Chapter 13: The Capital in Sight, Disaster Strikes Again

Chapter 13: The Capital in Sight, Disaster Strikes Again

As Lin Shiya and her companions traveled on, the rumble of the carriage wheels marked their steady approach to the capital. Anticipation filled the group as they looked forward to the upcoming imperial examinations. Yet, just as hope and excitement peaked, the road ahead suddenly became blocked by a heap of boulders and toppled trees, completely obstructing their path.

The abrupt turn of events instantly froze the cheerful atmosphere. The carriage was forced to a halt. Wu, the driver, was the first to jump down, approaching the barrier to inspect it, muttering, “What’s going on here? How could a perfectly good road suddenly be covered with rocks and trees?”

Everyone disembarked, staring in confusion at the scene before them. Scholar Zheng anxiously rubbed his hands together. “Could it be a landslide? But there are no mountains nearby…”

Zhao Er, clearly annoyed, complained, “Just our luck! We’re so close to the capital, and now this happens!”

A sense of unease began to spread among them. They realized this might not be a mere accident.

The surrounding woods were eerily silent, not even a breeze stirred the leaves. A suffocating pressure permeated the air, as though something unseen lurked in the shadows, watching them with predatory intent.

Suddenly, a wild, arrogant laugh shattered the silence.

“Hahaha! This mountain is mine, these trees were planted by me. If you want to pass, hand over your valuables!”

As the voice finished, a band of vicious-looking bandits burst from the woods on both sides, surrounding Lin Shiya’s party. At their head was Ma Da, his face brutish and scarred, brandishing a large saber.

Behind him, several equally fierce-looking henchmen gripped their weapons, their greedy eyes sweeping over the group, as if already counting them among their spoils.

“Bandits!” Wu the driver turned deathly pale and cowered behind the carriage.

Scholar Zheng trembled, clutching Lin Shiya’s sleeve as he stammered, “M-Master Lin, w-what should we do?”

Zhao Er, though scared, tried to muster a brave front and blustered at Ma Da, “Don’t you dare! We’re candidates headed to the capital for the exams—we don’t have much money on us…”

Ma Da snorted with disdain. “Save your breath! I don’t care who you are. If you know what’s good for you, hand over your valuables, or else…” He swung his blade menacingly.

Lin Shiya quickly assessed the situation, her gaze sweeping over the bandits. Though they were numerous, their weapons were crude and their discipline lax—they were far from the hardened outlaws they pretended to be.

She drew a deep breath and stepped forth. “Wait.”

Her calm, clear voice cut through the panic, standing out among the frightened murmurs. “Everyone, remain calm. Do not lose your composure.” Her eyes, steady and resolute, seemed to radiate quiet strength.

“Master Qian, I ask that you escort everyone to the rear of the carriage—take shelter for now.”

Qian San, the seasoned escort, immediately stepped forward, drawing his long blade and placing himself between the group and the bandits. “Do not worry, Master Lin. I will do everything in my power to keep everyone safe!” His presence was like a solid fortress, bringing reassurance to those who had been on the verge of panic.

Lin Shiya’s composure and command won her newfound respect from her companions.

Ma Da, irritated by Lin Shiya’s calm, barked angrily at his men, “What are you standing around for? Get them! Tie up the men—and as for the women…” He cast a lecherous glance at Lin Shiya, his smile sickening.

The bandits lunged forward, weapons raised, like a pack of starving wolves. Qian San met them head-on, his blade flashing as he fought off several attackers at once, fierce as a tiger descending the mountain.

Yet, even a tiger struggles against a pack. Overwhelmed by numbers, Qian San soon began to tire.

At that moment, Lin Shiya bent down, picking up a stone. She took aim and hurled it at a bandit who was about to ambush Qian San. The stone struck the man squarely on the head; he cried out and collapsed.

The unexpected turn startled the bandits—they hadn’t anticipated that this frail-looking scholar would display such skill.

The fight intensified, the clashing of blades, screams, and shouts merging into a deafening cacophony. Those taking shelter behind the carriage watched the desperate struggle, their hearts in their throats, silently praying for Lin Shiya’s resourcefulness and courage.

