Chapter 242: Restoring Order in Lingquan Town

Chapter 242: Restoring Order in Lingquan Town

Song Que glanced at Qin Xiaoyao, knowing she couldn't stop him.

She nodded reluctantly.

Thus, the first day of the bandits entering the town passed.

After nightfall, Qin Xiaoyao indeed carried a basket.

He packed some bean sprouts and half a bag of flatbreads inside and went to the Liu family.

After handing the items to Liu Dalang, he returned home.

Carrying another pre-packed basket, he went to Li Danni's house.

Upon confirming that Danni and his second sister-in-law were both well, Qin Xiaoyao left.

From then on, their secluded life officially began.

The couple enjoyed two days of carefree living without any shame or embarrassment.

Finally, on the third day, some bandits came to their door.

Qin Xiaoyao instructed everyone to stay inside and personally opened the door.

He bowed and scraped before the bandits holding knives, showing great deference.

Seeing how cooperative Qin Xiaoyao was, the small-time bandit leader didn't resort to violence.

"The Great General has ordered us to inspect each household in Lingquan Town."

"For your Yongan Lane, each household must provide fifty catties of grain or food, plus three taels of silver!" the bandit leader said.

His gaze swept across the Song family courtyard.

The bandit leader felt this household should be well-off and had no intention of causing trouble.

There were many households in Yongan Lane. If he had to search and destroy each one, it would take forever to collect everything required.

These people really should cooperate more; otherwise, they'd force him to get rough.

"Yes, yes, yes! Please wait a moment, gentlemen," Qin Xiaoyao continued bowing and scraping, addressing them as "gentlemen."

"I'll fetch the items right away!" he added.

If he could send these pests away peacefully, it would be for the best.

"Alright, hurry up!" the bandit leader was pleased with Qin Xiaoyao's compliance.

He left one bandit behind to wait for Qin Xiaoyao's supplies and led the others away.

Qin Xiaoyao quickly returned to the house.

He went to the kitchen once more.

Then, carrying a bag of grain, he came back to the courtyard.

Facing the impatient look of the bandit, Qin Xiaoyao put on a flattering smile.

"Gentleman, I apologize. This is all the grain we have."

Seeing the bandit's face darken, Qin Xiaoyao hurriedly added, "How about I give you an extra tael of silver to make up for it?" His eyes pleaded earnestly.

He then handed over five taels of silver.

"The extra tael is for your trouble, gentleman."

"I hope you can be understanding," Qin Xiaoyao said pitifully.

Fifty catties of grain—how many families in Lingquan Town could afford that?

If he gave it willingly today, it might cause trouble.

Better to give more money and smooth things over.

The bandit took the silver, checked the amount, and was satisfied.

He then took the cloth bag from Qin Xiaoyao's shoulder, inspected it, and weighed it.

Finding the weight to be no less than thirty-five catties, he had a number in mind.

"You're smart!" he said.

Thirty-five catties was actually sufficient.

The quota set by their superiors was only thirty catties of grain and two taels of silver per household.

The extra was added by their leader to ensure enough was collected.

Of course, based on the current situation,

No matter whether it's grain or silver, the amount collected is sufficient.

In any case, when there's an excess, the leader gets the lion's share, and they can also get a piece of the pie.

"Thank you, officer!" Qin Xiaoyao hurriedly expressed his gratitude, bowing respectfully to please him.

The bandit glared at Qin Xiaoyao with displeasure before continuing, "Our general has ordered that starting from tomorrow, Lingquan Town will return to normal order."

"All merchants must open their businesses, and you common folk should go about your business on the streets; no need to stay indoors anymore!"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Qin Xiaoyao quickly responded.

It seems the initial turmoil has ended, and the bandits have intentions of long-term occupation of Lingquan Town.

Regardless, going out will be less dangerous from now on, which is good news.

The bandit glared at Qin Xiaoyao once more before carrying the grain away.

Qin Xiaoyao let out a sigh of relief and hurried to close the door after the bandit left.

He bolted the door and returned inside.

Seeing his wife back, Song Que's heart settled.

Just as he was about to approach Qin Xiaoyao to say something,

a commotion came from outside.

It turned out that Lady Liu and others had come out of their houses and were heading towards them.

"San Ya—" Lady Liu arrived at the door, calling out to Qin Xiaoyao with concern.

"Eldest Sister-in-Law/Sister-in-Law!" The others arrived too, all looking worried.

Qin Xiaoyao finally shifted her gaze from her husband and looked at the others.

"The situation has been handled; everything is fine," she said with a smile.

Then, she went out to support Lady Liu, helping her into the house and seating her by the table.

She then explained that the bandits had announced that Lingquan Town would return to normal order the next day.

"From this situation, it will be much safer to go out from tomorrow," Qin Xiaoyao said.

Seeing the relieved expressions on Lady Liu and the others, Qin Xiaoyao continued, "However, these bandits are too brutal. With them managing Lingquan Town, it probably won't be very peaceful outside."

"So, if possible, try not to go out. If you really need to, tell me, and I'll handle it."

Everyone looked at each other and then nodded.

Indeed, in critical moments, only Qin Xiaoyao could take charge and manage things.

After reassuring everyone, Qin Xiaoyao sent them out.

Only then did the couple have some alone time.

"Don't go out either." As soon as he closed the door, Song Que hugged Qin Xiaoyao from behind.

Her heart warmed.

"Alright. If it's not necessary, I'll stay home," she replied.

But how could she not go out? She still wanted to check on Big Girl and Second Sister-in-Law.

Besides, if the town is returning to normal order tomorrow, the city gates should be open.

She still needs to visit Zhang Village.

However, she needed to comfort her husband.

After all, she's a good wife!

Hearing her words, Song Que's body stiffened.

He knew his wife wouldn't be so obedient.

After holding Qin Xiaoyao for a while and calming down, Song Que released her.

Then, he led her to sit down on the soft couch.

The couple spent some intimate time together.

The next day, many shops on the streets of Lingquan Town indeed opened.

People cautiously ventured out.

Hearing the commotion outside, Qin Xiaoyao was about to go out and take a look.

Qin Dahu and Qin Erhu arrived.

Soon after, Liu Daniu and Wang Dashan also came over.

Learning that the Qins and the Lius were safe, Qin Xiaoyao felt slightly relieved.

Hearing a few people approach, it turned out they were here about the bean sprouts, which surprised Qin Xiaoyao.