Chapter 071: Steel-Hearted Man

Chapter 071: Steel-Hearted Man

"What are you doing messing around at a time like this?" Ji Lingchuan was stunned for a moment as he turned around, seeing the crimson stain on her shoulder, his mind going blank.

He An pulled a few arrows from a soldier’s quiver and threw them, injuring several hidden private soldiers.

His heart pounded so hard he could barely breathe. His hands trembled as he picked up Chu Li, and though a torrent of curses was stuck in his throat, not a single word came out.

This was the first time Chu Li had seen Ji Lingchuan so anxious. She forced a smile and said, "Scared? Scared my father will come after you when we get back?"

The veins on his forehead bulged, his face flushed with anxiety. As they exited the forest, Ji Lingchuan coldly declared, "No bandit in these mountains will be left alive."

Chu Li felt a bit sleepy, but Ji Lingchuan kept shaking her. "Don't you dare sleep, or I'll leave you be."

"Don’t worry, I’m not going to die. I’m just really exhausted."

The sudden turn of events prompted everyone to return to Lu City immediately. The captured private soldiers were handed over to Zhou Dafu to record their numbers, names, and origins, and they were eventually incorporated into the labor battalion, where those who had committed offenses were held until they earned enough military merits to be freed from their criminal status.

This time, they stayed at the county yamen, where the entire Wu family, including Wu Quan, had been arrested.

County Magistrate Bao had been taken down, and the team to arrest the Zhenjiang Prefect was already on the way.

Ruan Qinghuan had only been frightened and soon woke up. Upon learning that Chu Li was injured, she was deeply worried and wanted to take care of her personally, but He An stopped her. "The military medic has checked her. There's no danger to her life. Old Ji is keeping an eye on her."

Ruan Qinghuan: "..."

After she woke up, she heard from Xia Lian that Ji Lingchuan had gone on a rampage that day. Not a single private soldier in the forest had made it out. Ruan Qinghuan's eyes flickered slightly. Although this was an accident, it might have helped him see his true feelings.

When the Wu family's incident occurred, under He An's interrogation, County Magistrate Bao handed over evidence of the Wu family's private soldiers that they had kept over the years.

Master Qian arrived at the yamen holding a ledger, knelt in the hall, and said with a sorrowful expression, "I am guilty. I ask the Prime Minister to investigate."

Jiang Ming took the ledger from Master Qian and presented it to He An. It confirmed their previous suspicions that the Qian family had been responsible for the timber transportation over the past two years.

He An sighed. Qian Qitai wasn't a foolish man. Otherwise, he wouldn't have resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown. He had wanted to distance himself from court disputes, but returning to Lu City, his later years were tarnished, and his lifelong reputation was ruined.

"Since Qian has voluntarily confessed his crimes and has shown remorse, this Prime Minister will handle the case impartially."

In the inner courtyard of the yamen, there were five boxes of ledgers from the Wu family. The accountants they hired worked for two days, and it was found that the largest amounts were in grain, fine iron, and timber, which coincided with the large number of weapons seized at West Wind Cliff.

Ruan Qinghuan went to the back courtyard and gently opened Chu Li's door. Ji Lingchuan was still sitting in the chair by the bed, just as he had been in the morning, his eyes fixed on Chu Li without blinking.

"The doctor said her wounds are no longer life-threatening and she should wake up soon."

"It's been three days," Ji Lingchuan's voice was soft. He hadn't left much in the past three days, his heavy stubble adding a touch of weariness to his appearance, his dim eyes filled with worry.

"The doctor said she is in a coma due to blood loss and needs proper care. I just asked, and she should wake up in a day or two at most." Ruan Qinghuan comforted him. Fortunately, the arrow didn't hit any vital areas. It was truly a blessing from heaven.

Seeing Chu Li's pale face, Ruan Qinghuan held back her tears and handed the porridge to Ji Lingchuan. "Eat something, so you'll have the strength to take care of her. Although the injury isn't life-threatening, her right arm will take time to recover. You'll have to bear with it during this period."

