It was Wen Yaxian's father who spoke, quickly stepping out into the courtyard to shield his daughter.
Surrounded by fierce bandits, he was filled with fear, yet he stood his ground.
However, when he saw the ruthless glint in the bandit leader's eyes, his bravado crumbled.
"L-leader, my daughter is simple and unrefined. She's not worthy of a hero like you," he stammered.
The leader's small eyes narrowed, and he smiled a sinister smile. "Father-in-law, how can you say that? Your daughter saved my life. It's only right that I repay her by marrying her."
"Brothers, don't you agree?" the leader shouted.
Understanding their leader's intentions, the bandits roared with laughter and echoed, "Marry her! Marry her! Marry her..."
The villagers hiding inside their homes were furious. This wasn't repaying a debt; it was blatant kidnapping!
"Father-in-law, don't you think I'm a suitable match?" The leader's smile carried a threatening undertone.
Wen Yaxian's father, terrified, realized he couldn't protect his daughter.
Just then, Wen Yaxian's mother stepped out.
"Leader, my daughter may not be a lady of noble birth, but she's a pure maiden. If you truly wish to marry her, there's an auspicious date in seven days. You can come with a grand procession and marry her properly, saving any gossip about you not knowing etiquette."
The leader, stroking his goatee, smiled broadly. "Mother-in-law, you are wise and understanding. I'll do as you say. In seven days, I'll come with a grand procession to marry your daughter."
He turned to his second-in-command. "Leave a squad to protect my future bride."
"Understood," the second-in-command replied, knowing it was more about surveillance than protection.
The matter settled, the leader and his men left, leaving a squad behind to guard the village, blocking all exits.
Wen Yaxian stood in the yard, lost and unsure what to do. She didn't want to marry the leader but knew refusing him could spell disaster for the village.
Her father, however, was less understanding. "Wife, how could you agree to let our daughter marry that bandit?" he demanded, his face red with anger.
Wen Yaxian's mother glared at him. He was too stubborn to understand.
Ignoring him, she took Wen Yaxian's hand and led her inside.
"Daughter, do you blame me for making this decision?" she asked softly.
Wen Yaxian shook her head expressionlessly. She knew there was no better choice at the time.
But the thought of marrying that lecherous bandit leader filled her with despair.
Her mother noticed her distress. "Daughter, I know a hidden path that can help you escape the village."
Wen Yaxian was stunned. Her mother had arranged this time so she could escape!
Her eyes filled with tears as she leaned into her mother's embrace.
After a long while, she lifted her head, her eyes determined. "Mother, I won't run."
Her mother sighed. "You're worried the bandits will harm the villagers if you flee, aren't you?"
Wen Yaxian nodded. "If I run, they won't spare anyone."
She had considered getting everyone to escape, but the bandits would notice and prevent it.
Moreover, her parents likely intended to stay behind to cover her escape.
If she left, the leader would vent his anger on the village.
The bandits were ruthless. She couldn't gamble with their lives.
Her mother sighed. "Daughter, I wish you could live for yourself. If you hadn't stepped up to save the leader, the village would have been massacred."
"You don't owe anyone anything."
Wen Yaxian shook her head. "The villagers have always been kind to me. If I abandon them, I'd be no better than an animal."
Her mother, seeing her resolve, felt a deep pain for her kind-hearted daughter. She had no choice but to accept her decision.
After leaving her mother's room, Wen Yaxian wiped her tears, adjusted her emotions, and entered Xiao Fan's room with a forced smile.
"Xiao Fan, let's continue with the medical knowledge," she said, trying to sound cheerful.
Xiao Fan, seeing her distraction and recalling the recent events, said seriously, "If you don't want to marry that leader, I can help you escape."
Though not fully recovered, he could handle a few bandits.
"Thank you, but I've decided not to leave," Wen Yaxian replied with a bitter smile.
Xiao Fan, understanding her concerns, didn't press the issue and resumed their study.
He silently vowed to keep this matter in mind. Wen Yaxian was a kind girl and had saved his life. He wouldn't let her suffer alone.