Chapter 55 – They’re After Song Jiuyuan

“Brother Ren, today’s our lucky day. We got a wolf! You officials have had a tough journey, so take half of it!”

With a swift stroke of her blade, Jiang Wan generously handed over the meat. After all, if it weren’t for Ren Bang’s protection, she wouldn’t be living so comfortably now.

“On behalf of everyone, thank you, Sister Jiang.”

Little Deng grinned wide, completely unaware that this was the same wolf they had seen earlier. Ren Bang and the others didn’t think too much about it either—no one expected a wolf to be preserved for this long.

Only Song Jiuyuan’s sharp eyes caught something. He stared at the wolf, feeling it looked strangely familiar. Still, he didn’t dwell on it—only puzzled for a few seconds.

“Let’s stew some wolf meat today!”

Jiang Wan, full of enthusiasm, handed the wolf meat to Song Jiuyuan for preparation. His slender fingers moved skillfully with the dagger. That handsome face of his remained expressionless, his broad shoulders and narrow waist a sight that would turn heads even in modern times—he was undeniably a rare beauty.

Jiang Wan thought, If the damn emperor hadn’t seen him as a threat, he could’ve easily stolen the hearts of thousands of girls.

No wonder when the original host used underhanded means to marry him, so many unmarried women in the capital were heartbroken.

“Sister-in-law, you’re amazing!”

Song Jiuli was practically drooling. In exile and still able to eat meat—only they had such luck.

“Less flattery, more work.”

That was all Jiang Wan ever asked of Song Jiuli. Only half the wolf meat was used; the rest, she planned to keep for herself after they crossed Minglu.

Soon, the bubbling pot sent out a mouthwatering aroma. Wolf meat was tough, so it had to cook longer. Song Jiuli stared eagerly, his look so pitiful it made Jiang Wan chuckle.

“Madam Song.”

Lin Tingyu strolled over at a slow pace. His body hadn’t fully recovered, and his face was slightly pale.

“May I buy some of that wolf meat?”

His voice was warm and gentle, naturally likable. Jiang Wan glanced at his frail frame and kindly said,

“You’re too weak. This kind of meat isn’t suitable for you.”

“It’s fine.”

Lin Tingyu smiled faintly. “I won’t eat it. A few of my subordinates are craving meat.”

“Brother Tingyu really cares for his people,” Hua Xiao blurted out admiringly, unable to hold her tongue. She looked at him with glowing eyes. It was at that moment Lin Tingyu first regretted agreeing to bring her along. He suddenly found her extremely annoying.

“Is this enough?”

Jiang Wan handed all the leftover wolf meat to Lin Tingyu’s attendant. Lin Tingyu nodded and pulled out a banknote from his sleeve.

“This is plenty.”

He handed her a banknote worth a hundred taels. Only then did Jiang Wan realize he was probably trying to “repay” her again, in a roundabout way.

“That’s too much.”

She felt a headache coming. With so many people watching, it wasn’t exactly convenient to give him change.

“The rest is for your hard work, Madam Song.”

He smiled warmly. The better people treated her, the more awkward Jiang Wan felt. Her smile faltered with helplessness.

“Just take it.”

Song Jiuyuan said softly, “Otherwise, Young Master Lin might feel uneasy.”

He deliberately emphasized the last two words, making Jiang Wan sigh. She didn’t argue further.

“Fine. If I catch more game, I’ll give you a share.”

“Deal.”

Lin Tingyu’s lips curled slightly. Though he had lived through darkness, his smile was like sunlight.

That smile inexplicably irritated Song Jiuyuan. He let out a cold snort and handed a bowl of wolf meat to Jiang Wan.

“Wanwan, eat while it’s hot.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Wan put the banknote away, still confused why Song Jiuyuan suddenly used such an affectionate nickname.

Lin Tingyu’s attendants took the meat and tactfully found a spot not far off to rest.

“Sister-in-law, this tastes great! Try some!”

Song Jiuli took a bite and excitedly waved Jiang Wan over, his big eyes full of delight.

Just as Jiang Wan was about to dig in, urgent footsteps interrupted her. She frowned.

“Stop! Don’t run!”

A group of men in black were chasing two men who were desperately sprinting toward them.

“Stop right there!”

Ren Bang shouted, but the two men didn’t seem to hear. They crashed into several people in their path.

“Ah!”

Someone’s bowl went flying. Someone else was knocked to the ground. Song Jiuyuan immediately called out, “Watch out!”

“Run!”

Jiang Wan realized something was wrong. Song Jiuyuan was a major villain, and things had been going too smoothly. Her gut told her these men were here for him.

Sure enough, as the two men neared, they shoved aside Song Jiuli and Song Jiuchi and went straight for Song Jiuyuan.

“Ah!”

“Big Brother!”

Song Jiuchi panicked, but Jiang Wan reacted quickly and kicked one of the attackers flying. He glared at her before darting off again.

“Jiuchi, carry your big brother and run!”

Jiang Wan was furious. All that effort cooking the meat, and she didn’t get a single bite. She was ready to throw hands.

Song Jiuchi swiftly hoisted Song Jiuyuan onto his back. Seeing seven or eight more black-clad men closing in, chaos erupted.

Everyone scattered in panic. Jiang Wan didn’t have time to pack up the pot, so she hurled it directly at the attackers.

They hadn’t expected that move. Though one dodged, the scalding broth still splashed onto them.

“Ah!!”

One of the black-clad men screamed as the others rushed after them.

“They’re after me.”

Song Jiuyuan spoke quietly. “Jiuchi, put me down. You all run in a different direction.”

He narrowed his eyes, realizing this was an assassination attempt.

“No way!”

Song Jiuchi gritted his teeth. Lady Song and Song Jiuli couldn’t keep up. Jiang Wan wanted to protect them, but soon noticed the attackers didn’t care about anyone else.

Their target was Song Jiuyuan alone. The rest were completely ignored.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, Song Jiuchi tripped over a large rock and fell. Song Jiuyuan was thrown forward due to the momentum.

A glinting broadsword flashed in the attacker’s hands. Jiang Wan didn’t have time to think—she threw Song Jiuyuan over her shoulder and bolted.

“Jiang Wan, put me down!”

Song Jiuyuan hadn’t expected to feel shame even in such a crisis. Being carried like this by a woman—it was a first.

“Shut up!”

Jiang Wan was livid. After escorting him all this way, how could she just abandon him?

Besides, she figured a major villain wouldn’t die so easily—otherwise, what kind of villain would he be?

The men in black gave chase relentlessly. Judging by the numbers, probably all of them had come.

Jiang Wan ran like the wind, speed shocking even Song Jiuyuan.

“You—”

He was stunned. Is she even human? She was carrying a full-grown man and still sprinting like that?

“Song Jiuyuan! We’re villains! We don’t die that easily!”

Jiang Wan glanced back at the swarm of pursuers, frustrated.

Damn it, they’re like flies—so annoying.

But as she turned around, she saw it—a cliff ahead. She tried to use her powers to slow down, but it was too late.

Carrying Song Jiuyuan, she plunged off the edge.

In her heart, she cursed everything to hell.