TSWPF -Chapter 400 Escape

The people surrounded Liu Zhimou, slowly closing in from all sides.

Liu Zhimou’s expression remained calm as his eyes fixed on the four of He Zhao Wang Lin. He said coldly, “It’s not too late to turn back. I hope you won’t continue down this wrong path.” Was being a rebel really that easy? That was a crime punishable by extermination of the entire clan. “Even if you won’t think of yourselves, at least think of your families and clans!”

“Spare us the lecture, Liu Zhimou. You’re about to die—no one will believe a word you say,” Wang Yang said mockingly, laughing coldly.

Seeing Liu Zhimou at their mercy, his mood soared. Soon, he would return to his days of ruling and dominating.

Since Liu Zhimou arrived in Ninghua County, he had been warned by He Tao to keep a low profile and avoid causing trouble, lest Liu Zhimou catch a slip and punish them.

These past days had been frustrating, but today, finally, he could vent his anger.

Liu Zhimou didn’t even glance at Wang Yang. His eyes fixed on Uncle He—he knew that among the four, Uncle He was the leader. Deal with him first, and the others would follow easily.

“Uncle He, is this really your choice? To ignore your family, to ignore your clan, and insist on going down this path?”

Uncle He’s eyes deepened, calm and steady as he looked at Liu Zhimou. He had sparred with the young magistrate before and knew better than to underestimate him. Liu Zhimou was cunning, and one slip could be disastrous.

A faint smile appeared on Uncle He’s lips. “Magistrate, worry about yourself. There’s no need to worry about me.” There was no way to break him with mere words. If it were that easy, he wouldn’t hold his position today.

“Oh? Looks like Uncle He doesn’t care much for his family or clan,” Liu Zhimou said coldly, smirking. As the enemy drew closer, he made a hand gesture calmly.

In an instant, all the enemies attempting to approach fell to the ground.

They died exactly the same way—one sword to the throat.

Seeing their comrades fall silently, the rest hesitated, fearing they might be next.

The unknown is what terrifies people most, amplifying their fear.

“Close combat won’t work. Archers, get ready!” Wang Yang shouted. “I don’t believe your martial skills can outrun arrows!”

A group of archers quickly formed, their cold arrowheads aimed at Liu Zhimou.

From a distance, Liu Zhimou signaled Wei Guo to discreetly drive away the nearby civilians, keeping them out of danger.

Wei Guo nodded heavily, confirming he would carry out the task.

“Fire! Fire the arrows!” Wang Yang shouted again as Liu Zhimou prepared to retreat.

Just as the arrows were about to be released, Liu Zhimou was shielded by Liu Shi, retreating inside with a bang as the gate closed.

Arrows thudded against the gate, and Liu Zhimou frowned with worry.

Their numbers were overwhelming. If they launched a full assault, the gate wouldn’t hold.

Where was County Magistrate Ma? Could reinforcements be called?

He sighed anxiously, ordering Liu Shi to guard the gate while he returned to discuss a plan with Master Luo.

The situation was graver than at Song Mountain back then.

In Song Mountain, nightfall allowed them to escape under cover of darkness.

Now it was broad daylight, and every gate was guarded. Where could they escape to?

Back in the courtyard, Master Luo asked about the situation.

Liu Zhimou explained everything. Master Luo frowned, his tone firm: “We must get Xiao Ling and the others out. It’s imperative.”

If they didn’t, once the enemy breached the gate, they would be trapped like fish in a net.

Liu Zhimou looked at Li Qingling and slowly nodded, signaling them to flee up the mountain.

From there, it would be difficult for the enemy to find them.

Moreover, the enemy’s target was him. As long as he stayed, they wouldn’t expend full effort chasing Li Qingling and the others.

Though worried, he had no choice.

Master Luo nodded in agreement; Liu Zhimou’s plan aligned with his.

In this desperate situation, Li Qingling and the others had to leave.

“What about you?” Li Qingling held Liu Zhimou’s hand tightly. “Why don’t you come with us?” She didn’t want him left alone amidst such danger.

Liu Zhimou looked at her, shaking his head slowly. He had to stay.

If he left, it would endanger them and give the impression that he fled in fear.

He would not give those four any chance.

