there is anyone following Xuanyuan Yi. Find the Black Potassium Army's tiger talisman. If you can't find it, find their base and kill them all. Leave no one alive!"
Since it doesn't belong to him, there's no need to keep it.
He would never keep these people around to cause trouble for himself.
If Xuanyuan Yi could reach the place of exile safely, with his ability and the help of the Xia family father and son, it would definitely become a great worry for him.
After Emperor Kang gave a series of orders, he always felt that something was missing, but he couldn't think of it.
With the donkey cart, Xia Xing'er and the others were much faster. Although not as fast as Xuanyuan Yi's horse-drawn carriage, they left the exile team far behind.
After walking for a while, they had to wait for the people behind them. Seeing this situation, Zhang San and Wang Xiaoer felt more at ease about the Xia family.
Xia Zibo held his chin with both hands, staring at Xia Xing'er with his big eyes, wanting to say something but holding it back.
Looking at the cute little guy, Xia Xing'er said, "Does our Zibo have anything to say to Auntie?"
Xia Zibo: He didn't ask his aunt on his own initiative, but he told her after his aunt asked him.
Although my mother told my father not to cause trouble for my aunt, she didn't say that he couldn't answer her questions.
"Aunt, you looked so handsome when you killed the man in black today. Can you teach me how to teach Zibo?"
After saying this, she looked at Xia Xing'er with her big eyes full of expectation, fearing that her aunt would disagree.
Xia Ziyu and Xia Zichuan also stared at Xia Xinger, they also wanted to learn.
They also practiced horse stance in the mansion before, but the master who taught them was not as good as their aunt.
Xia Xing'er didn't expect that the little guy was staring at her and seemed to be hesitant to speak because of this.
"Then can you tell your aunt why you want to learn martial arts?"
Xia Ziyu counted on her fingers: "Protect grandparents, father, mother, uncles, aunts, and little aunts."
Xia Zichuan: "Beat the bad guys!"
Xia Zibo: "Be a chivalrous hero!"
Xia Xing'er listened to the children's innocent and firm answers, and a hint of tenderness and approval flashed in her eyes.
This should be her son from the Xia family, Xia Xinger’s nephew.
She looked the children in the eye, her gaze both encouraging and serious.
"Are you really ready? Martial arts training doesn't happen overnight. It requires daily hard work and perseverance, and may even involve pain and setbacks.
In winter, you have to stand in horse stance in the cold wind, and your hands will be frozen red.
In summer, under the scorching sun, you have to practice moves over and over again, and your clothes are soaked with sweat.
Can you really endure such hardship?
In fact, she said that on purpose. She had a quick-acting elixir, but she still had to say what needed to be said. They really had to work hard later.
As she spoke, she reached out and gently patted Xia Ziyu's shoulder, then touched Xia Zichuan's head, and finally gently pinched Xia Zibo's cheek.
The three children looked at each other, determination and unyielding spirit in their eyes.
Xia Ziyu was the first to speak, her voice small but resolute: "Aunt, we are not afraid of hardship. As long as we can protect our family, we are willing to endure any hardship or fatigue!"
Inside the narrow donkey cart, light filtered through the half-open curtains, casting patches of light on the three little ones' tender yet resolute faces.
Xia Xing'er looked at them, her eyes full of tenderness and determination, as if they could dispel all the haze.
Sister-in-law Zhuge Pei sat on one side with a gentle smile on her lips. Her eyes were like the spring sun, warm and powerful.
Second sister-in-law Bai Wan'er was accompanying Xia's mother Liu Youran. The three of them looked at each other, and without words, the deep affection and tacit understanding flowed in the air.
Xia's mother, Liu Youran, has a face where time has left subtle traces, yet it has added a touch of gentleness and composure.
She reached out and gently stroked Xia Ziyu's head, her eyes filled with both love and expectation, as if she could see into every corner of the children's hearts.
She whispered softly, "Children of our Xia family should have such ambition.
Xing'er, if you want to teach them, then teach them. But what about your father and three brothers?
