Chapter 259: Another Hour’s Delay

Chapter 259: Another Hour's Delay

"It's time. Yet you didn't notify me in advance and even sent people to sneak in, trying to harm me."

"With this attitude, do you expect me to release the captives?" Qin Xiaoyao’s smile was somewhat sinister.

Indeed, she was going to be stubborn.

There was no way she would release them; doing so would only bring real trouble for her and her husband.

If these bandits wanted to rescue their people, they could try?

Let’s see who can get past her.

"You—" The second-in-command of the bandits was furious, his face darkening.

Clearly, it was her fault for not releasing the captives, yet now she was blaming him, saying she wouldn’t release them because he angered her.

"What about me?" Qin Xiaoyao showed no fear, looking as if she could infuriate someone to death without any remorse.

Just as the second-in-command was about to burst with anger and order an attack, Qin Xiaoyao added, "If you don't want your general to die, keep waiting."

"Bring ten thousand taels in silver bills here in one hour, and we'll make the exchange."

Upon hearing this, the previously enraged bandits’ expressions changed.

Earlier, Qin Xiaoyao clearly had no intention of releasing anyone.

They had planned to fight her and rescue their general.

But now, she was willing to negotiate and proposed an exchange for money.

This changed everything. If they could avoid risking their lives, who would choose to do otherwise?

Especially since this killer was ruthless and cruel.

Qin Xiaoyao’s words made the bandits hesitate, but did not affect the second-in-command.

"Why delay? I’ll go get the ten thousand taels right now. Once I have them, we’ll make the exchange!" said the second-in-command.

This assassin was clearly stalling for time.

Another hour might give her more excuses to delay further.

Just now, the imperial army had called out, asking them to surrender.

An attack on the city seemed imminent.

If they didn’t resolve the matter with their leader soon, it might hinder their escape.

"Hmph! I’m telling you my decision, not asking for your opinion. It’s one hour, and that’s final."

"If you can’t wait, come and try." Qin Xiaoyao’s tone was extremely arrogant, and she waved the dagger in her hand.

The dagger still had blood on it, indicating its sharpness.

The second-in-command’s face turned grim.

He wanted to order an immediate attack, but someone beside him pulled him back.

Then, several bandits who appeared to hold some authority gathered around the second-in-command.

"This assassin is highly skilled and easily killed twelve of our men. A hasty attack will likely result in more casualties," one of them said.

"Yes, Second Leader. Since she has made a demand, let’s comply. This way, we can ensure the safety of our general."

"It’s just another hour; we can afford to wait," another added.

"..."

Qin Xiaoyao had excellent hearing and overheard these words, feeling a small sense of triumph.

Ha, it seems she could stall for another hour.

Unlike Qin Xiaoyao’s satisfaction, the second-in-command’s face was as dark as water.

These men were hesitant, fearing death or losing too many comrades.

All talk of saving the general was nonsense!

Yet, despite knowing this, he couldn’t say anything.

He couldn’t act recklessly either.

Otherwise, he would be accused of betraying the general and seeking power.

Even if he managed to kill the assassin and become the leader, his subordinates might not respect him, leaving future governance uncertain.

"Fine! I’ll give you another hour."

"But if you don’t release our general after that hour, regardless of what you say, we’ll storm in!" the second-in-command said, narrowing his eyes.

"Alright! Just prepare the silver bills." Qin Xiaoyao shrugged indifferently, showing no regard for the second-in-command.

Without waiting for a response, she entered the dungeon.

The second-in-command was livid.

He clenched his fists and took a few deep breaths before finally unclenching them.

Everyone stared at the second-in-command of the mountain bandits, none daring to speak up.

"What are you waiting for? Go prepare the silver notes!" Suddenly, the second-in-command barked.

"Yes!" someone quickly responded.

Then they hurriedly left.

The second-in-command waved his hand and walked away as well.

"Watch this place! I'll be back in an hour!" he added.

Outside the dungeon, everything fell quiet once more.

Qin Xiaoyao entered the dungeon and promptly tossed the corpses at the entrance out like trash.

Then, she restored the barricade that the mountain bandits had destroyed, blocking the path again.

After tidying everything up, she clapped her hands and returned inside the dungeon.

Although Song Que didn't leave, he had been listening to the situation outside.

Though he couldn't hear clearly, he knew that Qin Xiaoyao had likely resolved the trouble.

Seeing his wife safe, Song Que's expression finally eased.

Without waiting for Song Que to ask, Qin Xiaoyao explained the situation.

"I killed twelve of them, which intimidated the other bandits outside, buying us another hour."

"If the Imperial Army doesn't attack soon, we might have to face those bandits in a final battle after an hour," Qin Xiaoyao said with concern.

Song Que reached out, placing his warm hand on Qin Xiaoyao's hand.

When she looked at him, he gave her a reassuring glance.

"Don't worry, the attack will come tonight."

"Besides, those bandits outside should have received a warning by now."

"When you hold the dungeon longer, they'll see they can't break through and will give up."

Qin Xiaoyao nodded.

"Mm." She thought to herself that there was no other option now.

Feeling hungry, Qin Xiaoyao found some food and ate a simple meal with Song Que.

Then, they waited for the hour to pass.

Time flew by quickly.

While Qin Xiaoyao kept watch over Song Que's rest, sounds finally came from outside.

This time it wasn't the sound of the barricade being destroyed but the voices of the mountain bandits shouting.

Hearing the noise, Song Que immediately lifted his head from Qin Xiaoyao and looked at her with concern.

"Stay here and relax; I'll go check it out," Qin Xiaoyao said with a comforting smile.

She patted Song Que's shoulder, then got up, grabbed a dagger, and headed outside.

"If you don't come out, we'll storm in!" the second-in-command shouted as Qin Xiaoyao approached the entrance.

His tone was both angry and impatient, clearly running out of patience.

"What's the rush?!" Qin Xiaoyao responded.

At her words, silence fell outside the dungeon.

But only for a moment, before the second-in-command spoke again.

"We've prepared the silver notes. Where is our general?!"

Qin Xiaoyao didn't answer, hesitating whether to dismantle the barricade, go out, and deal with the bandits for a while.