Li Qingling panicked. “Why can’t you leave too? Life comes first—without it, nothing else matters.”

“I know,” Liu Zhimou said, gently patting her back, soothing her. “Xiao Ling, I know you understand.” Her intelligence meant she would grasp his intentions.

Li Qingling’s gaze dimmed. She wanted to say she didn’t understand, but seeing his eyes, the words stuck in her throat.

She forced a pained smile, nodded slightly, adjusted his official robe, and said solemnly, “I’ll wait for you.”

“All right…” All he could say was that.

Li Qingling hugged him firmly, then quickly let go, afraid her grip would make him follow her.

Liu Zhimou understood her intentions, his chest aching as if a hole had been torn in it, wishing he could bind her to his side.

He clenched his fist and walked to the door, looking at Ling Yi. “Ling Yi, I entrust the ladies to you.”

Ling Yi nodded heavily. “Rest assured, Master. I will protect them, even if it costs me my life.”

Liu Zhimou patted his shoulder, preparing them for a breakout through the back gate toward Ninghua Mountain.

“Grandpa, Master, you go together,” Liu Zhimou said to Master Luo and Old Xue.

They swallowed their words at his request. Entrusting Xiao Ling and the others left them no room to refuse.

“All right, we’ll return safely. You be careful too, understood?” Master Luo frowned. “Xiao Ling was right—survive first, don’t throw your life away. Think of Xiao Ling and the others, understand?”

“I understand,” Liu Zhimou replied.

“Master, no time. Hurry and leave!” Liu Shi urged.

“Go…” Liu Zhimou held Li Qingling’s hand, leading Master Luo and Old Xue quickly toward the back yard.

There, they saw Ah Huang and his family of three. Liu Zhimou stepped forward, letting them escort Li Qingling and the others up the mountain.

Ah Huang nodded.

“Husband, let Ah Huang stay to protect you. Let Ah Bai and Diandian take us up,” Li Qingling suggested, leaving Liu Zhimou a way out in case of life-threatening danger. “If you refuse, I won’t go.”

Hearing her threat, Liu Zhimou helplessly nodded.

Li Qingling patted Ah Huang’s head, reminding him to stay safe and protect Liu Zhimou if necessary.

Ah Huang hummed twice, acknowledging, and told Li Qingling and the others to be careful.

Ah Huang licked Ah Bai’s fur, reassuring him that he would be safe.

He reminded Diandian to protect his mistress and master.

Diandian nodded obediently.

Ah Bai lowered himself for Li Qingling to climb onto his back.

Without hesitation, she sat. In emergencies, there was no time for hesitation.

The other guards carried one person each, ready to escape when the Liu family soldiers opened a path.

“Ready?” Liu Shi asked sternly.

Ling Yi and the others nodded.

Seeing this, Liu Shi flung open the gate and charged out, shouting, “Kill!”

Ah Huang followed, leaping through enemies with his massive body.

The enemies trembled at the sight of such a giant tiger.

Seeing Liu Shi and the others scattering the enemy ranks, Ling Yi waved and carried Master Luo out.

Unexpectedly smooth, Li Qingling and the others had already covered a large distance before the enemy reacted.

But their feet were tangled by Liu family soldiers, and they couldn’t catch up.

Li Qingling looked back from Ah Bai’s back, seeing Liu Zhimou at the gate, smiling gently at her.

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Only after he disappeared from sight did she turn, wiping her eyes.

She believed he would come to her safely—he must.

“Master, the archers are coming. We should retreat,” Liu Shi returned urgently. If the archers hadn’t been redirected to the main gate, Li Qingling and the others wouldn’t have escaped so easily.

Liu Zhimou nodded and called Ah Huang back.

Ah Huang howled obediently and returned.

The other Liu family soldiers also retreated, quickly closing the back gate.

Liu Shi stationed guards there and returned with Liu Zhimou to the courtyard.

Outnumbered, all they could do was defend, not fight head-on.

Outside, Uncle He and the others were furious seeing Li Qingling and the others escape.

“Chase them! Quickly!” Wang Yang’s face turned red with rage. “Capture them alive! Let’s see if Liu Zhimou can still be so bold!”

If only they hadn’t sent the archers… now Li Qingling and the others had escaped.

What a blunder…