Chapter 146
Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Throwing Oneself into Someone’s Arms_1 Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Throwing Oneself into Someone’s Arms_1 “What do you think you’re doing! In broad daylight, how dare you commit such a brazen act of abducting a woman? Aren’t you afraid of violating the law?!” Lin Yue, who knew well the darkness and complexities of officialdom, naturally didn’t believe such words would frighten these people away; she was just desperately bluffing since she had no other option—better to lose face than concede defeat.
“The law, hehe, you’re quite amusing, Miss. Talking about the law to us, don’t you know our Erhu is the Magistrate’s brother-in-law? Tell me, in court, will the Magistrate listen to you or our Erhu?” A servant of Zhao Erhu sneered as if laughing at Lin Yue’s impotence.
On the surface, Zhao Erhu seemed proud, but he knew the truth all too well. The so-called brother-in-law of the Magistrate’s family was nothing more than his father’s legitimate daughter, who became the Magistrate’s concubine. As for himself, he was merely a son born of a concubine from the Xu Residence. If it really went to court, the Magistrate would probably not even remember who he was, let alone speak for him. Otherwise, Zhao Erhu wouldn’t have chosen such a remote place to abduct someone, away from the gate where he might encounter someone of influence.
“Really, you better not be fooling me. I’ve heard that the Magistrate is upright and incorruptible, loves the people as his own children, and is an exceptional official who would never confuse right and wrong as you’ve described. Otherwise, let’s take it to court and see.” What Lin Yue said was purely nonsense—how would a simple commoner like her know what kind of official the Magistrate was? However, the public security of Xin’an City was not bad, and tales of soldiers oppressing citizens were rare. She spoke only to buy time and seek an opportunity to escape.
Having heard Lin Yue speak so, Zhao Erhu’s expression momentarily stiffened. He had intended to toy with Lin Yue, but now suddenly he grew impatient. All he wanted was to quickly take the woman into his possession to avoid any further complications. “Miss, it would be wise for you to comply. A delicate beauty like yourself, I cannot bear to see someone lay a hand on you. Stay by my side, and I promise you a life of luxury. Why exhaust yourself with a bedridden hunter who’s nearly dead? Seeing you like this pains me.”
As Lin Yue listened to Zhao Erhu’s words, a surge of anger welled up inside her. “Ptui! Shameless! Even if you’re a toad, I wouldn’t give you a second glance. Even if my husband is paralyzed, he’s better than a debauched scion like you.”
“Refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit, since you’re so uncooperative and insist on suffering first before complying, I have no choice but to oblige you,” Zhao Erhu said and then gestured to his servants and the brothers Asan and Asi to apprehend Lin Yue.
“Don’t come any closer!” As Zhao Erhu’s men approached her, Lin Yue swung the pole in her hand. Zhao Erhu’s servant, naturally not taking a frail woman like Lin Yue seriously, ignored her wielding the pole and came striding forward, only to be struck by her with force on a pressure point of his arm, which immediately made him howl in pain. Asan and Asi took Lin Yue more seriously upon seeing this, but still suffered numerous blows from the pole in her hand.
No matter how formidable Lin Yue was, she couldn’t possibly stand a chance against three big men. In just a moment, she was at a disadvantage, barely escaping capture by Zhao Erhu’s men several times. Realizing there was only one possible outcome if this continued, she swept the pole forcefully to the ground and then dashed toward Zhao Erhu, who was standing by the carriage.
Whether it was Asan and the other two or Zhao Erhu himself, all were baffled by Lin Yue’s sudden action. Could it be that the young lady, knowing she was outmatched, had given up resistance and was throwing herself into Erhu’s arms?