But remember, no matter how difficult the road ahead, as long as the family is together, nothing is impossible. Family is the most important thing."
As she spoke, her eyes were gentle and firm, as if they could give the children endless strength and courage.
Inside the car, this warmth and tenacity interweave into a touching picture, which warms people's hearts, as if even the cold wind outside the car has softened a little.
Xia Chengsheng and his two sons outside the cart could hear the conversation inside the donkey cart clearly.
His face was full of pride, as long as the family was together, nothing was a problem.
Lin Wanqing looked at the Xia family's donkey cart in front of her, her eyes full of jealousy.
Lin Wanqing's gaze pierced through the cold wind like a sharp sword, fixed on the Xia family's donkey cart, her eyes burning with jealousy, as if she wanted to devour the warm light and shadow.
Her clenched fists trembled slightly, her nails dug deep into her palms, but she felt no pain at all.
The cold wind blew up her thin clothes, highlighting her distorted face, making it look even more hideous.
The corner of her mouth curled up into a sneer, mixed with resentment and resentment, as if she secretly swore in her heart that one day, she would make this family pay the price and trample all this happiness and warmth under her feet.
The surrounding scenery seemed to have become a backdrop in her eyes, except for the Xia family's donkey cart, which was like a beam of dazzling light that she could neither ignore nor tolerate.
Lin Wanqing withdrew her gaze from the Xia family's donkey cart and turned to look at Xuanyuan Yi's carriage that was slowly moving forward not far away. The only carriage in the exile team looked particularly dazzling in the cold wind. The curtains were closed, revealing a hint of imperceptible warmth.
The jealousy in her eyes grew even stronger, a cruel smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, and she was secretly calculating in her heart.
She must find a way to make Xuanyuan Yi like her so that she can ride in a horse carriage, which is better than Xia Xing'er's donkey cart.
Thinking of the handsome Xuanyuan Yi, her face couldn't help but blush, but she also felt extremely sorry when she thought that such a handsome man would have to be confined to a wheelchair from now on and would have difficulty walking for the rest of his life.
She reached out and touched the mark on her face. This was just right. No one of them should look down on the other. She was worthy of him.
After making up my mind, I felt more energetic when walking.
Little did she know that Helian Rong had the same idea as her.
Xuanyuan Yi, who was staring at Concubine Xi in the carriage, had no idea that he was being targeted by two women at the same time.
But even if they knew, it didn't matter. They had to get close to him first.
"Yier, your mother was narrow-minded before. Only in times of adversity can one see true love."
Whenever Concubine Xi thought about how if Xia Xing'er and her brother had not come forward to help them today, they would have all been killed by the sword of the man in black, she felt scared at the thought.
The Imperial Concubine Xi's gaze fell gently and firmly on Xuanyuan Yi, and she whispered softly, "Yier, this experience has made me realize that true love is the most precious thing in the world.
The Xia family's children, especially Xia Xing'er, are not only brave but also exceptionally resourceful, making them a truly rare and desirable match. If she wishes to continue with her engagement with you, Mother will absolutely not stand in my way and will treat her like her own daughter.
If she had ridden in the same carriage with us, she could have been our guardian angel along the way.
I think that with her by our side, no matter what storms or obstacles we face, the Xia family will definitely help us, and we can all feel more at ease."
After she finished speaking, she stared at Xuanyuan Yi with a hint of expectation and earnestness in her eyes, as if she had already seen the beautiful picture of Xia Xing'er and Xuanyuan Yi fighting side by side and overcoming difficulties together.
Xuanyuan Yi laughed sarcastically: "Mother, if you were your son, I would be a hot commodity, and everyone would want me."
"How did you despise her when the marriage was arranged? What did you say later in the prison cell when the Xia family delivered medicine? And who asked me to cancel the engagement later?"
"You've always looked down on me, but now you think you need me and want to fulfill your engagement. What do you think of Xia Xing'er? What do you think of your son?"
When Concubine Xi heard Xuanyuan Yi's questioning, her expression changed slightly, and then she smiled softly, with a hint of helplessness and relief in her smile.
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