Is he going to use her to exchange for Ruan Shixin? County Magistrate Li’s heart was delighted, and he smiled as he moved closer: “Good, Miss Ning is indeed a filial daughter! As long as you give me a definite answer, I guarantee your father’s matter will be resolved. But if you cannot comply with my wishes, don’t blame me for being impartial.”
Impartial, my foot! Ruan Ning cursed inwardly. If she weren’t afraid her father would be beaten daily, she wouldn’t be dealing with this old lecher. Seeing County Magistrate Li approaching, Ruan Ning quickly opened the door, her expression solemn: “Sir, I am from a respectable family. I will never do anything improper. If you truly mean well, please take care of my father and prevent him from suffering. Once he is cleared of injustice, I will naturally repay you.”
The door was wide open, and County Magistrate Li, afraid of losing face, took a step back, shaking his head: “Miss Ning, don’t you trust me? I am the local magistrate, and my word is law.”
“You misunderstand,” Ruan Ning shook her head and walked out. “We have a rule here that sisters from the same clan cannot marry the same man. You have already married Sister Qing, so you cannot pursue others. Besides that, whatever you want, I have no objection.”
Is there such a rule? Does she mean to replace Ruan Qing or have a secret affair? County Magistrate Li hadn’t figured it out before Ruan Ning had already run away.
Dengzhou, surnamed Ruan, Ji Mingshao suddenly raised his head, a hint of red appearing on his pale face. Could it be his family? What happened?
Chapter 104: The Female Overlord’s Husband
Ji Mingshao had just arrived in Siwater. Yu Qiu wanted to take him back to the Shadowless Pavilion to recover from his injuries, but he was anxious to uncover the truth about his arrest. So he only rested briefly with some medicine before returning to Siwater. As a registered criminal, he disguised himself before entering the city, and his first stop was at Luo Jin’s home.
Luo Jin was the most famous local hero in Siwater. He loved making friends and would invite itinerant travelers to his home for hospitality. Over time, itinerant people would come to the Luo household when arriving in Siwater, making it a small itinerant hub with well-informed connections.
Ji Mingshao altered his appearance and accent, pretending to be an unknown newcomer to the itinerant, hoping to find clues about his arrest.
Unexpectedly, he didn’t find the clues he sought but instead heard news about the Ruan family in Dengzhou. He asked, “Brother Luo, is this Dengzhou Ruan family the home of Ruan Shixin? Has something happened?”
Luo Jin, unaware of Ji Mingshao’s true identity and thinking he was just a traveler, replied, “Indeed, it’s the home of Ruan Shixin. His brother has been falsely accused of murder and arrested. His daughter has written seeking help. Do you know him?”
Startled, Ji Mingshao recalled the scene of Ruan Shiming and others causing trouble and could no longer sit still. He forced a calm demeanor and said, “I’ve only heard of his name before, but I don’t know him personally.”
Luo Jin believed him and didn’t ask further, focusing on plans to rescue Ruan Shixin. An hour later, Luo Jie set out with over ten skilled helpers towards Dengzhou, while Luo Jin remained in Siwater to contact other friends and seek potential official channels to prevent any mishaps.
In the midst of the commotion, no one noticed that the thin young man who had just arrived had disappeared.
Luo Jie was further surprised, which contradicted his perception of young women. The women he had seen were either shy and soft-spoken or wielding knives and acting like men in the jianghu.
This beautiful woman before him, both delicate and decisive, was the first of her kind.
Luo Jie’s initial intention to save someone from disaster transformed into the excitement of first love. His voice softened: “Miss Ruan, please don’t be formal. Your uncle and my father are close friends. I will do my best to rescue your uncle. Let’s discuss how to proceed.”
“I have an idea. I’ll explain the details to Brother Luo later and ask for your opinion,” Ruan Ning said with a smile. “I’ve stabilized the situation at the official residence. The most crucial thing now is to find a place for our family to hide after my father is released.”
Ruan Ning had a plan? Luo Jie was impressed and said: “Come to my home. My father will be happy!”
“I’m afraid that won’t work,” Ruan Ning smiled without elaboration. She was determined not to marry the county magistrate, and Ruan Shi Xin would likely struggle to leave the yamen openly. Once rescued, they would be fugitives, and a straightforward relocation was impossible.
Meeting would still be within County Magistrate Li’s acceptance. He thought for a moment and said: “Now that all the guests are here, it’s not convenient to arrange things. The madam should return to the bridal chamber and wait.”
Ruan Ning relaxed as she followed the matchmaker to the bridal chamber. County Magistrate Li was alone, accompanied mostly by family members of colleagues and subordinates. Ignoring them, Ruan Ning picked at the pastries and fruits on the table, quickly finishing a large plate of wedding treats. Understanding she would face a fierce battle to save her father, she needed to eat well to gain strength.
After two quarters of an hour, County Magistrate Li dealt with the guests and hurried to the bridal chamber. The observing women tactfully dispersed. Li rushed forward, but before he could touch her hand, she stood up coldly and said, “Sir, if I can’t see my father, this marriage cannot proceed.”
Although somewhat displeased, County Magistrate Li replied, “See? How can we not see? Madam, please come this way. I will take you to see him right now.”
As they left the bridal chamber and circled around the residence to the front yamen, Ruan Ning listened carefully for movements behind her, noticing that Luo Jie and others were secretly following, which reassured her.
Due to his status as the county magistrate’s future father-in-law, Ruan Shi Xin had been treated quite well these days.
Not only was he housed in the best single cell with complete bedding, but he was also served a top-tier banquet for the wedding. However, Ruan Shi Xin couldn’t eat, knowing his daughter was sacrificing herself for his freedom. He eagerly watched outside, believing she was smart enough to avoid marrying that old lecher.
Suddenly, he heard her voice: “Father, your daughter has come to see you!”
Ruan Shi Xin rushed to the door, and as the jailer opened it, he saw his daughter in a bright red wedding dress. Tears filled his eyes; he would never let her jump into that fire pit!
Ruan Ning spoke first: “Father, how are your injuries? Are you still in pain?”
“Not painful at all,” he replied, tears in his eyes. Though he had endured severe beatings and torture, he cared only for his daughter’s peace of mind.
In the corner, Ji Mingshao watched her intently, oblivious to the surrounding noise and chaos, captivated by the sight of her.
Ruan Shi Xin couldn’t bear to let his daughter fight.
He strode to Ruan Ning’s front, blocking the unconscious County Magistrate Li. He shouted, “Watch carefully! This Li is still alive in my hands. If you don’t want him to die, make way immediately, or I’ll kill him right now!”
The bailiffs were stunned. Chasing the fugitive was important, but protecting County Magistrate Li’s life was crucial, as their salaries depended on him. Some hesitated to make way, but no one wanted to lead in allowing the criminal to escape.
Zhang Sansheng, who had the best relationship with Ruan Shixin, stepped back, muttering: “What could be more important than the magistrate’s life? Those blocking now are clearly trying to get him killed!”
