Tianliangyuan

Chapter 35 Distress

Xu Zhaozhao had brought guards with her on this trip. When she sensed something was wrong, she immediately instructed Dingxiang to send someone to rest in the old pavilion in front of her.

This place is far from any village or shop, and the terrain is open, making it quite suitable for someone to come and become a robber.

The question is whether the other party wants her dead or just wants her money.

“Miss, this place is deserted, and those people behind us seem to have ill intentions.”

"Don't worry, we're not too far from the city gate. If they have any sense, they'll know we can't make a move here."

"But what if something happens?"

"Nothing unexpected!"

Xu Zhaozhao sat calmly in the pavilion drinking tea, while the group that had been trailing behind her was now unsure whether to go in or stop.

As the other party hesitated, their forward speed naturally slowed down, but soon they started moving quickly again.

Xu Zhaozhao smiled, "She's not too stupid."

Zhu Zi trotted forward: "Master, I just saw clearly that it was the Liu family's carriage."

Which Liu family?

"At the residence of Liu Jinpeng, Minister of Personnel."

Xu Zhaozhao nodded slightly upon hearing this. If she remembered correctly, Liu Jinpeng had a grandson named Liu Bo. She had heard that he was an admirer of Jiang Ning, so he was here to avenge Jiang Ning.

"Is the person inside Liu Bo?"

Zhu Zi's eyes lit up: "Master is amazing! It really is Young Master Liu Bo's carriage."

Do you know where he is going?

"This humble servant doesn't know, but judging from the direction they're heading, it's somewhat similar to ours. They should also be going to Wannian County."

"Okay, let's ignore him and go."

Dingxiang and Shaoyao were puzzled. If their master set off now, wouldn't he be afraid that Young Master Liu would cause trouble again?

“Now that we know who they are, we have a better understanding of the situation. Liu Bo is the son of a civil official, and he only has a few personal servants with him, while we have all brought skilled men, including brave warriors who have served in the army. So what is there to fear?”

Dingxiang was taken aback. "That makes so much sense!"

Sure enough, although Liu Bo followed them the whole way, he did not do anything too outrageous.

Just as they were about to reach the village, there was finally some movement from Liu Bo's side.

"Miss Xu, my young master would like to invite you to come in for a chat."

Xu Zhaozhao noticed that there was a teahouse in front of her. The town was quite lively, with people coming and going, mostly merchants.

"Go back and tell your young master that there is a difference between men and women, and since I have no relation to Young Master Liu, it would be best to avoid suspicion."

After saying that, Dingxiang immediately ordered the driver to speed up.

We won't have to walk another two miles to reach their village.

Seeing that he had failed to trick Xu Zhaozhao, Liu Bo was naturally angry: "Can't you say something nice?"

"Young master, Miss Xu refused to get off the carriage, and there was nothing I could do. Moreover, her reasons were quite valid. She is not familiar with you, and there are no elders here. As a noble lady of the Marquis's mansion, it is only natural for her to want to avoid us."

"roll!"

Enraged, Liu Bo threw a teacup at his face. Fortunately, the servant dodged quickly, or there would have been blood.

Xu Zhaozhao named this estate "Hundred Fruit Garden" mainly to let people know that there are more varieties of fruit here.

Several residences were built on the estate, and this main residence was naturally the most conspicuous.

"Master, as you instructed, quite a few houses have been built here, and a bamboo courtyard has also been specially built. You can go there to enjoy tea and play the zither in your spare time. I guarantee you will be satisfied."

Xu Zhaozhao smiled and said, "No rush, we'll be staying for a few days anyway, so we can take our time to look around."

Seeing that his first attempt failed, Liu Bo naturally thought of trying again.

This time he was smarter. Since he was staying at the manor, he would find a chance to abduct the person. But he couldn't rush it. He would rest first and then plan carefully. He couldn't afford to fail again.

Xu Zhaozhao brought Dingxiang to stroll in the orchard. It was cool there, but there were a lot of mosquitoes.

Both of them carried two sachets, but they still got bitten by mosquitoes.

In the end, Xu Zhaozhao thought of the Bamboo Garden, so she asked Dingxiang to arrange for more mosquito repellent incense to be burned there.

Since it was on her own estate, Dingxiang didn't feel there was anything wrong with it.

As soon as she left, Peony followed, ready to be at her master's beck and call.

Xu Zhaozhao would touch the fruit trees from time to time, hoping to give them life so that the fruit they grew would be better.

Of course, fruits that ripen in the first half of the year, such as apricots and a batch of peaches that were already ripe last month, will not have this opportunity.

With so many fruit trees, Xu Zhaozhao certainly couldn't personally supply energy to every single one of them; that would exhaust her.

Xu Zhaozhao came here under the guise of Zhuangzi to practice her supernatural abilities.

Hopefully, she will make significant progress this time, ideally leveling up so she won't have to work so hard anymore.

After taking a few steps, Xu Zhaozhao clearly sensed something was wrong. She turned around and saw two burly men dressed in tattered clothes, one of whom had a scruffy beard. What were they planning to do?

Her eyes swept across the room and she noticed that Peony had fainted on the ground. There was no blood on her body, so she should not be dead.

Xu Zhaozhao subconsciously took two steps back: "Who are you? What are you doing in my manor?"

"Hehe, young lady, you are quite beautiful. We brothers are tired from our journey and have come to ask for a cup of water. I wonder if you would be willing to let us try a couple more peaches?"

Xu Zhaozhao noticed that the other person was staring at her lecherously, and she knew what they were up to.

Hearing a noise behind her, she turned around and two more men jumped out. Their attire was slightly different from the previous two, and they looked more like martial arts practitioners.

Xu Zhaozhao squinted. There were fruit trees all around, and if she didn't look up at the sun, she wouldn't be able to tell which way was which. Even if she shouted here, she couldn't guarantee that the guards would come to her rescue in time.

And even if they arrive in time, how can I know what others will think when I'm alone with four burly men?

"Young lady, it's hot. Why don't we take off our clothes and cool off together?"

Four strong men approached her. Xu Zhaozhao appeared panicked, but she was secretly pleased.

She wanted to see who was behind this attack!

boom!

A burly man was the first to collapse to the ground, unconscious.

The other three were stunned; they had never imagined such a possibility!

What direction is this heading?

Xu Zhaozhao's lips curled into a smile, and the intoxicating fragrance intensified. The three burly men couldn't help but take a few deep breaths before collapsing to the ground one after another.

Xu Zhaozhao kicked the burly man closest to her with a look of disgust. This man was clearly skilled, because he was the last to fall, and before he fell, he realized that he had been drugged.

Let's start by taking him down!

Without hesitation, Xu Zhaozhao pulled the short dagger from the man's body and swiftly stabbed it into his palm. The entire movement was swift and decisive!

"what!"