The young man in white was clearly from an extraordinary background, and his current injured state raised questions about whether it was a blessing or a curse.
As if sensing his thoughts, Wu Caiwei turned her head, seeing the furrowed brow of Father Liu. She understood his concerns and admitted to herself that she, too, was worried. However, she had no other choice now and could only pray that this person would be grateful and not silence them.
All three were diligent individuals. Knowing they would be spending the night here, they had gathered plenty of firewood on their way up the mountain, essential for boiling water, cooking, and staying warm.
That night, the young man in white indeed developed a fever. The three took turns attending to him, staying by his side without rest for the entire night.
Though the process was arduous, the outcome was positive. By early morning, the young man's fever had broken, and he opened his calm, unruffled eyes.
After observing his surroundings and understanding his predicament, he learned that this family had saved him. He calmly asked if they had any requests.
Father Liu quickly waved his hand, "When one is out on the road, everyone faces difficulties. Helping you was just a small matter, there's no need for..."
Before Father Liu could finish, Wu Caiwei eagerly interrupted, "We do need something."
"Feixue, what are you saying?" Father Liu anxiously explained, "Young master, please don't listen to my daughter. She's been well-protected since she was young, and her nature is rather simple. You are magnanimous and should not take offense." Father Liu was afraid his daughter would make an unreasonable demand and anger their distinguished guest.
The young man in white frowned and looked at Wu Caiwei, "Please, proceed."
Father Liu kept signaling to her from the side, but Wu Caiwei pretended not to see. She recounted her acquaintance and romance with Liu Yixuan, and the ruse Liu Yixuan was now employing to break off the engagement. "My request is neither simple nor difficult to state. I want you to protect our family."
As Wu Caiwei spoke, Father Liu's expression grew increasingly grim, his fists clenching, veins bulging on his forehead. He had not realized his daughter had endured so much hardship.
"I understand this matter. You need not worry. Since you saved me, you are my saviors. I will ensure your safety," the young man in white said earnestly.
"Thank you so much. We will be eternally grateful for your great kindness," Father Liu bowed sincerely. Had they not encountered this young master, the Liu family would surely have fallen into ruin.
He never expected Liu Yixuan to be so ruthless. Father Liu had been aware of some of his ulterior motives back then. He had thought that people from a small mountain village were simple and honest, and since his daughter was determined to marry him, he had taught him everything he knew, pouring all his knowledge into him.
He had believed that his kindness was so immense that even if he were no longer around, as long as Liu Yixuan treated his daughter poorly, the mere spittle of an educated man would be enough to drown him.
His plans were well laid, but he never anticipated Liu Yixuan would take such an unconventional path.
Wu Caiwei could see the sincerity in the young man in white's eyes and felt a profound sense of relief. With his assurance, her life was temporarily safe.
The group made some congee with the rice they had brought the previous night, accompanying it with wild vegetables for a simple breakfast. After carefully administering medicine to the young man in white, Father Liu headed down the mountain to his private school.
Father Liu also had his own subtle considerations. Although the young master appeared to be a good person, being pursued by enemies meant he had adversaries. Crushing a commoner like himself would be as easy as crushing an ant in the eyes of others, so it was best to remain low-key. If he didn't go to teach, it might arouse suspicion.
All the way, he cautiously avoided people, and only near the Liu family's home did he boldly stride towards the private school. He politely greeted those he met.
The private school was located in the center of the village, near the ancestral hall. It was built collectively by the villagers. At the time, thinking he was an outsider, they had built the house for him and charged him a lower rent.
When Father Liu first arrived in this area, to be readily accepted by the villagers, he agreed without a second thought. He had been teaching there for over a decade.
Life on the mountain was simple. As noon approached, Mother Liu and Wu Caiwei descended the mountain to prepare meals. They had picked some wild vegetables on their way down, which could also serve as a cover if they encountered anyone.
At noon, after the family finished lunch, they delivered the meal to him. Su Dan Novel Network.
As the afternoon was long, Mother Liu decided to slaughter the hen she had been feeding for a long time to stew some soup for him.
Watching her mother busily tending to things, Wu Caiwei did not mention the young man in white's planned departure that afternoon. Otherwise, her mother would question how she knew so much. In any case, stewing the chicken wouldn't be a waste; it was good for their family's health.
Indeed, when the family returned to the cave, it was empty except for ten bank notes of one hundred taels each and a token from the Qin Royal Residence.
Looking at the Qin Royal Residence token, Father Liu swallowed with difficulty. He felt his family had become entangled in something incredibly significant. He repeatedly cautioned Mother Liu and Wu Caiwei to act as if nothing had happened and never to mention rescuing the young man.
Wu Caiwei and Mother Liu nodded solemnly. Even without Father Liu's admonition, they understood the gravity of the situation.
From that day on, it wasn't just Liu Yixuan who was curious about things; Wu Caiwei was too. Both hoped for something unusual to happen in the village, but they were both disappointed. The days passed peacefully.
Liu Yixuan was genuinely anxious. After waiting for so long, the tenth day, the deadline, had arrived, yet Wu Caiwei remained safely in the village.
Mother Liu was aware of the dealings between Liu Yixuan and Miss Li. Not only did she not object, but she also fanned the flames, envisioning her future daughter-in-law bringing a large dowry for her to spend as she pleased.
She had long felt that her son, being a scholar, was too good for a girl from the Liu family. Furthermore, the Liu family offered no help to her son; he deserved someone better.
The Liu family was only slightly better off than ordinary farmers. Her son needed to study elsewhere. Father Liu could no longer teach him. The expenses for food, clothing, housing, and education were beyond the means of an ordinary family. However, for Miss Li, it was a mere trifle. Moreover, he would soon be taking the imperial examinations, which required a substantial sum of money. His two elder brothers and their wives had already expressed their dissatisfaction, compelling him to plan for his own future.
He had heard that Miss Li was staying in town, ostensibly to relax. In reality, she was from the county town, and her family were prominent figures there, involved in business, running academies, and holding official positions, possessing extensive connections.
Although rumors painted Miss Li as jealous, willful, and arrogant, he believed that with his appearance and character, she would surely become as pliable as soft silk. He reveled in the feeling of Miss Li acting subserviently before him. As long as he could connect with the Li family, he was confident his endeavors would be twice as effective with half the effort.
That night, two shadowy figures were stealthily spreading straw around the Liu family's courtyard. They had also doused the straw with oil. Just as they were about to set it alight, screams erupted unexpectedly. Unbeknownst to them, two agile young women now stood behind them.
The night was exceptionally quiet. The Liu family trio were startled awake by the screams and hurriedly lit oil lamps to investigate. Lights began to flicker on in neighboring houses not far away.
Looking at the scene before her, Wu Caiwei understood what had happened. She wasn't sure if these two young women were sent by the Qin Royal Residence, but although she didn't recognize them, she sensed no ill will from them.
"Miss, we were sent by our master to protect you. My name is Qiushuang, and this is Dongzhi. How do you intend to deal with these two?" the taller young woman asked, introducing herself first upon seeing Wu Caiwei.