Chapter 48: A False Alarm
Jian Bing, who had been through many dangerous situations before, was still shocked this time. She originally thought that although the bandits were rampant in Nantai County, the county town should be safe. Who would have thought that in broad daylight, two bandits actually rushed into the city to kidnap people, and they kidnapped the wife of the protector general.
The group consisted entirely of female relatives, maids, and old nannies with no fighting ability at all. Moreover, the incident happened so suddenly that no one reacted in time. Surprisingly, it was Little Wukong who rushed forward first. Usually, Yao Yilei treated him well, and this animal, out of loyalty, scratched and bit fiercely but was eventually thrown onto a stone by the roadside and fainted.
The bandits came quickly and left just as fast, galloping straight out of the city gate. The militiamen hurriedly loaded bullets from their belts into their rifles, but by the time the guns fired, the two horses had already disappeared from sight.
Chen Zikun arrived upon hearing the news. There was no time for blame; he hastily asked about the appearance of the bandits, but of course, no one had seen them clearly. They only said that they wore bamboo hats and rode two sorrel horses.
Two platoons of government troops chased after them. The hoof prints left by the bandits were very clear, leading straight to the northwest. But when they reached the King River, the trail was lost. It was obvious that the bandits had crossed the river, but no one could guess which direction they had taken. Helplessly, they decided to split into two groups to continue searching.
Chen Zikun was extremely anxious and regretful. The bandits were too audacious, daring to kidnap people inside the city. He also blamed himself for being too negligent, not assigning soldiers to protect his wife. Even if either Wang Degui or Li Changsheng had been there, the bandits wouldn't have gotten away so easily.
This was Yao Yilei's second kidnapping. The last time was in Xiangshan, Beijing, by Hebei bandits. This time it was by the Nantai bandits. Chen Zikun firmly believed that good luck can only be used once, especially when encountering the same misfortune. This time, Yao Yilei might be in great danger.
They continued searching until nightfall without finding any trace. The soldiers were exhausted and complained loudly. Chen Zikun looked at his pocket watch; she had been kidnapped for five or six hours. By now, she must have returned to the mountain stronghold. Continuing the search outside would be meaningless, so it was better to return to the county town and wait for news.
A group of soldiers returned to the county town dejectedly. The soldiers went back to the barracks to eat and sleep. Chen Zikun dragged his heavy steps back to the rear quarters where Jian Bing greeted him with a face full of joy: "Re-Rei is fine, she has already returned."
"What!" Chen Zikun was greatly surprised. Rushing into the room, he saw Yao Yilei indeed sitting by the bed checking on Little Wukong's injuries.
Seeing Chen Zikun come in, Yao Yilei immediately teared up and shouted as she rushed over, throwing herself onto Chen Zikun's shoulder and crying.
After crying for a while, Chen Zikun's shoulders were wet. After much persuasion, he finally calmed her down and asked, "Who kidnapped you, and how did you return?"
Yao Yilei replied, "Someone rescued me halfway and that person is waiting for you."
Chen Zikun was startled, "Where is this person?"
"In the living room."
Chen Zikun rushed to the living room where a medium-built man stood with his hands behind his back, appreciating the calligraphy on the wall.
"May I ask your name?" Chen Zikun clasped his fists in respect.
The man turned around, his eyebrows exuding vigor, a faint scar on his face making him appear even more masculine.
"My name is Chen Shou, courtesy name Xingwu," the man introduced himself.
Chen Zikun recognized this name; Chen Shou was a famous bandit leader in Nantai County and an enemy of Xia Dalong. It was he who ambushed him in the green veil.
"Oh, so you are Mr. Chen. How did my wife end up in your hands?" Chen Zikun sat down and asked indifferently. Yao Yilei was kidnapped on one side and returned on the other, which couldn't help but raise suspicions.
Chen Shou explained, "It was a coincidence. This afternoon, I took my brothers out to do business and happened to meet two old friends returning from the city with a prize ticket, oh, your wife. According to the rules of our trade, I shouldn't interfere, but your wife has done a favor for my family, so I persuaded these two friends to release her. Afraid that the protector general would worry, we quickly brought her back. That's how it happened."
Chen Zikun asked, "So my wife has done a favor for your family? Why don't I know about it?"
Chen Shou answered, "I have a younger brother named Shuangxi. Your wife saved him."
Now Chen Zikun understood. So the little bandit was Chen Shou's younger brother. However, the person who saved him was actually himself, not Yao Yilei. Nevertheless, this wasn't the main issue. What mattered was that she had returned safely, lifting a heavy burden off his heart.
"Mr. Chen, have you eaten?" Chen Zikun asked.
Chen Shou hesitated for a moment and then said without hesitation, "No, I haven't had dinner."
"If you haven't eaten, let's eat together. Can you drink?"
"I can."
"Servants! Set the table and bring two jars of good wine!"
Shortly after, the food and drinks were ready. It was summer, so there was no need to cook elaborate dishes. All the appetizers were cold dishes: braised donkey meat, soy sauce braised pork knuckle, fried cicadas, cucumber salad, and cold mixed peanuts. The wine was the famous NanTai liquor called "Tou Ping Xiang."
Chen Zikun also invited Yao Yilei to join them at the table. During the meal, Yao Yilei narrated what had happened.
After the bandits kidnapped her, they fled directly westward out of the city. Part of the way was through the river, presumably to cover their tracks. When they passed the Bitter Water Well, they encountered Chen Shou's gang. The bandits in Nantai County each had their own territory, but anyone could operate in the county town. Originally, Chen Shou planned to let them pass, but coincidentally, Shuangxi recognized Yao Yilei.
