Chapter 71: Seeking Shelter in a Bandit’s Den

In those turbulent times, the closer one drew to the border towns, the greater the number of refugees. Yet, after years of ceasefire between the Kingdom of Renda and the Kingdom of Tianqing, Jincheng, situated on the frontier of Liaozhou, had blossomed into a city as prosperous as its name suggested, casting its influence over the surrounding villages as well.

Chu Junhan and Tang Chen, leading their horses, sought a village by the main road, hoping to find lodging for the night. As soon as they entered, they were struck by the village’s oddity—there was not a single woman, girl, or child to be seen, only able-bodied men everywhere.

They passed by a villager, and as they brushed shoulders, the man shot them a sidelong glance, sizing them up with such intensity that both felt a chill crawl up their spines.

“Junhan, be careful. There’s something strange about this village,” Tang Chen whispered, drawing close and lowering his voice by her side.

Chu Junhan nodded, her gaze wary as she surveyed their surroundings. She, too, had noticed.

“Are you outsiders as well?” A man stepped forward, blocking their path with a congenial, practiced smile.

They halted, exchanging a look. Tang Chen asked warily, “And you are?”

The man acted as though they were old acquaintances, clasping his hands in greeting. “I’m staying here for the night as well.”

He glanced around furtively, then leaned in to murmur, “To be honest, my young master thinks there’s something amiss here—perhaps a bandit’s den. He’s asked us to find more people to help.”

“Your young master is in trouble?” Chu Junhan asked from the side.

The man hurriedly covered Chu Junhan’s mouth, casting a nervous glance about. “Where did this child come from? Don’t speak so loudly.”

“How dare you!” Tang Chen snapped. “This is my young master. Release him at once, or you’ll answer to me!”

Feeling Tang Chen’s fury, the man hastily apologized, “Young master, my apologies. I was blind and offended you.”

Chu Junhan coughed lightly, affecting an air of authority. “Your young master is right. I, too, sense something strange. Take me to him.”

“Uh…” The man hesitated, glancing at Tang Chen. The scar slashing across Tang Chen’s face made him uneasy, so he nodded awkwardly. “Please, follow me.”

Led by the man, the two were brought to a small courtyard guarded by two men with swords at their waists.

“Please wait here while I inform my master.”

Chu Junhan placed her hands behind her back with an air of command. “Go ahead.”

Soon, the man returned and ushered them into the main room facing the courtyard. Inside, a long table stood, and at its head sat a youth of about seventeen or eighteen, refined and gentle in demeanor, with an air of scholarly grace.

Behind him stood seven or eight burly men, fierce and imposing, each with a broadsword at his waist—clearly his bodyguards.

“Please be seated, young master,” the youth rose and courteously invited them to sit.

Chu Junhan coughed, pulled out the chair opposite the youth, and sat down, while Tang Chen stood straight behind her.

The youth was momentarily taken aback by the child’s lack of ceremony, then smiled wryly. “Allow me to introduce myself. My surname is Cang, given name Hai.”

Wishing to bolster her own presence, Chu Junhan crossed one leg over the other. “Oh, Little Haihai, I’m Chu Junhan.”

“Er… Little Haihai?” The youth’s face darkened. This brat spoke with such an air of seniority—and called him Little Haihai? The very thought gave him goosebumps.

Chu Junhan was well pleased with the name. “Little Haihai, what is it you called us here for?”