A Good Country Wife-Chapter 692 - 685_1

Quan An had been around Ceng Lu for quite some time, and being a favored person by Ceng Lu’s side, he had naturally developed quite a network of contacts and informants. His confidence inflated, and after so many tests, he felt he had become cautious enough and didn’t take Jian San’s worries seriously, dismissing them as cowardice and fear, without taking them to heart.

Seeing the other party had probed enough, Lin Yue also breathed a sigh of relief. Although she was confident in her concealment methods, these repeated probes were wearing on her time and patience. A single slip could easily reveal her ploy. The opposite party was indeed very cautious, guarding against her, a woman, so surely they had some understanding of her.

"Mrs. Zhao truly has guts, daring to meet with just two people," Quan An, with his face covered, came out and said with a smile. Immediately after, his men surrounded Lin Yue and her two companions from all sides.

Seeing so many people encircle them, Lin Yue was not afraid. She looked around but did not see the silver from Dalang’s several brothers. With a cold gaze, she looked at the leading figure. Although Quan An had his face covered, his physique, manners, and the gloomy aura and eyes allowed Lin Yue to recognize him at once.

"Enough of the nonsense! I’ve brought the silver; where are Dalang and his brothers? Let’s exchange the money and people simultaneously."

"Ha ha, Mrs. Zhao is so naive. Now that the situation has come to this, I’m afraid you have no say in it. I’ll take the silver, and the people will stay as well. As for those few brats, as long as you Mrs. Zhao make me satisfied, I will naturally let them go."

"What, are you thinking of breaking the agreement? We had a deal: money for people. As the saying goes, even thieves have their code. Each trade has its rules. You claim to be from Longhu Mountain; you should know that although the bandits of Longhu Mountain are outlaws, what they value most is loyalty. They would certainly not do something so treacherous and faithless. If you ask me, you are definitely impostors!" Although Lin Yue framed it as a question, her statement carried a definite certainty.

"I’ve heard that the bandits of Longhu Mountain are formidable indeed. If they knew you were impersonating them and ruining their reputation, they might go looking for ****, wouldn’t they?" Lin Yue continued without waiting for a response.

The kidnappers’ expressions changed upon hearing Lin Yue’s words, which demonstrated the far-reaching reputation of Longhu Mountain’s bandits, instilling fear in everyone’s hearts.

Quan An’s expression darkened upon hearing Lin Yue’s words. The bandits of Longhu Mountain were not to be trifled with, but then he relaxed. What if he was an impostor? Though Longhu Mountain wasn’t far, it also wasn’t close; a fast horse would take three days to travel there. Even if the bandits of Longhu Mountain were formidable, could they know of such a minor incident in Xin’an City? As long as those present did not speak, who would know?

As for Lin Yue, Quan An was not worried that she would speak out. After all, he had lured Lin Yue into the city, and things were nearly settled. The city was his turf; once the matter with the Magistrate was settled and the deal done—turning raw rice into cooked rice—even if the Lin Family was powerful, they would have to admit defeat and be manipulated obediently! Otherwise, in this era, if a married woman lost her virtue and it became known, she would definitely not be able to survive, especially a married woman like her. If Zhao Erhu found out, not to mention whether he would keep her, he might even dunk her in a pig cage.

Quan An had calculated well, looking at Lin Yue with a smile, "There’s no need for Mrs. Zhao to worry about this. You should consider your own situation. It would be best for you to hand over the silver and come with us quietly. Otherwise, if we get rough, we’re a bunch of big men who might accidentally hurt you, which wouldn’t be good."

"What, you also want to play tough! Do you think I would dare to come meet you without any preparation? Quan An, although you are now serving in the Government Office, working for the Court, you’re engaging in banditry. If the higher-ups knew, even Ceng Lu couldn’t protect you! So you’d better behave and return the people safely to me. I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, even our Magistrate dares not easily offend me, let alone a lackey like you that serves by his side. If I really start cracking down, It’s just a matter of making a few moves, and for those nobles above, squashing you is easier than stepping on an ant."

Lin Yue, having seen the kidnappers, now had a clear idea of who was behind this action against her family. For someone like Quan An, retreating would only make him more aggressive, so she did not hesitate to tear off his outer layer, facing the situation head-on.

Quan An was not surprised that Lin Yue had guessed his identity because, sooner or later, when she was brought to the Magistrate, she would know anyway. She couldn’t escape while in his grasp. However, his pride was indeed wounded by her derogatory words comparing him to a lowly cur, which he found insulting. He, unlike mere servants, was a man of official rank and accomplishment. But this was not the time for rashness; he suppressed his anger. Once the Magistrate had subjugated this woman, he would have plenty of opportunities to get his revenge.

"Madam Lin is truly clever, guessing my identity so quickly," said Quan An. "You must understand that all I do is at the Magistrate’s behest. Madam may disregard a minor official like me, but the Magistrate’s status is different. Not only does he have noble families from the Capital City as his backing, but there is also Empress Cheng in the palace. So I advise Madam to be sensible. That the Magistrate fancies you is your good fortune. Serve him well, and you won’t lack for benefits later. Otherwise, humph..."

Quan An’s laugh was sinister as he no longer concealed his intentions, openly threatening Lin Yue, his face betraying greed as he presumably thought of the advantages he could gain from her.

Haishi, standing aside, was very angry. Quan An’s shameless words and the Magistrate’s utter disgracefulness, lusting after a married woman—and especially that this married woman was Mrs. Zhao from his household—made Haishi’s respect and gratitude for Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue all the more fuel for his rage. But, concerned about the safety of the young masters, he had to stand there quietly, not daring to speak out of turn.

The Hidden Guard sent by the Jiang Family, upon hearing these words, did not even bat an eyelid, standing there quietly. Unless Lin Yue gave an order, he wouldn’t speak a word, let alone take action, appearing so inconspicuous that one could easily overlook his presence. However, this was just a façade. Since Jiang Ziqi had assigned him to handle affairs in Xin’an City, he must have received clear instructions. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have volunteered to help upon hearing about Lin Yue’s situation from Manager Liu. freēwēbηovel.c૦m