The people of West Cui Mountain saw the wedding party scatter and flee, but did not pursue. They knew these villagers were timid and would not dare return anytime soon. So long as they did not kill them, the villagers would not resist. By the time they worked up the courage to come back, the bandits would already be back on West Cui Mountain, living free and easy.
Inside the bridal sedan, Liu Qian had no idea what was happening. After Liu Yueyue went out, she heard what Zhang Xiaolong said and knew someone had arrived. Then came Zhang Xiaolong's scream. Her heart clenched, and she wanted to come out of the sedan, but village custom dictated that a bride could not remove her red veil before entering the bridal chamber. She hesitated. Then Zhang Xiaolong fell silent, and she heard Zhang Xiaohua scream as well. After that came the shouts of the people from West Cui Mountain. She immediately knew things had gone badly. Gritting her teeth, she tore off her red veil, lifted the sedan curtain, and stepped out.
The first thing she saw was Liu Yueyue's trembling shoulders and West Cui Mountain Boss's lecherous, regret-filled eyes. After being nourished by the Zhang family's well water, Liu Qian was no longer in the same league as Liu Yueyue. Her skin was as smooth and lustrous as jade, her willow-leaf brows held the freshness of spring, and her almond eyes carried a delicate charm. If, a few months ago in Lu Town, the young ruffians had thought her not particularly beautiful, then now she was a true beauty. Especially that still-transforming air about her—it was utterly bewitching, as though an immortal maiden had descended into the mortal world. West Cui Mountain Boss could not help regretting it. This fresh