Chapter Forty-Four: The Lady of the Stronghold

At a single glance, those cold, frosty eyes could freeze a man to death. Coupled with the murderous aura radiating from her hand gripping the sword, it was clear she was a woman of the martial world who relished fighting and killing—nothing at all like a gentle, demure beauty. Taking such a woman home as a wife would surely be inviting trouble, courting disaster.

The bandit chief waved his hand disinterestedly. "She doesn't appeal to me."

"No, boss, that's not who I meant," the bearded man hurried to clarify, his face splitting into a sly grin as he pointed at the carriage. "I just caught a glimpse through the curtain—there's an absolute beauty in there, stunning beyond words, a figure as graceful as a goddess, truly a rare jewel in this world. She's exactly your type, boss."

He finished with a lecherous laugh, but his words had barely left his mouth when the chief suddenly felt a chill sweep past. Sensing something amiss, he looked over to see the man in the deep blue robe atop his horse at the head of the group, fixing him with an icy stare so intense it seemed he might draw his sword and end him in the next moment.

The chief sneered inwardly, but still raised his hand in a gesture to his men. "Let them pass."

"Boss!" The bearded man was taken aback; he hadn't expected his boss to remain unmoved, even after that, and his expression was full of unwillingness.

"I know what you mean," the chief said, waving his hand. "But right now, our mountain stronghold is dirt poor. Famine in Lihuai County means even our area is short on grain. What good is it to bring home a delicate beauty? Feeding our brothers comes first."

Over the years, the chief had led his men in all manner of villainy and, of course, coveted beauties like this one. But now the stronghold was destitute, and this group was clearly no ordinary travelers. Just look at the two men and one woman leading the way—they were surely skilled in martial arts. If it were just a matter of gold, jewels, or food, he wouldn't hesitate to stir up trouble; he'd lead his men into action without a second thought.

But to start a fight over a delicate beauty—one who would neither bring riches nor help fill their bellies—seemed pointless and wasteful, a lot of effort for nothing.

Gu Li, sitting inside the carriage, heard the order to let them go. Her heart, which had been lodged in her throat, finally returned to its place.

"Thank you, gentlemen," the Crown Prince said, seizing the chance to wave the convoy forward.

The procession creaked into motion, the carts slowly rolling ahead. The bandit chief's eyes remained fixed on the wagons carrying goods. Suddenly, his eyes lit up with a sharp gleam. Raising his hand, he shouted, "Wait!"

The carriages halted abruptly. Gu Li, caught unprepared, lurched forward, breaking into a cold sweat at the chief's words.

The Crown Prince reined in his horse and smiled. "Is there something else you require, sir?"

The chief only sneered, striding to the last cart and yanking off the heavy cloth covering it. He lifted away the wooden crates filled with porcelain vases, revealing, as he'd suspected, sacks upon sacks of grain beneath.

"Well, I'll be damned!" the bearded bandit exclaimed, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the heaps of grain. He promptly ordered his men to move the crates from the other wagons as well, and sure enough, every one was filled with sacks of precious food.

The bearded man was nearly dizzy with delight at this unexpected windfall. He laughed wildly. "Heavens! We're rich! This grain is worth more than gold right now!"

The Crown Prince and Lie Chang'an watched the scene unfold, their expressions turning grim as their eyes met, the gravity of the situation reflected in their faces.