Chapter 265 - 262: Overnight in the Cave

Chapter 265: Chapter 262: Overnight in the Cave

Xiao Chong sat carelessly on the ground and said, "I’ve observed the situation outside the cave. It’s very difficult for us to escape on our own. Tonight, we’ll probably have to make do with staying in the cave for the night and wait until tomorrow to decide."

"Hmm, let’s talk in the morning."

"How’s your maid? Is she alright?" Xiao Chong asked again.

"She’s fine, just bumped her head. I’ve already given her the An Gong Niu Huang Pill made by Old Sun, so let’s see when she wakes up."

Xiao Chong nodded and said nothing more, and the cave became quiet for a moment.

Just as Lin Wanwan was thinking of a topic to bring up, Xiao Chong spoke again, "Wanwan, what were you thinking when you risked everything to save a maid just now?"

Lin Wanwan was taken aback by the question and after a moment of reflection, she replied softly, "I didn’t think about anything. How can you think so much when saving someone?"

What about you? What were you thinking when you rushed to save me? Lin Wanwan wanted to ask but found it hard to say.

Xiao Chong looked at her and remained silent for a long time.

Growing up as a royal, he was used to loyal servants and maids sacrificing for him, but had never seen a master recklessly risk themselves for a maid.

He didn’t know how to evaluate it, but he was certain that Lin Wanwan’s actions just now stirred something within him.

"Wanwan, go to sleep. I’ll keep watch."

"I’m not sleepy yet." Lin Wanwan looked around the cave, secretly sighing. The cave was too small, and she couldn’t avoid Xiao Chong’s gaze to perform any small actions.

It seemed that she had to endure the night here. If Xiao Chong weren’t present, she could easily return to the modern world and sleep comfortably in her own bedroom.

"Cousin, who do you think wants to kill us? I’ve thought about it carefully, and I haven’t offended anyone in the Great Tang to the point of a life-and-death situation." Lin Wanwan asked.

Xiao Chong said casually, "To find out who did it, it’s simple. Just analyze who benefits the most after the incident, and you can get some clues."

Lin Wanwan nodded, "That makes sense, let me analyze it first."

A lot of people knew I’d climb this mountain today. I ran straight from the spring outing place, and the Fang, Shi, Wang, Fan, and Zhang families all knew, plus the dozens of slaves they brought. If someone wanted to find out, they could.

The Fang, Shi, Wang, Fan, Zhang families all have ties with my Lin Family, and what I’ve done hasn’t offended their interests, so it’s unlikely they would act.

I doubt they’re foolish enough to do something that harms others without benefiting themselves.

If something happens to me, the Lin Family Manor’s clansmen would be the saddest group, as they are related to me only with love and protection, never harm. The house slaves at my home feel the same.

Additionally, I recently bought a house and shop in Creek Town, but my shop hasn’t opened yet, and others don’t know what I’m going to sell, so it wouldn’t be a commercial competitor.

After considering, it seems only one family would be happiest if something happens to me, which is the Wang Family from whom I bought thirty acres of land in the western city."

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

As she organized her thoughts while speaking, Lin Wanwan suddenly turned to Xiao Chong, "Cousin, this assassination seems targeted at you! Killing me would just vent their anger, but killing you has the chance to protect the Wang family father and son from the autumn executions."

Xiao Chong said indifferently, "The Wang Family alone doesn’t have that capability. To know I’m coming today, predict I’d choose this path, and provide crossbow arrows... heh."

Seeing him keeping things half-spoken, Lin Wanwan couldn’t help getting annoyed, "Cousin, hell strike those who keep others in suspense! We’ve already ended up in the cave together, so can’t you talk to me? Apart from the Wang Family, who else have you messed with?"

Xiao Chong smiled, "The Wang Family is just a minor player. I constructed Ta Mountain Dam, established the Salt Field, and promoted high-yield crops, offending many. If something happens to me, half the Mao County’s powerful landlords and scholars would cheer."

Sigh, thinking about how unwelcome I’ve become is a bit saddening. Back in Chang’an, I used to be praised by everyone."

Lin Wanwan sneered, "Saddened? Cousin, keep exaggerating, see if I’ll believe."

Xiao Chong sat cross-legged, "Ha, cousin, don’t wrong me. Rest up and conserve your energy."

Lin Wanwan understood from this conversation that Xiao Chong would never open up to her completely, always being evasive.

Having known Xiao Chong for a long time, Lin Wanwan trusted his character and felt she understood him better, but still sensed his mysterious and distant vibe.

It was because Xiao Chong not only had an unapproachable appearance but also possessed extraordinary intelligence, and his unpredictable style made people hard to grasp, seeming benevolent yet when it comes to solving cases, undeniably ruthless.

In Mao County, Xiao Chong’s name was well-known to everyone.

Late last year, the ship she took from Qiong State was fined because there were a few children without identification. Xiao Chong severely fined them.

These fines went to the County Government, it’s no wonder Xiao Chong could accomplish so much, and it’s said he’s recently surveying the excavation of Sun Lake.

It’s like there’s endless money to spend. If not enough, he would still take from the wealthy families, including herself as one of them.

Lin Wanwan suddenly realized she was one of the rich households in Xiao Chong’s eyes, truly... a bittersweet feeling.

Overall, Lin Wanwan, like the other common folk of Mao County, felt both admiration and awe for Xiao Chong.

Moreover, despite the two of them being in such dire straits due to others’ machinations, Xiao Chong still bore an indifferent expression, as if he didn’t mind at all, a calmness that was rare in the world.

He, unlike herself, had no Space-Time Gate, so even if he couldn’t escape here, he could always return to the modern world, travel elsewhere, and restart the journey.

So was Xiao Chong truly confident about escaping, or did he just not care about his predicament?

Lin Wanwan was somewhat puzzled, looking through the candlelight at the meditating Xiao Chong, her thoughts wandering.

Xiao Chong kept his eyes closed, allowing Lin Wanwan a chance to observe him without restraint.

When her gaze fell on Xiao Chong’s left arm, her expression immediately tightened, and she exclaimed, "Cousin, is your arm injured? Let me take a look."

Xiao Chong opened his eyes and said casually, "It’s nothing, just a minor wound."

Lin Wanwan had already stood up and walked to his side, scolding, "Nothing? Don’t you remember I’m the Divine Doctor? To hide your injury from me is obstinate ignorance, just let me take a look."

As she said, she went to pull Xiao Chong’s sleeve, acting quickly, with great force. She directly tugged, pulling down the collar of Xiao Chong’s wide robe, revealing a glimpse of collarbone and shoulder.

Xiao Chong’s usual calm demeanor finally broke, quickly standing to step back, using his right hand to straighten his collar, with a hint of redness on his face, "Cousin, there is a difference between men and women; no need to act like this."

Under the dim candlelight, Xiao Chong’s face flashed with a trace of embarrassment and a blush.

Did... did he actually feel shy?!

Lin Wanwan was stunned, belatedly realizing, and quickly lowered her eyes. Her heart was also pounding, her cheeks flushed!