"Liu Ji, you brat, don't you dare run! Stand still for your master here!"
A few sturdy men from a neighboring village chased after Liu Ji, who's jumping around like a monkey, cursing as they ran:
"It's only right to pay back borrowed money. You brat borrowed money without returning it, see if I don't beat you to death!"
"Liu Laosan, give back the money you borrowed from me! Otherwise, a few of us will smash your house... no, we'll beat you to death as repayment!"
It seemed they realized there was nothing worth smashing in the Liu Family's shabby house, so they quickly changed their tune and threatened to kill Liu Ji.
Liu Ji took one look and, seeing the odds against him, ran faster than a rabbit.
The man wore a patched gray long robe, tall in stature, with long hair tied messily with straw rope, losing his shoes in the frantic run.
But in one quick glance back, one could see sword-like eyebrows, eyes bright like stars, a high nose, and handsome lips. Although his skin was dark and his expression was desperate, he had the free spirit of a wanderer.
Truly a remarkable look!
The few women watching lowered their eyes immediately, hurriedly avoiding looking further, afraid their racing hearts might be noticed.
On any other day, Liu Ji would definitely tease them seeing this scene, but now, he had only one cry in his heart—Heaven is against me!
With his shoes lost, his speed slowed, and the villagers scattered to the sides to avoid getting caught up in his trouble.
Liu Ji could neither hide nor run, and as he saw a machete about to strike down, in his eyes of utter despair, a hand suddenly intervened.
"Everyone, stop!"
Qin Yao shouted angrily, her seemingly delicate hand grasping the chopping machete's handle firmly.
Lin Erbao was taken aback, who was this village woman daring to intercept his knife?
He pressed down hard, even more surprised as it stood completely still.
Qin Yao skillfully deflected, tossing him and his knife aside entirely!
Lin Erbao staggered back four or five steps, crashing into a few village mates chasing behind him, forcing the chase scene to an abrupt halt.
"Who are you? We came for Liu Laosan to get our debt, what concern is it of yours?" Lin Erbao suppressed his shock, questioning loudly in anger.
Only then did Liu Ji clearly see the person in front, his eyes brightened instantly. Without the time to wonder how a woman could snatch Lin Erbao's knife, finding a lifeline, he immediately hid behind Qin Yao, crying out:
"Wife, save me!"
Unexpectedly, just as he finished speaking, a loud "slap" landed squarely on Liu Ji's handsome face.
For a moment, the wind quieted, and everyone froze.
Not only was Liu Ji in disbelief, but even Lin Erbao and the debt collectors were baffled.
Qin Yao glanced at Liu Ji's astonished face, indeed his appearance was excellent, no wonder the original owner hadn't inquired much and followed him home.
Who would've thought that below such good looks was a rotting maggot?
Looking at Liu Dalang and Liu Erlang collapsed on the ground with no one to help them up, and the Dragon and Phoenix Twins crying with snot bubbles in the air, an untraceable anger arose within Qin Yao.
Seeing Liu Ji's well-fed, robust form, recalling his selfish face leaving Yao Niang to starve while indulging himself, her gaze darkened, suddenly feeling it wouldn't be so bad if the creditors beat him to death.
Thus, amidst everyone's shocked gazes, Qin Yao grabbed the confused Liu Ji covering his face and kicked him forward forcefully!
"Debts have their creditors, whoever owes must face their collectors!"
Having been chased for so long, Liu Ji was kicked out by his wife, landing right in front of Lin Erbao. Although unsure of the woman's intentions, the opportunity was not to be missed, so he promptly called his brothers to pin the stunned Liu Ji down.
Qin Yao scanned the surroundings, saw a roll of grass rope hanging under the eaves, retrieved it, and tossed it to Lin Erbao.
"Tie his hands and feet, lest he runs away. He's your debtor."
"Wife?!"
Liu Ji panicked, a strong unease rising, "Wife, what are you doing? I'm your husband, aren't we married just at the government office with officials witnessing it? We are a couple!"
Liu Ji's voice grew sharper as he realized that despite his many words, Qin Yao didn't spare him a glance, instead instructing Lin Erbao on how to tie the ropes tighter, binding him immobile like a zongzi.
Angry and ashamed, Liu Ji opened his mouth to curse, only to have a rag suddenly appear in Qin Yao's hand, which she quickly and precisely stuffed into his mouth.
"Mmm mmm mmm!"
Liu Ji struggled violently, eyes wide in fury—Qin Yao, you venomous woman, plotting to kill your husband!
Though Lin Erbao was somewhat bewildered, he didn't forget to kick Liu Ji twice, "Shut up! Stop yowling like a pig!"
Qin Yao clapped her hands, stepped back a couple of paces, looked at Lin Erbao seriously, and said, "Take him away. Don't dispose of him casually, and don't cripple him. You've seen my family's situation, we can't afford to keep him..."
"So, do me a favor and just beat him to death."
This last sentence was said by Qin Yao in a calm tone as if discussing the possibility of rain tomorrow, leading Lin Erbao to subconsciously nod.
However, midway through nodding, he abruptly became alert, glaring at Qin Yao, "You wicked woman, are you playing us?"
Qin Yao replied, "Brother, I'm serious, remember, be sure to beat him to death!"
Her almond eyes looked straight at him, with the gentlest face but with murderous intent flashing!
Lin Erbao shuddered, instinctively stepping back two paces, "You, you really want to exchange Liu Laosan's life for the debt?"
Qin Yao acknowledged with a hum, looked away, ignoring Liu Ji's nearly bulging eyes.
Liu Ji: "Mmm mmm mmm!!!"
Venomous woman! Qin Yao, you vicious woman! You actually wish me dead! I'll kill you!
Qin Yao went straight to Liu Dalang and Liu Erlang's side, helping them up from the ground, checking their injuries while sternly addressing Lin Erbao and the others, "This is my home, even though we are just a widow and orphans, I, Qin Yao, am not easily bullied. Now, Liu Ji is handed over to you. If you cause further disturbances at my doorstep and harm my family, I'll risk everything to drag him along to meet the King Yan!"
Dalang and Erlang stared dazedly at their stepmother gently checking their injuries. Her actions were tender, yet her gaze carried an intimidating murderous aura, instantly terrifying them into stillness.
Lin Erbao furrowed his brows deeply, realizing this woman was not easy to mess with, harboring the intention of retreat, unwilling to get entangled.
Liu Dalang and them were just weak from prolonged hunger, dizzy and unable to stand after falling, with only a few scratches on their arms, no major issues.
Qin Yao sighed in relief, gathering the Dragon and Phoenix Twins who were sobbing with snot bubbles together in front of her.
Though this woman had just joined their family three days ago, at this moment the four children realized they might have someone to rely on.
Si Niang came forward to hold Qin Yao's hand voluntarily, her tiny hand tightly clutching one of her fingers, calling out with reliance, "Mother, Si Niang is scared..."
"Don't be afraid, mother is here." Qin Yao was a bit surprised at how quickly she had adapted to the role of a stepmother.
Upon hearing her mother, Si Niang sniffed, nodding her little head fiercely.
Brave Si Niang, not afraid!