Shuangxi had seen Yao Yilei in the backyard of the county office. At that time, he was running a high fever and in a daze, mistaking her for a celestial maiden. Now seeing his savior being kidnapped, how could he stand idly by?
Chen Shou wasted no time. Upon hearing his younger brother's words, he immediately stopped them. Since they were all from the same line of work, he relied on his numerical advantage to bully them. He personally challenged them to a duel, comparing gun skills, boxing, and arm strength. In the end, he narrowly won, taking Yao Yilei back.
Although Yao Yilei's recounting was simple and lacked vivid details, Chen Zikun could vividly imagine the intense scene.
"May I ask, Mr. Chen, who kidnapped my wife?" Chen Zikun was very curious to know who dared to challenge his authority.
Chen Shou replied, "I know them, but I cannot tell you. That's the code of honor among us. Please forgive me, Sir Chen."
Chen Zikun nodded and didn't press further.
After a hearty meal, Chen Shou got up to take his leave, "Sir Chen, our accounts are settled. From now on, we owe nothing to each other. Farewell."
Chen Zikun said, "Hold on, the account isn't settled yet."
Chen Shou frowned, "Sir Chen, do you mean to detain me?"
Chen Zikun ordered, "Bring the gifts!"
A team of soldiers carried ten long wooden boxes. Chen Zikun personally pried open one with a crowbar. Inside, it was filled with wood shavings, and lying quietly was a brand new Hanyang rifle. The bolt was coated with yellow grease, the barrel gleamed with a blue light, and the stock and forend were sorrel red, shiny and new.
Chen Shou involuntarily swallowed his saliva.
"These ten rifles are my gratitude to Mr. Chen. If you find them satisfactory, please accept them."
How could Chen Shou refuse? He was currently in dire need of firearms. Even outdated muskets were considered precious treasures to him, let alone these brand-new weapons. In Nantai, guns were more important than anything else. With guns, one had everything - grain, silver dollars, and women.
"Thank you, Sir Chen!" Chen Shou clasped his fists in respect.
"You're welcome." Chen Zikun returned the gesture.
Even though it was late at night, the militiamen guarding the city gates had been well-fed by Chen Zikun. Upon receiving the protector general's command, they obediently opened the gates. The ten rifles were loaded onto a cart along with a full box of ammunition and transported out of the city. Chen Zikun personally escorted them for two li until a group of bandits emerged from a small forest. Leading them was Shuangxi, who had obviously waited for a long time.
"I shall not see you off further." Chen Zikun bowed respectfully.
"We shall meet again." Chen Shou reciprocated the bow, ordering his men to unload the boxes from the cart before disappearing into the night.
Back at the rear quarters of the county office, it started raining again. Chen Zikun hesitated for a moment but still knocked on Yao Yilei's door. A young maid opened it and respectfully said, "Master."
"You may go." Chen Zikun dismissed the maid and entered the room, seeing Yao Yilei half-lying on the bed fully dressed, with a double-barreled shotgun by her side. Apparently, this experience had left a deep psychological mark on her.
"How did you come here in the middle of the night? Aren't you afraid of gossip?" Yao Yilei's face turned slightly red. Although she held the title of the protector general's wife, they hadn't consummated their marriage yet. Each of them had separate bedrooms, officially sleeping apart.
Chen Zikun sat by the bedside, holding Yao Yilei's soft hand and said, "I came to see you. It's all my fault that you've been frightened."
"I'm fine. Being kidnapped by bandits is something I've gotten used to." Yao Yilei deliberately said this and turned her back to Chen Zikun.
"I, Chen Zikun, swear to heaven that I will never let you suffer any委屈again. If I break this vow, may heaven strike me with lightning..." Before he could finish, Yao Yilei quickly turned around and covered his mouth, "Don't say such ominous things."
"Do you believe me?"
"Yes, I'm fine. You should go accompany Jian Bing."
"There's no need. I've been sleeping alone these days."
"Hmph, don't think I don't know. That vixen makes so much noise at night." Yao Yilei pouted, her face turning even redder.
Chen Zikun was astonished, "Did you eavesdrop?"
"No, Xiao Cui listened and told me when she came back." Yao Yilei lowered her head deeply, feeling very embarrassed. Xiao Cui was her personal maid, a smart and pretty little girl.
"Xiao Cui is only thirteen or fourteen years old. How could you make her do that?" Chen Zikun exaggeratedly widened his eyes and blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness.
"Don't come near me. I have a gun."
"So do I."
(Here, 1825 words are omitted)
The next day, Yao Yilei didn't get up all morning, and lunch was delivered to her room. Jian Bing personally came to visit. As someone who had experienced similar situations, she instantly understood what had happened the previous night. Although she knew it was inevitable, she still felt somewhat uncomfortable.
"Sister, I heard you're sick. I specially came to visit you and brought two watermelons, chilled in the well. Have some to cool down."
"I don't like watermelon. Let Little Wukong eat it. This little creature is loyal, better than some people." Yao Yilei waved her hand, and the monkey darted over, grabbing a slice of watermelon and retreating to the corner to enjoy it.
Jian Bing knew Yao Yilei was mocking her, for being powerless during the bandit attack. But under such circumstances, what could she have done?
An awkward silence ensued, and just as Jian Bing was about to take her leave, suddenly Chen Zikun entered and said, "Come with me."
The two ladies followed him to the courtyard where they saw a row of small watermelons placed far away, two pistols on the table, and a large box of bullets.
"Today, you must shoot all the bullets in this box before you can eat." Chen Zikun declared.