Chapter 129

There's danger ahead, we can't go past!

As soon as she finished speaking, the people around erupted in an uproar.

Even Xiao Er couldn't help exchanging a glance with Xiao Ze.

Danger ahead? Is that for real?

No way, I walk this official road every day; yesterday it was clearly fine!

Could it be that this cow really understands human nature?

Hard to say, hard to say—who's ever seen a cow shed tears?

So, are we still going to travel today?

The crowd was half-believing, half-doubting, and chattered among themselves.

The old farmer glanced at Tuan Tuan, then at the Old Yellow Cow, also half-believing, half-doubting.

After hesitating for a while, he stomped his foot: "Forget it! Old buddy, I trust you, and I trust this little girl! We're not going today!"

As soon as he said that, the Old Yellow Cow, which had been lying on the ground refusing to budge, actually swayed up to its feet and affectionately rubbed its big head against the farmer's arm.

Those around exclaimed in astonishment: "Divine! Truly divine!"

This cow really can understand!

It seems what this little girl said is not false!

We shouldn't go either!

Exactly, exactly! It's just skipping a day's travel—better than losing our lives!

Han Pengfei snorted, pointing his fan at the crowd: "You bunch of ignorant peasants! Actually believing the nonsense of a yellow-haired girl? I, the young master, refuse to believe this evil!"

Upon hearing that, Tuan Tuan broke into a bright smile, clapping her little hands: "Great, great! You've got guts!"

Go ahead, no one's stopping you. It's perfect for you to check whether there's danger ahead—hurry up!

Xiao Ze and Xiao Er, hearing that, smiled and glanced at Tuan Tuan—this little rascal!

Everyone's eyes fell on Han Pengfei.

His retainer behind him whispered a warning: "Young master, better forget it; it's not worth risking your life."

Han Pengfei gave a huff: "What's there to fear? Let's go!" He turned and strode forward.

He gritted his teeth and took a few steps, caught in a bind, but seeing the empty official road ahead, his heart went cold; ultimately he lacked the courage and slunk back, drawing a burst of laughter from the crowd.

"You! You lot wait for me, young master!" Han Pengfei shot a fierce glare at Tuan Tuan, Xiao Er, and the others, then, amid the crowd's mocking laughter, he and his retainers left, faces flushed.

As the sun began to slant westward, the group changed course for the nearest Jiyang Prefecture city, found a clean inn, and settled in.

Mo Zhanggeng pondered: "Since we're not in a hurry to travel, I'll just go visit an old hermit friend and, on the way, inquire about the Sacred Medicine Valley's recent state. Good disciple, let's meet again in the valley."

"Got it, Divine Doctor Grandfather!" Tuan Tuan waved her little hand, "Be careful on the road, and come back quickly to find us!"

Mo Zhanggeng felt warmed by her concern, his whole body relaxed, and he laughed heartily as he departed.

After settling in, Tuan Tuan eagerly dragged Xiao Ze and Xiao Er to explore the bustling main street of the prefecture city.

Everything she saw seemed fresh; she'd point at a sweet cake and say, "I want to eat!" then eye a freshly steamed bun and ask, "Want a taste?" The two beside her naturally had no objection.

While they were happily strolling, a crowd suddenly whooshed forward from ahead, blocking their path.

Leading them was none other than Han Pengfei, whom they had just seen on the official road.

"It's you lot! You made me lose all face today! Beat them—beat them to death!" He gritted his teeth and pointed at Tuan Tuan and the others.

Xiao Ze frowned slightly: "Broad daylight, committing violence in the street—does Jiyang Prefecture have no law?"

Han Pengfei lifted his chin, arrogance blazing: "In Jiyang Prefecture, my Han family is the law!"

Those words made Tuan Tuan instantly think of Murong Qi; she sighed like a little adult: "Third Elder Brother, villains always say the same things—don't they have anything fresh to say?"

Xiao Ze flashed a hint of a smile, then gave a glance to the guards behind him.

The two guards, like tigers among sheep, knocked the rabble to the ground with a few punches and kicks.

Tuan Tuan approached the stunned Han Pengfei: "We saved your life, and you still want to beat us?"

"Second Uncle," she shouted over her shoulder, "beat him!"

Han Pengfei only felt a flash before his eyes; Xiao Er was already in front of him, and he cried out "Ay!" as a heavy punch landed on his belly.

As Xiao Er's fist fell, he sensed something odd, reached out and tore open his outer robe, revealing a finely woven, gleaming gold-thread soft armor.

"Gold-thread soft armor?" Xiao Er blinked, then demanded sternly, "Such a treasure—where did you get it?"

"Gold-thread soft armor?" Tuan Tuan asked curiously, "What is that?"

Xiao Ze explained to her: "It's an extremely precious protective armor, specially woven; once worn, ordinary blades can hardly harm it."

He looked at Han Pengfei: "Where did you get this?"

Although Han Pengfei was alone, seeing they were dressed ordinarily and merely had attendants—just a typical wealthy family—he still showed no fear: "What… what business is it of yours? I'm the son of the prefect! This was bought for me at great expense by my father!"

Tuan Tuan looked at Xiao Ze: "Third Elder Brother, he says his father is the prefect—does a prefect also have to go to war?"

Xiao Ze shook his head: "A prefect governs a region's populace; he's a civil official, no need to fight in war."

Tuan Tuan pointed at Han Pengfei: "Your father doesn't fight in wars, so why buy this? To wear it and bully good people?"

Han Pengfei retorted: "What's it to you? My father has plenty of silver! He's willing to buy it for me! Do you need this little girl to meddle?"

Xiao Ze's face darkened: "A prefect has plenty of silver?"

Upon hearing that, Tuan Tuan immediately told Xiao Er: "Second Uncle, strip off his 'turtle shell'! Then beat him again!"

"Yes!" Xiao Er without hesitation swiftly peeled off the soft armor, tossed it to the guard, who turned and handed it to Tuan Tuan; she played with this never-before-seen rarity, unable to put it down.

Xiao Er's fists fell like rain on Han Pengfei; this time they struck solid flesh, and his wails immediately echoed down the whole street.

The onlookers around all clapped and cheered.

"Hit! Hit hard! It's long overdue!"

"Make him stop being unreasonable day after day!"

"You're being honest this time, right?"

Obviously, everyone has held a grudge against Han Pengfei for a long time.

"Stop! Who dares to commit murder in the streets of Jiyang Prefecture!" an angry shout rang out.

Only see a middle-aged man in official robes, portly, leading a large troop of officials and soldiers rushing over.

At a glance he saw Han Pengfei beaten to a bruised and swollen face, his anger flared instantly, pointing at Tuan Tuan and the others: "Impudent! I am Han Teng, Prefect of Jiyang Prefecture! How dare you disregard the law and commit murder in the streets of Jiyang Prefecture?! Seize them all!"

Xiao Er released his grip, and Han Pengfei scrambled to his father's feet: "Father! Look what they did to me! It hurts to death! Father! Arrest them all and punish them severely!"

Xiao Ze glanced at the Guard, who stepped forward and produced a token, flashing it before Han Teng.

Han Teng glanced at it casually, but as soon as he made out the inscription and pattern on the token, his legs went weak and he collapsed to the ground.

He suddenly knelt upright and kept kowtowing: "I… I, the humble official, greet the Seventh Prince!"