"What are you thinking about?" Jiang Yan lifted the carriage curtain and walked in with a smile, holding a roasted sweet potato. The steaming sweet potato exuded an enticing aroma that instantly filled the entire carriage. "Li Xiu is scouting ahead and said there's hot soup at the next post station." His voice was a little tired, but also full of concern for Su Jinli.
Su Jinli took the sweet potato, the heat tingling her fingertips. She blew gently on it, then took a bite of the sweet, sticky sweet potato. The sweet flavor spread in her mouth. She looked at the smile in Jiang Yan's eyes and said, "I'm thinking." She paused slightly, a sly glint in her eyes. "Next time we go out, I'll have to prepare two pounds of chili powder for you, so you don't get kicked in the ass again." There was a hint of playfulness in her words, as if she had returned to her carefree teenage years.
Jiang Yan couldn't help but laugh. He reached out and gently wiped the potato scum from the corner of her mouth, his movements gentle and delicate. "With my wife here, I don't need chili powder." He paused slightly, looking at her fingertips stained red by the chili powder, his eyes full of doting. "But my wife's legs are much faster than my sword." His voice was teasing, but also full of admiration for Su Jinli.
The carriage slowly set in motion, rustling through fallen leaves like a gentle lullaby from nature. This sound was like the sweet honey in Su Jinli's heart, quietly sweet yet overflowing, warming her entire being. From outside, the tuneless folk song of Young Marquis Su drifted in, its cheerful melody offering a soothing end to this perilous journey. And so did Su Qingyao's murmurs about her rouge staining her with dust. Everything felt so real and heartwarming, like a vivid picture of life. This couple, who began their journey as street sugar painters, have long since, through each other's company, transformed all the fears and hardships they've endured into the sweetest moments of their lives. They know the road ahead may be filled with challenges, but as long as they stay together, nothing can stop them. Together, they will write their own beautiful chapter, leaving behind sweet memories for the rest of their lives.
Throughout the rest of their journey, Jiang Yan and Su Jinli were not intimidated by this encounter; instead, it strengthened their resolve to move forward. They knew the forces behind Shopkeeper Qian would not let them off easily, and that the struggle might have only just begun. However, they relied on each other, supporting each other and filled their hearts with courage and confidence.
As the carriage slowly moved forward, they began to seriously discuss their response. Jiang Yan, drawing on his knowledge and experience, analyzed the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance's likely next move. He believed that Shopkeeper Qian would likely further collude with other forces to launch an even more violent attack. Meanwhile, Su Jinli, with her keen insight and wit, proposed some clever countermeasures. She suggested that they could use this encounter with the bandits to expose the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance's evil deeds and gain more support and assistance.
As they traveled, they observed the surroundings. In each town they visited, they spoke with the locals to learn about the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance's activities. They discovered that the alliance's monopoly had severely impacted local commerce, leaving many small businesses facing difficulties. The locals, unable to speak out against the alliance's actions, were filled with frustration and resentment.
Jiang Yan and Su Jinli decided to speak up for the people. They began collecting evidence of the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance's crimes, including evidence of their monopoly agreements and oppression of merchants. They also contacted local righteous individuals to discuss how to fight against the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance. In the process, they met many like-minded friends who expressed their willingness to join them in the fight for justice.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yan and Su Jinli haven't forgotten to improve their own strength. Jiang Yan takes time out every day to practice swordsmanship, striving to perfect his skills. Meanwhile, Su Jinli continues to research various self-defense techniques and methods. She not only learns more chili powder recipes but also some simple concealed weapon techniques. They know that only by becoming stronger can they better face the challenges ahead.
On a bright and sunny day, they finally arrived at a bustling city. This city was the commercial center of the Jiangnan region and a key stronghold of the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance. Jiang Yan and Su Jinli decided to launch a counterattack there. They first approached the local authorities, presented them with evidence of the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance's crimes, and detailed their misdeeds. The authorities took their case very seriously and immediately launched an investigation.
However, the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance was no pushover. Learning that Jiang Yan and Su Jinli had arrived in the city and had reported them to the authorities, they began to secretly plot a conspiracy. They bribed some officials to try to obstruct the investigation. At the same time, they also sent assassins to attempt to kill Jiang Yan and Su Jinli.
One night, Jiang Yan and Su Jinli were resting in the inn when they heard a faint noise outside the window. Jiang Yan alertly drew his sword and motioned for Su Jinli to hide behind him. Just then, the window was flung open, and several men in black, blades in hand, burst into the room. Undeterred, Jiang Yan engaged the men in a fierce battle. His swordsmanship was so sharp that the men gradually began to struggle.
Su Jinli wasn't idle either. She quickly pulled chili powder from her sleeve pocket and sprinkled it on the man in black. The man in black immediately started coughing, his eyes stung, and his movements became sluggish. With the combined efforts of Jiang Yan and Su Jinli, the man in black was eventually repelled. However, they knew that this was just a test by the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance, and that more severe challenges awaited them.
After this assassination, Jiang Yan and Su Jinli became more cautious. They worked closely with local righteous people and developed a detailed plan. They decided to first expose the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance's crimes of bribing officials so that the government would lose trust in them. Then, they would unite local merchants to launch a boycott of the Jiangnan Booksellers Alliance.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
