Chapter 42

"Sure, sure, Uncle Wang, you've thought it through. I really should have considered this. However, when it comes to erudite people, no one in the entire Songjiang Prefecture can match you, Uncle. I just wonder if you have the time to help your nephew with this matter?" Zhou Zhong said with a look of shame, but in his heart, he was somewhat resentful. In the past, others would beg him to borrow books, but now, he was the one begging someone to read his manuscript.

Seeing Zhou Zhong so compliant, Wang Lun was overjoyed. He had recently finished reading the first ten chapters of "Journey to the West," and his mind was filled with the characters and plot developments. He even couldn't eat or sleep well, and everything he did felt lackluster. Now, he could finally get the next part of the manuscript from Zhou Zhong, which immediately dispelled his anger. He also found Zhou Zhong, his prospective son-in-law, much more appealing.

As they walked and talked, they moved farther away from the merit stele. Wang Lun, having obtained the manuscript, became much more amiable towards Zhou Zhong and even took the initiative to inquire about his recent situation. Suddenly, Wang Lun asked, "Wenda, although the Zhou family's business has declined, it's not your fault. You've already paid off your debts and can support your family with your own abilities, which brings great comfort to your uncle. However, you are a scholar, and you must not neglect your studies. In four years, when the provincial examination takes place, you must pass and become a juren. Then you will realize that what your family has lost is nothing compared to the prestige of an official title!"

Hearing Wang Lun's suggestion to take the provincial examination in four years, Zhou Zhong felt a headache. Given his current situation, he doubted he could even pass the regular exams at the prefectural school. Moreover, through direct and indirect interactions, Zhou Zhong had gained some understanding of the Ming Dynasty's bureaucracy. He believed that with his personality, even if he passed the juren examination and entered the bureaucracy, he would likely not have a good outcome.

Although he was reluctant, Zhou Zhong did not dare to show it in front of Wang Lun. He could only nod in agreement, but in his heart, he was secretly planning. In four years, he would probably already be married to Wang Lun's daughter. By then, the situation would be irreversible, and Wang Lun could do whatever he wanted!

Although this seemed rather unscrupulous, it allowed Zhou Zhong to finally relax. He also thought that four years was neither a long nor a short time. Who knew what might happen during this period? As the saying goes, "When the road ahead is blocked, there will always be a way out." Everything would depend on how the situation developed.

Wang Lun and Zhou Zhong strolled along, and the road ahead took a turn. The merit stele was no longer in sight, and the road was lined with withered trees. There were no pedestrians or vehicles on the road.

Seeing the desolate scene, Wang Lun felt that he had talked enough with Zhou Zhong and was about to suggest they return. However, at that moment, a carriage suddenly came racing from a distance. If it were just a carriage, it wouldn't have caught Wang Lun and Zhou Zhong's attention, but what caught their eye was that four armed men were chasing the carriage.

Normally, a carriage would be hard to catch, but the road was covered with snow, which slowed it down. Additionally, the driver was a novice and couldn't control the carriage. The four men, on the other hand, were swift and agile, and the distance between them and the carriage was closing rapidly. They were about to catch up to the carriage.

"Help! Bandits are robbing us! Help!" The small, thin figure driving the carriage saw Wang Lun and Zhou Zhong ahead and immediately shouted for help. Despite the fear in her voice, it was clear and unmistakably that of a woman.

"Rascals, to rob in broad daylight, you are truly audacious!" Wang Lun, a man of integrity, who was unafraid even of Liu Jin, the leader of the Eight Tigers, naturally stepped forward with righteous indignation, hoping to scare the bandits away with his authority.

The small, thin figure driving the carriage saw the old man step forward and immediately showed a look of relief, trying her best to control the carriage so as not to hit Wang Lun. Unfortunately, she was small and weak, and being a woman, she couldn't control the horses. In the end, just a few yards from Wang Lun, the carriage's lead horse stumbled, and the carriage plunged into the snow.

The four pursuers, seeing someone interfering, were initially startled. However, when they realized there were only two people, an old man and a young man, and that they were both scholars, they became even more brazen. They were delighted when they saw the carriage plunge into the snow. One of the men rushed over and cut the reins to prevent the carriage from escaping.

