Outside the hotel entrance, a man who was originally quite stout was having his face beaten until it swelled up, resembling a fattened pig. He lay on the ground, struggling for breath, muttering something indistinct beneath his breath. Cheng Susu glanced over and followed behind me, saying, "That's Niu Pang."

I paused, momentarily stunned, and stopped to look back at him twice more. "How did he get beaten up so badly? I heard his family has considerable influence in Feiyu County; who would dare hit him?"

Niu Pang, lying on the ground, had his eyes so swollen he couldn't open them at all. If he could have seen who his enemy was, he would have struggled to rise and spat a mouthful of 'cow' blood onto them.

Cheng Susu replied, "I don't know. Maybe he was drunk and acting foolishly; he smells strongly of alcohol."

Whatever the reason, I never had a good impression of Niu Pang anyway, so I took Cheng Susu's hand and led her away. Cheng Susu shyly hooked her two fingers around mine, and I felt a slight warmth pass between our fingers. I asked her, "Do you dislike me drinking? I'll try to drink less in the future."

Cheng Susu couldn't help but recall the letter she had written last night. She said, "You have an injury on your hand, so try not to drink if you can. Don't forget your mission; drinking easily leads to carelessness."

Looking toward the distant sky, thinking of the five women still waiting for me to rescue them, I said solemnly, "I haven't forgotten. I hope to find them all when we go to the capital this time."

After walking together in comfortable silence for a while, Cheng Susu suddenly laughed, saying, "That Niu Pang looked truly pathetic. Serves him right! He’s always pestering people. Magistrate An and his wife couldn't easily refuse him because of his family's power, so he shamelessly sent me gifts and found excuses to see me. Hmph, one time he even tried to get physical with me, but luckily A-San and A-Si showed up just in time and chased him off."

I genuinely hadn't known about these things. Otherwise, I wouldn't have just walked away earlier; I would have kicked him while he was down and beaten him some more. "He deserves it! Anyone who offends a woman of mine, Zhao Qian, will not have a good end. I didn't know this before, or I would have beaten him until he went crazy, even if he wasn't already drunk."

Lying on the ground before the hotel entrance, Niu Pang was visited by a friend—Zhang Wenbing. Zhang Wenbing hadn't originally planned to go out shopping, but finding his cousin absent from home made him feel listless, so he stepped out.

Zhang Wenbing had been extremely frustrated these past two days. It seemed all the men were troubled lately, perhaps because he had been pursuing his cousin too aggressively. His cousin had actually told her mother that before her amnesia, she was already married, and that man was a common country bumpkin whom he despised the most.

When Zhang Wenbing first heard the news from his mother, he nearly flew into a rage, but as he calmed down, he accepted it. After all, seeing his cousin's demeanor, any man with a bit of experience would know she was lying if she claimed she hadn't been with a man.

But since his cousin was not a proper lady, Zhang Wenbing’s interest deepened. Wouldn't it be wonderful to bring such a woman home as a concubine? If she were a genuine, virtuous maiden, his stubborn father would insist she become the principal wife. But his cousin was so prim and proper, treating everything with serious formality; having her manage the 'harem' would greatly impact his future happiness. If she were just a concubine, he wouldn't worry about her being meddlesome.

Zhang Wenbing believed his competitive edge lay in the fact that his cousin no longer recognized her original husband. The story of a marriage before her memory loss was just that man's biased assertion. As long as he could win his cousin’s favor, or use force, time would surely make her forget that man entirely. Holding this thought, he lingered in Feiyu County, delaying his departure.

"Th-this isn't Brother Niu? What are you doing? Experiencing the life of a beggar? Even if you want to experience that, you don't have to pick a fight with your own face. You're so swollen, I almost didn't recognize you." Zhang Wenbing peered around while contemplating his problems, suddenly encountering an old acquaintance near the hotel entrance.

"S-save me..." Niu Pang recognized Zhang Wenbing's voice and managed to croak out the words with great effort.

Seeing how filthy Niu Pang was, Zhang Wenbing pinched his nose and moved aside. However, he didn't want to miss this chance to mock the poor fellow. He tossed an iron coin to the waiter and instructed him to carry the man into the hotel and fetch a doctor.

"Brother Niu, you're too convincing! Did you deliberately hire someone to beat you for realism? They certainly hit hard; it’s a miracle they didn't kill you. Paying for a beating—wow, this story deserves to be recorded in history!"

