Chapter 354: Help! Help me!
Chapter 354: Help! Help me!
The two were locked in a stalemate, neither willing to give in, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.
Just then, Pei Yan, who had been silent all along, stepped forward.
He first looked at Fang Xiaoxiao, then at the deputy general, and then slowly said, "Everyone, please calm down. Fang Xiaoxiao's kindness is commendable, and the deputy general's concerns are not without merit."
We might as well imprison these bandits and keep them under strict guard.
At the same time, investigate their crimes and make a decision based on the severity of the offenses. This will both prevent the wrongful execution of innocent people and deter them from committing further crimes.
Pei Yan's words made everyone fall into deep thought.
After a while, Fang Xiaoxiao nodded: "Pei Yan's suggestion is feasible."
We must not let hatred blind us; we must handle this matter in a fair and rational manner.
Although the lieutenant was still dissatisfied, seeing that everyone favored this plan, he had no choice but to compromise for the time being: "Alright, let's proceed with this method for now. But if these bandits make any untoward moves, I will show no mercy!"
Ultimately, the dispute was temporarily resolved through Pei Yan's mediation, and the surrendered bandits were taken to prison, where they would face legal judgment.
Under the blazing sun, the intense sunlight relentlessly poured down on the streets and alleys of Dounan County.
The stone pavement was scorching hot, as if it could fry an egg. The trees along the street drooped their branches and stood there listlessly, and even the occasional breeze could not bring any coolness.
After disguising themselves, Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan, dressed in simple coarse cloth clothes, blended into the bustling county town.
Their faces were carefully groomed, plain and unremarkable, and attracted no attention from others.
The two had just walked out of the pharmacy. Fang Xiaoxiao was clutching the packet of herbs she had just picked up tightly in her hand, and fine beads of sweat were seeping from her forehead.
Pei Yan looked wary, his eyes scanning the surrounding crowd from time to time.
As I passed the pastry shop with its sweet aroma, the peaceful street was suddenly shattered by a sharp cry for help.
A young woman, dressed in tattered clothes, rushed out of the shop like a frightened fawn.
Her hair was disheveled and fell over her shoulders. Her face was filled with fear and despair, and tears and sweat mingled together, making her look even more miserable.
"Help! Help me!" The woman's voice, filled with endless terror, echoed in the sweltering air.
Fang Xiaoxiao looked in the direction of the sound, and her sense of justice was instantly ignited. She took a step forward unconsciously, her eyes filled with determination.
Pei Yan sensed the danger immediately and reached out with lightning speed to grab Fang Xiaoxiao's arm tightly.
"Xiao Xiao, don't be impulsive!" Pei Yan's voice was low and urgent. "Our identities are special right now, we can't act rashly. Once we're exposed, all our previous plans will be in vain."
Fang Xiaoxiao forcefully broke free from Pei Yan's grasp, glaring angrily at him: "Pei Yan, didn't you see that woman is being persecuted? How can we just stand by and watch her die!"
Pei Yan frowned deeply, his face full of anxiety: "Xiao Xiao, I know your feelings, but we have a greater mission on our shoulders. If we expose our identities because of a momentary impulse, we will not only fail to save her, but also put more people in danger."
Fang Xiaoxiao's chest heaved violently, her voice trembling slightly with anger: "Pei Yan, I don't care about any mission! I only know that there is an innocent woman in front of me who needs our help. If we choose to stand by and do nothing, how are we any different from those wicked bandits?"
Pei Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of helplessness: "Xiao Xiao, why don't you understand? It's not that we don't want to save her, but we have to weigh the pros and cons. Taking action now will only put us in a desperate situation."
Fang Xiaoxiao glared at Pei Yan and shouted, "Pei Yan, is your so-called weighing of pros and cons just a disregard for an innocent life? I can't do that!"
A crowd began to gather, watching the two arguing fiercely with curiosity. But in this chaotic world, most people simply observed from afar, not daring to intervene easily.
Pei Yan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down: "Xiao Xiao, calm down. It's not that we don't want to save her, but we just need to think of a more comprehensive solution."
"Complete plan? By the time you come up with a complete plan, that woman will probably have already met with a terrible fate!" Fang Xiaoxiao's voice was filled with deep disappointment. "Pei Yan, I always thought you were a responsible and righteous person, but I never expected you to be so cowardly and afraid of trouble at this crucial moment!"
Pei Yan's face turned extremely ugly, and his voice rose a few decibels: "Fang Xiaoxiao, don't be unreasonable! I'm doing this for the greater good."
"The bigger picture? In my opinion, the life of this woman in front of me is the biggest picture!" Fang Xiaoxiao's eyes glistened with tears. "Pei Yan, I must save her today, even if it means going alone!"
After saying that, Fang Xiaoxiao ignored Pei Yan and turned to run towards the woman.
Pei Yan watched her resolute back, his heart filled with conflict and helplessness. In the end, he gritted his teeth and followed her.
The three bandits continued their relentless pursuit, uttering vicious threats.
Fang Xiaoxiao moved with lightning speed, instantly blocking the woman's path. She glared at the three bandits and shouted angrily, "How dare you abduct a woman in broad daylight! Have you no regard for the law?!"
The three bandits were taken aback at first, but when they saw Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan's attire, they burst into unrestrained laughter.
"Haha, where did this fool come from, daring to ruin Grandpa's plans!"
Fang Xiaoxiao snorted coldly, said no more nonsense, and attacked directly. Her moves were fierce, and she was instantly engaged in combat with a bandit. Pei Yan also joined the fray without hesitation.
Chaos erupted in the streets. Dust filled the air, and shouts of battle filled the air. Fang Xiaoxiao and Pei Yan, working in perfect harmony, quickly gained the upper hand.
In the end, the three bandits were beaten black and blue and fled in a sorry state.
Fang Xiaoxiao walked up to the woman and gently comforted her, "Miss, don't be afraid, it's all over now."
The woman wept uncontrollably, repeatedly expressing her gratitude.
At this moment, Pei Yan walked to Fang Xiaoxiao's side and said helplessly, "Xiaoxiao, we're probably in trouble this time."
Fang Xiaoxiao raised her head and said firmly, "Even if there is trouble, I will never regret it."
After saying that, the three of them hurriedly left this place of trouble.
Under the scorching sun, the streets and alleys of Dounan County seemed to have turned into a giant steamer. The air itself was distorted and ethereal, and the heat rising from the stone pavement made one feel as if they were in a sea of fire.
Fang Xiaoxiao led the woman and Pei Yan as they ran wildly through the maze-like streets and alleys. Their footsteps, like rapid drumbeats, broke the suffocating heat.
Fang Xiaoxiao's face was covered in sweat, which slid down her delicate face, which was slightly distorted by nervousness, and soaked her collar.
Her eyes were filled with fear and determination. She kept glancing back, afraid that the vicious bandits would catch up with her at any moment.
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