"Madam!" Jiang Yan was terrified, struggling to get out of the pile of fallen leaves. A half-eaten leaf with a wormhole stuck in his hair made him look utterly disheveled. He didn't bother to fix his appearance, only to pick up the Qingfeng sword stuck in the ground and join the fight. However, when he looked up, he saw Su Jinli had already firmly pressed a hairpin against the bandit leader's throat. The silver fox pendant on the hairpin, now stained with a hint of rouge, glowed eerily yet captivatingly in the twilight, as if announcing to everyone the dawn of victory in this battle.
The valley was now filled with a pungent, spicy smell, which mixed with the already damp air to create a suffocating atmosphere. Jiang Yan looked at Su Jinli's resolute and courageous figure, feeling a twinge of worry for her safety, yet also a sense of pride in her resourcefulness and courage. He knew that in this perilous Taihang Valley, they must work closely together to overcome the predicament before them.
Su Jinli stared at the bandit leader, her eyes gleaming with a cold and commanding presence, as if warning him not to act rashly. The bandit leader, choked by the red mist, burst into tears, his eyes swollen and red. He now gazed at Su Jinli with a look of fear and resentment. He had never imagined that this seemingly fragile woman could be so formidable. The other bandits, utterly defeated by the red mist, lay groaning in agony on the ground, while others attempted to flee the terrifying area, only to be stopped by Jiang Yan and Su Jinli's companions.
Jiang Yan finally picked up the Qingfeng Sword. Holding it in hand, he cautiously approached Su Jinli and the bandit leader. His gaze was determined, constantly alert to any movement around him, fearing that other bandits might seize the opportunity to attack. "Who are you? Why are you pretending to be bandits and robbing people?" Jiang Yan demanded loudly, his voice echoing through the valley with an irresistible majesty.
The bandit leader snorted coldly, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. But under the threat of Su Jinli's hairpin, he finally spoke, "We're under the orders of the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance. They want to teach you a lesson, to show you that opposing them will not end well." Jiang Yan and Su Jinli exchanged a glance, each understanding the mastermind behind the attack. The Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance, driven by their previous competition and conflict of interest with Jinyun Bookstore, had resorted to such despicable tactics.
"Hmph, they think they can stop us?" Su Jinli said disdainfully, applying a slight pressure to the hairpin in her hand. The bandit leader felt pain, a look of agony on his face. Jiang Yan looked at the bandit leader and said coldly, "Your actions have violated the laws of Dajing. I will not let you off easily. Once we leave this valley, we will hand you over to the authorities and make you pay for your actions."
At that moment, Young Marquis Su and Su Qingyao also rushed over. Young Marquis Su waved his toy sword and said excitedly, "Sister, Brother Jiang Yan, you're amazing! I want to help too!" Su Qingyao looked at Su Jinli, her eyes full of worry and admiration: "Jinli, are you okay? You scared me just now." Su Jinli smiled and comforted, "I'm fine, as long as everyone is okay."
Jiang Yan looked at the crowd, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He knew that with the support of their families and companions on this difficult journey, they would be able to overcome any difficulties. So, he said to the crowd, "We can't stay here for long. First, tie up these bandits and leave as soon as possible." Everyone nodded and began to tie up the bandits one by one.
With everyone's concerted efforts, the bandits were quickly subdued and tied up. Jiang Yan, Su Jinli, and the others escorted the bandits and continued their journey. However, after this thrilling encounter, they all knew that the road ahead might hold even more dangers and challenges. The Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance, having already taken action, would surely not give up easily. But they were undaunted. Jiang Yan and Su Jinli looked at each other, their eyes filled with unwavering conviction. They knew that as long as they stood united, nothing could stop them.
As their group advanced further and further, the twilight of the Taihang Valley gradually gave way to night. Moonlight shone across the valley, casting a silvery, white veil over this once perilous place. The figures of Jiang Yan, Su Jinli, and the others appeared so small in the moonlight, yet so resolute, as if they were a beam of light in the darkness, illuminating the path forward. No matter how many hardships and obstacles they encountered, they could not extinguish the flames within their hearts.
They remained even more cautious throughout the rest of their journey. Jiang Yan carefully observed their surroundings wherever they arrived, while Su Jinli watched for subtle signs to prevent a similar attack. Young Marquis Su and Su Qingyao also put aside their usual playfulness, remaining vigilant and ensuring the team's safety.
As they passed through small towns and villages, they witnessed the diverse local customs and felt the hardships of the people. Jiang Yan and Su Jinli decided to use this opportunity to do what they could for the local people. They opened a free school in the town to teach children to read and write, and organized free clinics to provide medical assistance to the sick. Su Jinli used her wisdom and knowledge to teach local women practical life skills to help them improve their lives. Jiang Yan exchanged governance experiences with local officials, hoping to contribute to local development.
Their act of kindness was warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated by the local people. They praised them as kindhearted individuals and sent them various food and daily necessities. Jiang Yan and Su Jinli felt a surge of warmth and comfort at the simple yet sincere smiles of the people. They knew their efforts were worthwhile, and their resolve to work for the well-being of the people was strengthened.
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