Niu Pang had no patience for witty banter with Zhang Wenbing. Enraged, he spat out, "Z-Zhang Wenbing, don't gloat! Zhao Qian abducted your Xianfei cousin! If I hadn't valiantly thrown myself forward to stop that lecher just now, this wouldn't have happened."

"What?" Zhang Wenbing exclaimed in surprise. "That brat is with my cousin?"

"Y-yes, they were very intimate, holding hands, wrapping arms around waists, constantly whispering sweet nothings. Watching and listening made me bitter, feeling it was unfair to you, so I drew my sword to help."

Zhang Wenbing gritted his teeth. "Tell me exactly what happened, quickly, leave nothing out."

Seeing that Zhang Wenbing’s emotions were ignited, Niu Pang proceeded to grossly alter the sequence of events. The lecher was transformed into a hero, the original hero into a lecher, and the lecher was shown taking advantage of the beauty, while the beauty willingly allowed the lecher to do as he pleased. Zhang Wenbing listened, shouting in distress.

"They've gone too far! Unless this Zhao Qian is eliminated, the hatred in my heart will never subside! Cousin, you are mine! No one can possess you!"

Niu Pang inwardly smirked but said outwardly, "Brother Wenbing, we are comrades in arms now. Our common enemy is that brat. Only by joining forces to drive him away first will we have hope. Therefore, I suggest you cast aside past grievances and let us cooperate fully to win this smoke-filled battle to protect our love."

"Agreed!" Zhang Wenbing was successfully incited by Niu Pang. He grasped Niu Pang’s hand. "Let's focus externally first, and resolve internal issues later. But there is one thing you might not know: that brat is my cousin's husband from before her amnesia. They must have consummated their relationship. If you mind that, then perhaps you shouldn't pursue Xianfei cousin anymore."

Niu Pang froze. "Wh-what? How could this be? Has Miss Feixian already been... finished off? A pity, a great pity, what an injustice, what an injustice!"

Niu Pang's reaction caused Zhang Wenbing to chuckle internally. He said, "What happened to my cousin before is not for us to judge, after all, we don't know where she was then. So, how that guy *** her is none of our business. But now, my cousin genuinely doesn't remember him. This information came from my cousin herself, so we have a huge opportunity. If you feel her body is no longer pure, feel free to back out; I will reluctantly take on the burden."

Niu Pang considered for a moment. He recalled the mature way that *** carried herself; it was impossible she lacked extensive sexual experience. He accepted it. As long as he could have a few nights with her, he wouldn't care if she had been with eight men. It wasn't like he was marrying her to build a monument to chastity.

With this thought, Niu Pang declared, "If Brother Wenbing doesn't mind, then I certainly don't mind either. The Anti-Zhao Alliance is hereby established! Let us work together to drive him out of Feiyu County!" The two symbolically clasped hands, and Niu Pang let out a sharp cry—his arm was broken.

I accompanied Cheng Susu to bid farewell to Madam An. After all, she had taken great care of this adopted daughter during this period, and it was right for me, as Cheng Susu’s husband, to express my gratitude.

Madam An and her husband were very reluctant to see her go, but knowing they could not keep her, they did not press her to stay, only instructing Cheng Susu to remember that she still had adoptive parents and should visit often.

Cheng Susu had little luggage, only a few changes of clothes. Her maid, Chun Tian, cried at the door. "Miss, I'm used to serving you. Why don't you ask the Master and Madam if I can go with you?"

Cheng Susu said, "Chun Tian, I know you’ll miss me. We won't be returning to our old home for a while, but I’ll come visit when I have time. Go back now, we're leaving."

Chun Tian looked at me and said, "Zhao Qian, you mustn't bully Miss. Also, she sometimes gets headaches at night; you must take good care of her."

I gently drew Cheng Susu closer, our bodies pressed tightly together, and I told Chun Tian, "Thank you, Chun Tian. She is my wife, and I will cherish her. Rest assured."

Before retrieving her luggage, Cheng Susu had felt excited, having found her Earth family members from her former world. Now, leaving the Gemini family she had lived with for some time, she felt a deep sense of loss. On the road, the two spoke little, walking on in quiet companionship.

Fortunately, upon returning home, many people were there. Their cheerful presence quickly helped Cheng Susu forget her melancholy, and I called for Da Li Wan so we could go out shopping. Since a trip in and out of Hulu Village was not easy, we tried to procure everything in one go, especially stocking up heavily on grain.

The procurement work continued until nightfall. As I passed the city gate, which was just closing, I noticed a group of four people running from just outside the perimeter, stumbling like soldiers retreating from a lost battle. "Wait! Don't close the gate, wait!"

