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"Brother Lu is generous in spirit, yet meticulous in detail," Nangong Shuang whispered to Xiao Zhongyan as the carriage set off. "I wonder what your relationship is with him, that he cares for you so much."
Xiao Zhongyan smiled slightly. "Brother Lu is a hero of the rivers and lakes, specializing in silk, tea, and other goods. Previously, I escorted my father on a journey and encountered danger on the road; fortunately, Brother Lu saved us. Since then, we have become friends and often keep in touch."
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment. "It seems you have quite a network in the rivers and lakes."
"Just a bit of thin favor," Xiao Zhongyan humbly replied, then lowered his voice. "However, this journey seems suspicious. Normally, a large caravan like Brother Lu's wouldn't choose the Chongshan Gorge route. The terrain there is treacherous, and mountain bandits often lurk about."
Nangong Shuang became alert. "Could it be a trap?"
"Not likely," Xiao Zhongyan shook his head. "Brother Lu is straightforward and wouldn't set up traps to harm others. But this trip is indeed unusual; we need to be extra cautious."
Nangong Shuang nodded and took out a small vial from her sleeve, saying softly, "Better safe than sorry. I have prepared several kinds of medicinal powders just in case."
The caravan moved slowly forward, the scenery along the way picturesque. In the distance, green mountains stretched endlessly, while nearby streams babbled gently. Occasionally, wild deer leaped through the woods, truly refreshing the spirit.
After noon, the caravan entered the mountainous area where the roads gradually became narrow and rugged. The peaks on both sides towered high, with dense trees blocking out much of the sunlight, making the path significantly darker.
"This is Chongshan Gorge," Xiao Zhongyan said as he looked at the increasingly constricted mountain path, his brow furrowed. "The next ten miles are all perilous mountain roads; a moment's carelessness could lead to disaster."
Nangong Shuang also sensed a tense atmosphere. The guards of the caravan were on high alert, hands resting on their weapons as they scanned the surrounding woods vigilantly.
Lu Tong rode up beside their carriage and lowered his voice. "Xiao Xian-di, there may be something wrong ahead. I just sent someone to scout the path and found new footprints and horse droppings; it seems someone might be lying in wait."
"Mountain bandits?" Xiao Zhongyan's expression turned serious.
"Very likely," Lu Tong nodded. "I've ordered our men to prepare; if we are indeed ambushed, I have plans in place. But Nangong Shuang is a woman; she might be in danger."
Nangong Shuang smiled calmly. "Brother Lu need not worry; though I am a woman, I am not without strength."
Before Lu Tong could respond further, an urgent whistle suddenly rang out from ahead!
"Not good! There's an ambush!" Lu Tong's expression changed as he drew his short blade. "Everyone be careful!"
Before he finished speaking, shouts erupted from the hillside as over a dozen armed mountain bandits charged out from both sides of the forest towards the caravan!
"Protect the goods!" Lu Tong shouted as he led the guards into battle.
Though the caravan guards were elite fighters, they were outnumbered by the mountain bandits who held the advantage of terrain; for a moment, they found it difficult to hold their ground. Seeing the situation becoming critical, Xiao Zhongyan drew his long sword and prepared to join the fight.
"Wait." Nangong Shuang held him back. "Something is amiss. Though there are many mountain bandits, they don't seem to be targeting the goods." She pointed to a burly man with a thick beard standing on the hillside who was not rushing into battle but watching coldly with his gaze fixed on their carriage.
"That should be the Thief Leader," Xiao Zhongyan whispered. "It seems this ambush may be aimed at us."
Nangong Shuang pondered for a moment before suddenly making a decision. "Stay here, I have a plan." Without waiting for Xiao Zhongyan to respond, she lifted the curtain of the carriage and gracefully leaped down. This action immediately caught the attention of the Mountain Bandit Leader, whose eyes flashed with surprise before breaking into a sinister grin.
"Stop!" the Thief Leader shouted, and the Mountain Bandits immediately ceased their attacks.
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