Chapter 20: The Silver Ring Snake

Chapter 20: The Silver Ring Snake

Both parties remained at a standstill, neither willing to make the first move.

He Zhiran's reluctance to act was not out of fear of the officials but rather a desire to avoid escalating the situation. After all, there was still a long road ahead, and it would not benefit the Mo family to engage in a major conflict over such a trivial matter.

The armed officers, on the other hand, were genuinely intimidated by the presence of Matriarch Mo and He Zhiran.

In the meantime, the other women of the Mo family, including the timid Mo Hanyue, gathered around, standing resolutely to support their mother-in-law and Ninth Sister-in-law.

As the stalemate persisted, representatives from three of the four families, excluding the Xie family, spoke up.

"Gentlemen, don't be deceived by the Mo family's women. They're merely trying to manipulate you to avoid physical punishment."

"He's right. It was the late Duke who sacrificed for the country, along with his eight sons.

Even if they didn't fall in battle, they would be fuming to death over Mo Jiuye's treachery.

We, too, have been implicated by Mo Jiuye. What leniency can we show toward such a person?"

"Yes, the women of the Mo family have been bewitched by Mo Jiuye and are now on his side. None of them are any good."

"Sir, spare no mercy when dealing with them."

The Xie family was now caught between a rock and a hard place. They despised the Mos, yet they knew that this entire ordeal was triggered by Xie Fang. The Mos were assisting Xie Fang, which, in turn, was an indirect aid to them.

After much deliberation, Father Xie stepped forward to speak a word of justice.

"I don't concern myself with what Mo Jiuye has done. All I know is that most of these women are widows of heroes."

There is no doubt that their husbands sacrificed their lives on the battlefield for the sake of the Great Shun dynasty's reign."

The He, Li, and Fang families had initially believed that the Xie family would stand with them. Yet, to their surprise, they were foolish enough to speak up for their nemesis, the very one who had caused their own downfall and exile.

For a moment, all three families directed their accusations towards the Xie family.

"Xie Tianhai, don't forget why your entire family was exiled."

"Xie Chao, Xie Ming, it seems your father has lost his senses in his old age. Quickly take him away and stay out of this."

Seeing the chaos unfolding, a bailiff promptly intervened to reprimand them.

"Shut up all of you! Do you want a beating?"

Upon hearing this, the scene fell silent instantly.

They had witnessed the bailiffs wielding their whips, and none of them wished to endure such physical torment.

Just then, the lead bailiff, Peng Wang, suddenly let out a startled cry and hurriedly crouched down, clutching his right calf.

"Ahh... There's a snake..."

The other bailiffs, seeing this, promptly raised their weapons, on high alert.

He Zhiran had intended to establish a good relationship with these bailiffs, as their assistance on the journey would significantly increase the chances of survival for the Mo family.

Little did she expect that such an incident would occur, forcing her to act out of desperation to save Second Sister-in-law. Now, with Peng Wang bitten by the snake, she sensed her opportunity had arrived. As the officers scurried about, weapons raised in search of the serpent, He Zhiran had already whipped the stolen whip into action. It struck the snake precisely at its vulnerable spot, the pit of its neck. This body was more delicate, and her strength was naturally inferior to her former self. Despite hitting the snake, it still wriggled on the ground, albeit much slower. Thanks to her actions, the officers located the snake, and one of them, quick on his feet, slashed at it with a blade. Although He Zhiran didn't personally kill the snake, her contribution was undeniable. Had she not spotted its location in time, other officers might have suffered the same fate. However, years of habit and protocol prevented them from showing weakness toward a prisoner.

Moreover, who knew if she was genuinely helping them or if it was simply a fortunate coincidence?

Instead of observing the officials' reactions, He Zhiran focused her gaze on the snake.

She recognized the species; it was a highly venomous Silver Ring Snake.

The venom of a Silver Ring Snake was a neurotoxin that disrupted nervous system functions.

Initially, a bite might cause local pain, though it wouldn't be severe. Typically, several hours after the bite, symptoms like drowsiness, neurological disorders, drooping eyelids, dilated pupils, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, and even respiratory failure would manifest.

Without prompt treatment, it could prove fatal.

As a healer, He Zhiran offered a friendly warning.

"This snake's venom is potent. You should first find a rope to tie tightly below his knee to prevent the spread of the venom. Then you should..."

"Where did all these venomous snakes come from? If this really were a venomous snake, how could I still be bouncing around like this? I was just startled earlier. Now, the wound doesn't hurt much anymore. It's nothing serious."

To prove his well-being, Peng Wang got up swiftly.

"Peng Wang, come here and take care of the snake. We can save it for an evening snack."

Seeing Peng Wang's nonchalant attitude, He Zhiran decided to keep quiet.

She had said her piece, but if he didn't believe her, there was nothing more she could do.

Let them come begging for help on their own terms.

One doesn't beg to sell!

He Zhiran turned to her mother. "Mother, let's go back!"

"Alright, everyone, let's return." With Old Madam Mo's command, all the Mo family women returned to their original spots.

Given the situation and the fact that He Zhiran had been the first to locate the snake, the officials decided to turn a blind eye and not pursue the matter further.

Just as everyone settled down, Second Sister approached He Zhiran, her voice tinged with regret:

"Ninth Brother's wife, thank you for aiding me, sparing me from physical torment."

"Second Sister, we're all family; it's only right that I help you."

"Ai... It's all my fault for being impulsive. Despite knowing those officers would resort to violence, I couldn't help but seek justice for my nephew."

He Zhiran observed that this Second Sister was indeed a headstrong individual.

Though she didn't blame Xie Fang, it was necessary to give her a gentle reminder.

"Second Sister, our circumstances now are different from before. It's best to discuss matters with everyone before making decisions."

"Rest assured, Ninth Brother's wife. From now on, I'll consult Mother and you beforehand regarding any issues."

He Zhiran felt that this amount of admonishment was sufficient.

She stood up, brushing off the dust from her clothes.

"Our surroundings are filled with grass, and there may be snakes lurking. I'll go check it out."

Listening to He Zhiran's words, Mo Jiuye became increasingly intrigued by her.

As the one he had been betrothed to many years ago, he couldn't possibly know nothing about her.

In Mo Jiuye's understanding, He Zhiran was a frivolous and capricious young lady with ample curves but little brains.

However, after just one day of interaction, this woman showed none of the traits he had expected.

Not only that, she possessed the uncanny ability to drain the national treasury without a trace, and the weapon she used to kill Cao Ren was utterly unprecedented. Mo Jiuye could hardly fathom the reasoning behind it all, despite his utmost efforts to comprehend.

Now, as he listened to her speak, each word carried weight and conviction, rivaling even the most eloquent court officials.