Seeing the gate about to close, the four people shouted frantically. The six yamen runners guarding the gate paid them no mind, starting to pull the rather flimsy wooden gate shut with creaking sounds. Just then, the four people reached close proximity, and the handle of an umbrella shot out to wedge itself against the wood.

"Wait a moment, wait a moment, let us in," one person called from outside, his voice familiar.

The guards replied, "Apologies, old brother, once the gate is closed, it's closed. You'll have to wait until tomorrow morning."

The man outside, panting heavily, grumbled, "Open it when I tell you to. If you cross us, be careful you don't regret it."

The guard retorted hotly, "Oh, you're quite aggressive, aren't you? Believe it or not, I can ensure you won't get in tomorrow morning either. If you provoke us further, we can charge you with being a spy, and see if you can still cause trouble then."

"You!" The man outside was furious, but he bit back his words. Besides, being stuck outside and arguing with these yamen runners wouldn't yield better results.

I stepped forward and quietly slipped an iron coin to the guard. "Esteemed elder brother, the people outside are acquaintances of mine. Would you consider making an exception? They just missed the cutoff. Wouldn't it be too harsh to make them wait outside all night?"

The guard smiled, pocketing the coin. "Ah, it's Divine Doctor Zhao. I was blind. Since you are interceding for them, we shall open it."

The gate opened, and Bai Shi, leading three servants, rushed in. He grabbed the collar of the guard, demanding, "Tell me quickly where the County Magistrate is! Hurry up, you cannot afford to delay an urgent matter."

Fearing a confrontation, I stepped in to mediate. "Since you are inside now, you should hurry and find your master. Don't cause further trouble."

Bai Shi was agitated. "Of course, I must find my young master, but the bandits are just ten li outside the city, currently resting their horses. Even if they don't attack tonight, they will likely assault Feiyu County at dawn tomorrow. We must take the young master and leave immediately."

"What? Bandits are here?" Both I and the yamen runners were taken aback.

Bai Shi confirmed, "Yes, but for some reason, they haven't attacked directly; they are resting their horses. This gives us a chance to escape! I won't waste time talking to you; you must rush to inform Magistrate An. It will be too late if you delay."

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to believe Bai Shi’s words. I knew that given Bai Shi's self-important status, he wouldn't lie. Even if the bandits were just passing through and not attacking Feiyu County, necessary defensive measures had to be taken. So I urged the guards, "Hurry and notify Magistrate An! No one can take responsibility for delaying military intelligence. I believe what this Bai Shi says is absolutely reliable. If you doubt him, you can ask Magistrate An and Head Constable Sun to send men out to investigate and verify the truth."

Fearing the potential consequences if it were true, the guards immediately sealed the gate and dispatched someone to the yamen to report and request the magistrate's presence. I instructed Da Li Wan to take the purchases home first, urging the women inside to guard carefully, while I stayed by the gate to monitor the situation, ready to help hold off the defense if the bandits decided to attack Feiyu County.

Bai Shi bowed to me. "Thank you. We must go find the young master. We dare not linger here; we might return to the capital tonight. Until we meet again."

Upon receiving the news, Magistrate An hurried to the city gate without delay. Head Constable Sun, despite his modest martial skill, arrived with over twenty yamen runners. After Magistrate An understood the situation, he commanded, "Head Constable Sun, immediately dispatch scouts to the ten-li distance. Remember, do not alert the enemy. Report back immediately with any findings."

Head Constable Sun took the order and arranged for three scouts to descend the tower using the pulley basket. Since the gate had already been reinforced and re-opened, using the pulley basket was faster and safer.

Magistrate An turned and was surprised to see me. "Nephew Zhao, why are you here? There might be a major battle. You should return home quickly. You are the Emperor-designated Lifeboat Commander; we cannot answer to the Throne if anything happens to you."

I was concerned about the situation here and replied, "Magistrate An, defending Feiyu County is everyone's duty. As a member of Feiyu County, I wish to contribute what strength I can."

"Nephew’s noble spirit is truly an example for the common people of Feiyu County. However, if bandits attack, you must not ascend the ramparts. If the city walls are breached, you must not go out. Usually, they raid and leave. If anything happens to you, I cannot answer to the Emperor."

I nodded, but in my heart, I did not agree with Magistrate An's words. If the city fell, the girls inside would be in great danger, so I was determined to help the yamen defend the city this time.