"Thank you."

Ruan Qinghuan didn't disturb them further. Knowing that Chu Li was out of danger, her heart finally settled.

In just one night, Lu City had been turned upside down. County Magistrate Bao and Master Qian were imprisoned, the Wu family collapsed, and the city's residents, still in disbelief, felt as if they were in a dream.

Since the return to the capital was delayed, He An took the opportunity to conduct a preliminary hearing at the Lu City yamen, collecting all the case files and evidence, ready to be handed over to the Ministry of Justice when they returned to the capital.

Late at night, Chu Li slowly opened her eyes. The candlelight in the room cast a faint glow. Turning her head, she saw Ji Lingchuan resting with his eyes closed. She thought she was dreaming and gave a self-deprecating smile.

How did Ji Lingchuan end up in her room? Chu Li, Chu Li, you hurt your shoulder, not your head. How can you still shamelessly think about him?

This trip to Lu City helped Chu Li understand many things and fully comprehend Ji Lingchuan's feelings. He doesn't like her, and she doesn't want to force anything anymore. She's so tired.

Her throat felt like it was on fire. She wanted to drink water. With great effort, she stretched out her left hand to reach for the tea cup on the small table by the bedside, but her body was too weak. Just as she was about to grasp it, she lost strength, causing the cup to tip over and the water to spill.

The noise woke Ji Lingchuan. Seeing Chu Li trying to get up, he immediately placed her back on the bed. "You're injured. Don't move around."

Chu Li was momentarily dazed. She pinched her own face with her left hand, wincing at the pain.

He wasn't a figment of her imagination; it was really Ji Lingchuan. She struggled to speak, her throat feeling like it was full of gravel. "I'm thirsty."

Ji Lingchuan quickly turned to pour a cup of warm tea, returning with a spoon to feed her small sips. He said, "I've been keeping water warm on a small charcoal stove, just in case you woke up thirsty. It's warm, good for your throat."

When she was injured, Chu Li didn't feel like crying or being scared, despite the pain. But now, seeing Ji Lingchuan's attentive care, a feeling she should have been happy about made her inexplicably feel wronged.

Once unleashed, this uncontrollable emotion grew stronger, making her nose and eyes sting.

But she was also happy. This big fool Ji Lingchuan wasn't injured. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt. Then everything she did was worth it.

Various emotions surged, and Chu Li felt like she was about to split apart, feeling both wronged and relieved, with a hint of... pride...

Tears fell unexpectedly. The usually carefree and indifferent Ji Lingchuan panicked. "Why are you crying? Is something uncomfortable, or is the wound painful?"

"No, you've slept for so long. You must be hungry. I kept porridge warm in the kitchen." Without waiting for Chu Li's reply, he dashed off like the wind.

"You fool," Chu Li muttered, attempting to move but wincing in pain, forcing herself to stay still.

Worried about Chu Li, Ruan Qinghuan couldn't sleep either. She made some chicken soup, thinking Chu Li should have some. After days in a coma, Chu Li had visibly lost weight and needed nourishment.

When Ji Lingchuan arrived, he seemed like a changed man. The gloom and worry of the past few days had vanished, replaced by a look of relief and joy. He immediately informed Ruan Qinghuan that Chu Li had woken up.

Ruan Qinghuan was overjoyed, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Excited, Ji Lingchuan seemed a bit flustered. He grabbed the largest bowl, filling it with porridge, ready to leave when Ruan Qinghuan called out, "She just woke up; she can't eat that much. The chicken soup is ready too. Let her have some."

Ruan Qinghuan intended to go with him but was stopped by Ji Lingchuan. "Come back tomorrow, sister-in-law. After she eats, let her sleep well."

For injured soldiers, rest is the best recovery. Ji Lingchuan wished Chu Li could sleep for three days straight.

Ruan Qinghuan: "..."

When did this straight-laced guy have his epiphany?