Scholar Zheng, shivering behind the carriage, suddenly glanced at his book chest.

“I—I…” He reached out with trembling hands, opened the chest, and pulled out a hefty volume of the Four Books and Five Classics, raising it high and hurling it at the nearest bandit.

The bandit, caught off guard, took the blow full in the face, yelped, and staggered back.

Everyone was stunned by this unexpected move. No one could have imagined that timid, mild-mannered Scholar Zheng would lash out with his own books as weapons.

For a moment, Zheng himself seemed in disbelief at his own action. Yet, seeing the bandit clutching his face in pain, a strange sense of courage welled up within him. He grabbed another book from the chest and flung it at another attacker.

“Well done, Brother Zheng!” Lin Shiya called out in praise, and seized the chance to pick up another stone, felling another bandit.

Zheng’s action was like a spark, igniting the fighting spirit of the group. Wu the driver, emboldened, picked up a wooden stick and joined the fray.

The bandits had not expected such resistance from unarmed scholars and a coachman, and for a moment, they were thrown into confusion.

Meanwhile, Zhao Er, who had been hiding behind the carriage, noticed the bandits’ disarray and thought it was his chance to escape. He tried to sneak away, but a sharp-eyed bandit spotted him.

“Where do you think you’re going, boy?” The bandit grabbed Zhao Er by the collar and dragged him back.

“Please, spare me! Have mercy!” Zhao Er begged, terrified.

“Hand over all your money!” the bandit snarled, pressing his blade to Zhao Er’s throat.

Zhao Er, shaking, emptied his pockets and handed over every coin.

The bandit snatched the money, weighed it, and scowled. “This all? You trying to insult me?”

Zhao Er pleaded, “I swear, I’m just a poor scholar, that’s all I have…”

The bandit kicked him hard in the stomach. “Enough lies! Try to cheat me again and I’ll cut you down where you stand!”

Those watching couldn’t help but feel a secret satisfaction at Zhao Er’s misfortune—he who usually looked down on others was finally tasting hardship.

Just then, Lin Shiya shouted, “Together! Drive these bandits away!” Her eyes shone with unwavering resolve, and the stone in her hand made her look every bit the fearless general.

“Wait—” A deep voice echoed from the woods.

Everyone paused, turning to look.

A well-dressed man on horseback emerged from the trees, accompanied by several guards. The man’s features were striking, exuding a natural air of command.

He surveyed the scene, his gaze finally settling on Lin Shiya. He smiled faintly, “Young master, do you require assistance?”

Before Lin Shiya could answer, Ma Da jeered, “Who are you to meddle in my business? Get lost if you know what’s good for you, or I’ll deal with you, too!”

At this, the newcomer’s face darkened. “Insolence! To rob travelers in broad daylight—such crime is beyond forgiveness!”

“Men, get him!” Ma Da shouted, charging toward the man with his followers.

The newcomer’s guards sprang into action, meeting the bandits in fierce combat. Steel flashed, and the shouts of battle rose to the sky. The guards, all highly skilled and well-trained, quickly gained the upper hand.

Seeing the tide turn, Ma Da tried to flee, but the man loosed an arrow, striking him in the leg and sending him crashing to the ground, howling in pain.

The rest of the bandits, demoralized, scattered in all directions, abandoning their weapons as they fled.

The man dismounted and approached Lin Shiya, bowing courteously. “I am Murong Fu. Might I ask your name, young master?”

“I am Lin Mo,” Lin Shiya replied, returning the salute.

Murong Fu looked Lin Shiya up and down, impressed. “Young Master Lin, you are remarkably calm and composed for one so young—truly a peerless talent.”

Lin Shiya smiled modestly. “You flatter me, Master Murong.”

Cheers and gratitude erupted from the group, as everyone thanked Murong Fu for his timely rescue. Lin Shiya’s prestige soared even higher, and admiration for her filled every heart.

Yet the joy of survival was short-lived. After taking stock of their supplies, they realized that in the chaos, their water and rations had been nearly exhausted.

Lin Shiya’s brow creased with worry, a sense of foreboding rising within her.

Wu the driver pointed at the almost empty sack of provisions, his voice trembling.