Chapter 94: Encounter with a Kidnapper on the Road

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Indeed, this is Yi Province. It might not have been the strongest region during the Three Kingdoms era in terms of military power, but in terms of size, no other province could compare. Moreover, it was home to numerous ethnic minorities. Yes, Yi Province lay in the northwest of the realm, a place with the densest concentration of diverse ethnic groups, each with their own customs and traditions. If Zhang Lu were left alone to govern such a vast and complex land, he might find it overwhelming. Therefore, Liu Xie decided to stay for the time being, aiming to stabilize the region before making further plans.

“Your Majesty, the population here in Yi Province exceeds six million,” Chen Gong said solemnly. “I have heard of Your Majesty’s agricultural and military reforms implemented earlier in Nanyang, but spreading those same measures here will not be easy.” Indeed, Chen Gong had been in Jing Province for some time and was familiar with Liu Xie’s previous efforts there. Yet Yi Province’s situation was quite different from Jing Province. To fully implement those reforms here would be a daunting task.

Liu Xie, however, was not discouraged. “Gongtai, rest assured,” he said. “Though difficult, if we succeed, it will be a lasting benefit. The rewards for our people will be substantial.” “True, Yi Province is vast,” Chen Gong admitted, “but as you said, it is densely populated. If we can mobilize the people, none of this will be impossible.” Liu Xie had already considered the challenges, especially given the many ethnic minorities. Still, he believed it could be done.

Following the established routine from Jing Province, Liu Xie personally led his men to clear land, dig wells, and plant crops. At first, the local people were indifferent, but soon tangible results emerged. Seeing water drawn from the wells and seeds sprouting, the people gradually came to recognize Liu Xie’s leadership. Zhang Lu, who had been observing all along, was beginning to understand more clearly—Liu Xie was a wise ruler.

Yet, just as harmony seemed to settle, one day Liu Xie wandered alone through the streets and noticed something troubling. Faint cries of a woman and shouts of men were heard from a distance. Turning toward the sound, he saw a crowd gathered around a dilapidated house. The place was so run down that it offered no shelter from the rain. At the broken doorway, seven or eight men were forcibly grabbing a young and beautiful woman, likely no more than sixteen or seventeen. She resisted and cried out in protest.

On the ground nearby, an elderly man clung desperately to one of the men’s pant legs, begging, “Please, let my daughter go. She’s still a child. Have mercy on her.” But the men showed no pity; they roughly pushed the old man aside. “Enough of your nonsense!” one sneered. “Our young master is fortunate to have taken interest in your daughter. And you dare cry about it?” Another threatened, “Old fool, keep talking and I’ll kill you.” “Take the girl away!” the leader barked arrogantly.

Though many people surrounded the scene, no one dared intervene. The old man pleaded again, grabbing at a man’s leg, “Please, just let my daughter go. You can do whatever you want to me.” Enraged, one of the men slammed a foot onto the old man’s head.

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Thud! The old man’s head struck the ground hard. Moments later, he lay motionless. “Father!” The young woman’s face went pale, and she cried out in despair. “You blind old fool!” one of the men spat, “Come on, let’s take her away!” They looked disdainfully at the fallen elder and began to drag the woman off.

“Such a miserable family,” murmured a bystander. “These days, if your daughter isn’t beautiful, she’s safe. Otherwise, she’s doomed to be ruined by scoundrels.” “What can we do? We thought with the new leadership things would improve, but it seems nothing has changed.” “At least the new leader works with us in the fields and makes sure we have enough to eat.” “Maybe he just hasn’t realized the real state of affairs yet. Or perhaps even if he knows, he can’t do anything. Families like these have connections in the government.”

Listening to the murmurs, Liu Xie’s heart sank. He was the leader, yet his people still felt neglected. It was true; beyond ensuring they had food, he had forgotten that they must not suffer injustice.

“Stop!” Liu Xie’s voice thundered like a clap of lightning as the men attempted to take the woman away. All eyes turned to him. It was Liu Xie himself.

“Who are you talking to?” one of the men asked curiously. Others also watched, wondering who this newcomer was and what he intended.

Pushing through the crowd, Liu Xie ignored the men and knelt beside the old man. After a brief examination, he confirmed the worst: the old man was dead.

“He’s already dead,” Liu Xie declared. Hearing this, the woman screamed in agony, trying to rush forward but was held firmly by the men. No matter how she struggled, it was useless.

“Let her go!” Liu Xie commanded fiercely.

“Huh?” one man sneered, “Kid, do you know who we are? I suggest you mind your own business, or you’ll regret it.”

The men were brazen, yelling and jeering at Liu Xie. But his expression was icy as he stared them down. “You killed a man. Not a single one of you will leave alive today.” His words radiated murderous intent.

They laughed scornfully. “You’re crazy, boy! Are you really talking to me like that? You want to die?”

One swaggered forward, closing in to less than a meter away. Suddenly, Liu Xie acted. He seized the man’s neck like an iron vice, rendering him immobile. The man struggled to breathe, eyes flashing with defiance, believing Liu Xie wouldn’t dare harm him. Then came a crisp snap.

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The man’s neck was twisted and broken by Liu Xie. He was dead.

The crowd was stunned. No one expected Liu Xie to actually act, much less kill. Even the tearful woman was struck silent by the brutal display.

Perhaps only the locals understood who these men were. Normally, they dared not even breathe heavily near them, let alone challenge them. Yet now one had been killed.

Liu Xie paid no mind. Slowly, he looked at the remaining men.

“Damn it, you really crossed the line,” one snarled. “You killed one of us? Kill him!” They lunged at Liu Xie. But before they could strike, two figures appeared out of nowhere, blocking the way.

“Master,” they glanced back at Liu Xie, seeking his command. They were members of the Wolf Shadow Eighteen Guards, quietly protecting him.

“Leave none alive. Kill them all!” Liu Xie ordered coldly.

“Understood!” they replied.

The attackers advanced, but the Wolf Shadow guards struck swiftly. In the blink of an eye, most of the men were cut down. The survivors panicked, realizing Liu Xie feared nothing and was truly willing to kill.

“You actually dared to kill someone!” one shouted desperately. “I’ll tell you—we are the Zhang family! If you harm us, the Zhangs will never forgive you!” Their voices trembled as they invoked their powerful backers.

Under countless watchful eyes, Liu Xie shook his head calmly. “I don’t care whose family you belong to. None of you will leave alive today.”

“However,” he added with a smirk, “I might consider sparing one. Otherwise, if all of you die, the Zhang family won’t know who did it.”

“Leave one alive. Kill the rest!” he commanded again.

The Wolf Shadow guards moved immediately, appearing before the remaining four or five enemies in a flash. With curved blades flashing, they were all slain within moments, save one trembling man. His legs shook as he looked fearfully at Liu Xie and the guards.

Liu Xie approached him leisurely. “Don’t worry, I told you I won’t kill you. I’m waiting for you to go back and warn the Zhang family. Tell them to come after me if they want revenge—I’m ready for it.”

“Alright, you’re free to go now.” He gave the man an address and sent him away in a hurry.

Finally, Liu Xie turned to the young woman. Regaining her senses, she fell beside the old man’s body, weeping bitterly.