"Head of the bandits, my younger sister and the Ninth Prince are deeply in love. You must not separate this pair of lovebirds, right? Whatever you desire, just say it!"
Chu Ye grew anxious, fearing that his own sister would be taken by her.
Nanli remained speechless upon hearing these words.
She helplessly exchanged a glance with Chu Ye, hoping he would understand that this was his own mess, not hers.
Seeing Nanli’s expression, Chu Ye felt even more sorry for her, sensing her fear and hoping that he, as her elder brother, would come to her rescue.
He continued, "Head of the bandits, you can ask for money or even my life, as long as you spare my younger sister, everything can be discussed!"
"... " Nanli decided not to give any more signals to her elder brother.
The head of the bandits grew even more excited. "Great! Then I want you. Tonight, we shall enter the bridal chamber!"
The second-in-command and the other bandits immediately cheered, creating a lively atmosphere.
Chu Ye stood frozen in place, finally realizing from the head of the bandits’ undisguised gaze that it wasn’t his sister he was interested in, but himself!
He was taken aback. "This... this cannot be. I am already married!"
"No worries, I have already written the divorce letter for you!" The head of the bandits threw a letter, on which the words "Divorce Letter" were scribbled in a crooked manner. "Chu Ye, I want you to be my husband!"
"You..." Chu Ye trembled all over. "I will never agree to this!"
He would rather die than betray Xiao Wanyi, or divorce her and marry someone else.
"In that case, I will break her neck." The head of the bandits spoke calmly, placing his hand on Nanli’s neck.
His eyes gleamed with a chilling light.
She didn’t believe Chu Ye would refuse her.
"Stop!" Chu Ye shouted in panic. His chest heaved up and down, clearly engaged in intense contemplation.
Nanli’s eyes welled up with tears as she choked, "Elder brother, just agree to the head of the bandits. I... I’m scared, I don’t want to die."
The head of the bandits grew even happier. "Chu Ye, she is your own sister. Are you really willing to watch her die?"
Chu Ye gritted his teeth, remaining silent in his spot.
The second-in-command and others approached, restraining Chu Ye’s hands and feet.
"Head of the bandits, since everyone is here, you have the final say. Let’s proceed with the wedding ceremony!" The second-in-command said, "Tonight, let him obediently serve you!"
Someone draped a red cloth over Chu Ye’s body.
The head of the bandits laughed heartily and nodded. "Good, come, let us proceed with the wedding ceremony."
She wanted to taste the flavor of this handsome scion of a prestigious family.
If it was good, she could keep him for a while longer.
If it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be a pity to kill him with a single stroke.
Chu Ye wanted to resist, but his weapons had already been confiscated when he entered the mountain, and with so many people suppressing him, he couldn’t resist at all.
He was forced to kneel down, but he kept his body straight, refusing to bow for the ceremony.
The head of the bandits, seeing his stubbornness, wanted to forcefully hold Chu Ye’s face and kiss him.
Chu Ye felt disgusted.
"Head of the bandits!" Nanli intervened again, "My elder brother is sensitive, how can you be so disrespectful to him in front of so many people? If there is something, save it for tonight."
The head of the bandits clicked her tongue. "You aristocratic children are truly troublesome."
But Chu Ye’s mind stirred slightly, and he followed Nanli’s words, "If you... if you want me to marry you, you must not force me here, and you must not harm a single hair on my sister’s head."
"My husband, did you just agree?!" The head of the bandits widened her eyes.
Chu Ye blushed, reluctantly saying, "As long as you do as I said, I will comply with everything."
"Very well, very well." The head of the bandits laughed heartily. "I won’t harm your sister, but tonight, you must serve me with all your might."
Chu Ye felt even more ashamed but had no words to retort.
The second-in-command and others cheered, congratulating the head of the bandits.
Chu Ye was "invited" into the head of the bandits’ room, while Nanli returned to the previous room, under the watchful eye of the head of the bandits’ trusted subordinate.
The night had fallen upon us.
The two trusted men fed Nanli something, and seeing her obedient and docile, they relaxed their vigilance.
After all, she was just a fragile woman, trapped in a den of thieves.
It was already bold of her not to cry or make a fuss.
With her hands and feet bound, what storm could she possibly stir?
The second-in-command brought two jugs of wine, and so they let their guard down.
They drank heartily and feasted, showing no fear of Nanli escaping.
But within the span of a tea’s time, both men felt the world spinning and collapsed unconscious.
The second-in-command chuckled and said, "Though this drug takes effect slowly, its results are remarkable, ensuring no awakening midway."
His eyes gleaming with cunning, he looked at Nanli.
"My fair maiden, tonight is not only your elder brother’s wedding night, but also an opportunity for us to consummate our union."
The second-in-command rubbed his hands together, unable to contain his eagerness.
Nanli raised her gaze, her eyes filled with a faint light, and replied, "Not good."
The second-in-command paid no heed to her response.
His mouth watered, and he lunged towards Nanli.
With Chu Ye’s countenance, the head of the bandits would surely take some time before growing tired of her.
How could he wait patiently?
Tonight, he would strip Nanli bare and devour her completely!
However, to his surprise, the seemingly fragile Nanli broke free from the ropes binding her hands in an instant.
She delivered a punch, exclaiming, "I said it’s not good, yet you still come. Seeking death!"
This punch sent the second-in-command sprawling to the ground.
He felt as if his entire head had been relocated, spitting out a mouthful of blood mixed with a few teeth.
Was this truly a young lady of noble birth?
How could she possess such immense strength?!
He turned his head and saw Nanli effortlessly tearing apart the rope around her feet.
Startled, he shuffled backward.
Nanli smiled faintly and asked, "Where do you think you’re going?"
"Don’t... don’t come any closer," the second-in-command’s voice trembled as he hastily produced a soul-shaking bell.
His expression changed once again, "I’ll let you hit me and turn into a fool!"
He vigorously shook the bell.
The sound of the bell was eerie and incessant.
Nanli stood still, watching the second-in-command shaking the bell, as if his soul had been shattered.
The second-in-command breathed a sigh of relief and unsteadily stood up.
Little did he know that Nanli was unharmed.
In one swift step, she snapped his arm, snatched the soul-shaking bell, and kicked him, leaving him trampled beneath her feet.
The second-in-command struggled to catch his breath, crying for help.
But no one came to his aid, for the mountain bandits guarding nearby had long been lured away by him.
Regret consumed him as he cursed himself for his own folly.
Nanli examined the peculiar artifact, its intricate patterns now showing cracks.
She snorted lightly, "So much for a precious treasure. Turns out it has limited uses."