Earlier, the soldiers had treated the quarrel among the women as free entertainment and had no intention of intervening. Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, it would escalate into a death?
Though it was only an insignificant maid, the number of people being escorted was recorded. When they arrived, they would have to explain the loss.
Moreover, these women had long been regarded as spoils in their eyes. Now, such a young and beautiful girl had died for nothing—how could they not be displeased?
As they approached, the long blades at their waists glinted sharply in the sunlight.
Seeing them come forward, the second aunt regained some confidence.
Though she was only a concubine-born daughter of a Vice Minister of Revenue, she had been the only daughter in the household. The main wife had no legitimate daughter, so she had been somewhat favored.
When the Ren family was confiscated, her natal family couldn’t help much, but they had spent a considerable amount of silver to grease the palms of these soldiers, asking them to show some leniency.
Thus, although exiled like the others, the women of the Ren family had it somewhat easier.
“Officer, this girl dared to kill in public—so bold and lawless! Please act quickly. If you subdue her, I, as her second aunt, will allow you to deal with her as you wish.”
The second aunt stepped forward with a flattering smile, her tone ingratiating.
Times had changed—once, she wouldn’t even spare these men a glance. Now she had to bow and scrape.
“Explain what happened.”
No one paid her any attention. A man stepped forward from the soldiers—his attire slightly different, clearly their leader.
His expression was gloomy as he stared at Ren Jingshu, waiting for her explanation.
“What should I explain?”
She seemed entirely unconcerned, glancing at him lazily and spreading her hands.
“Didn’t you all hear earlier? She said she had no face to live and wanted to hang herself. I’m such a considerate person—of course I helped fulfill her wish. I only lent a small hand.”
The leader was momentarily speechless, nearly laughing in anger.
“So by that logic, she should thank you?”
“That’s unnecessary.”
Ren Jingshu brushed aside a strand of hair, speaking generously:
“Do good deeds without asking for reward. I only hope that in her next life, she’ll keep her eyes open and not end up serving a master who treats servants as expendable tools.”
At these words, everyone’s gaze shifted toward the second aunt.
Thinking about it, it made sense—if not for her orders, why would a maid like Lüyi have dared oppose the eldest miss?
“What do you mean by that?”
The second aunt, feeling the stares, grew angry and embarrassed.
“She’s my personal maid. Isn’t it only right for her to do my bidding?”
Exactly—a servant bound by contract. What did her life or death matter?
“Enough!”
The captain barked, pointing at Ren Jingshu.
“No matter what, you killed someone without cause. You’re already an exile—this only adds to your crimes!”
He had seen everything earlier but had chosen to ignore it after taking the second aunt’s money.
But as for the two girls of the main branch—he had no intention of letting them off.
After all, someone had paid handsomely for them to be “well taken care of” along the journey.
“You—go bring the shackles and cangue.”
He ordered a few soldiers, then glared coldly at Ren Jingshu.
“We spared you before because you’re women. But since you refuse to behave and even killed someone, don’t blame us for being harsh.”
The soldiers acknowledged and headed toward the nearby woods.
Ren Jingshu glanced over and noticed a group of people hidden among the trees—more exiled women, judging by their clothes. It seemed the Ren family wasn’t the only one being sent to Lingnan.
Even now, seeing her calm and unafraid, the soldiers didn’t know what to make of her.
The cangue was made of solid wood—heavy and cumbersome. The shackles were iron, restricting movement, making even eating and relieving oneself difficult.
These were usually reserved for hardened criminals. For women, even the journey without them was exhausting.
With them on, reaching Lingnan would be nearly impossible.
The soldiers returned quickly, carrying the restraints.
You wretched girl—let’s see how arrogant you are now.
The second aunt’s eyes gleamed with malicious delight.
Lüyi had been her trusted maid for years—her death was like losing an arm. How could she not resent it?
“Put them on.”
At the captain’s command, the soldiers approached Ren Jingshu.
“Come on, behave and you’ll suffer less. Otherwise, don’t blame us for being rough.”
One of them grinned lewdly, licking his lips as he looked her over.
Such a beauty—even touching her a few times would be worth remembering.
Disgust flared within Ren Jingshu.
She had planned to take things slowly—but his gaze made her skin crawl.
Enough was enough.
As he drew closer, her expression shifted into a strange smile.
The soldier felt a sudden unease, hesitating for a moment—
Then a powerful force slammed into him.
Pain exploded in his chest as he was sent flying, catching only a glimpse of her withdrawing foot.
With a heavy thud, he landed several meters away at the captain’s feet.
“You dare!”
The captain’s face turned icy. Stepping back, he waved his hand.
“Men, attack! Take her down, and she’s yours to enjoy. Let’s see what a noble lady feels like—hahaha!”
The soldiers burst into laughter, drawing their blades and surrounding her.
No matter how strong she was, she was still just a slender woman. How could she stand against so many men?
Ren Jingshu let out a cold laugh. Stepping forward, she grabbed the iron shackles and swung them toward the captain.
“Ah!”
A scream rang out as blood splattered across the ground.