"Rascals, didn't you hear me? To rob in broad daylight, do you have any respect for the law?" Wang Lun stepped in front of the carriage, pointing at the four bandits and scolding them angrily.

The four men were ragged and looked like refugees, but they were all strong and healthy, with ruddy complexions, unlike the pale, gaunt faces of typical refugees. Seeing them, Wang Lun guessed that these were the notorious bandits he had heard about.

Wang Lun had heard of the brutal acts of these bandits. Seeing the four men with weapons, he felt a sense of unease, but as a scholar, he had a sense of integrity that would not be swayed by force. Therefore, he stood firm and glared at the four bandits.

"Ha! You old fool, you have some nerve to interfere with our business. Are you tired of living?" The leader of the bandits was short but extremely strong. As he spoke, a cruel smile appeared on his oily face. They had long since abandoned all propriety to survive. On their journey from Shandong to Songjiang, he had killed countless people. He didn't mind adding one more.

Seeing the cruel smile on the leader's face, Wang Lun felt a chill run down his spine. He also regretted not bringing more servants when he and Zhou Zhong came out. Now, with only the two of them, they were no match for the four bandits.

Zhou Zhong! Where is Zhou Zhong? At this moment, Wang Lun suddenly realized that Zhou Zhong, who had been following him, was nowhere to be seen. At first, he didn't believe it and turned to confirm, but Zhou Zhong was indeed gone.

Seeing Wang Lun looking around, the four bandits laughed. The short, strong leader pointed his knife at Wang Lun's chest and gasped, "Old... old man, stop looking. The young man who was with you has already fled into the forest. He's probably at home now, hugging his quilt and shivering in bed. Hahaha!"

"Ungrateful and heartless scoundrel! I was blind to entrust my daughter to such a person!" Wang Lun felt a deep pain. He had always had a high opinion of Zhou Zhong's character and talent, especially after the Zhou family's decline. Zhou Zhong's performance had surprised him, and his writing of "Journey to the West" had made Wang Lun even more impressed. But in this critical moment, Zhou Zhong had abandoned him and fled, which deeply hurt Wang Lun.

"Old man, we're in a good mood today, and since you're a scholar, if you step aside, we'll spare your life. Otherwise, don't blame us for being ruthless!" The bandit leader said. He wasn't stupid. From Wang Lun's attire and demeanor, he guessed that Wang Lun was a person of some importance. Killing such a person could anger the authorities and cause unnecessary trouble, so he spoke this way.

Although Wang Lun was afraid, his sense of integrity as a scholar did not allow him to back down. He straightened his chest and said, "Humph, I have served as a censor of the third rank and have many connections in the capital. If you don't want to face the wrath of the authorities, you'd better leave now. Otherwise, you'll regret it!"

Wang Lun had revealed his last card, hoping to use his status as a high-ranking official to scare the bandits away. Even the most vicious bandits would not dare to openly oppose the authorities, let alone kill an official, which would be tantamount to rebellion. Most people wouldn't have the nerve to do it.

However, Wang Lun had clearly underestimated the bandits' audacity. They had killed countless people and even resorted to cannibalism when starving. They also harbored a deep resentment towards the authorities. Hearing that Wang Lun had been an official, their hatred was immediately aroused.

The short, strong leader's eyes widened, and he let out a strange laugh, "Hehehe, I've killed many people, but none of them were officials. Today, I'll start with you, and it will be a treat!"

Hearing the leader's words, the other three bandits laughed heartily. They had long lost their fear of the authorities and were excited at the prospect of killing an official.

Seeing the bandits' reaction, Wang Lun felt utterly hopeless. It seemed he was doomed today. However, dying to save someone was a noble cause, and at least he would die upholding his sense of justice. With this thought, Wang Lun's face showed determination, and he closed his eyes, still blocking the carriage.

The bandit leader, seeing Wang Lun's refusal to back down, was enraged. Without another word, he raised his knife and was about to strike Wang Lun's neck.

"Stop!" At that moment, a loud voice came from the forest on the right side of the road. A figure rushed out of the forest and, before the short, strong leader could react, hit him with a hard, cold object. The leader felt a sharp pain and was knocked back several steps, landing in the snow and unable to get up.

---

(End of the page)