The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 701: Lure the snake out of its hole (Part 2)

The higher they climbed, the more difficult the path became. The women, who had initially been full of enthusiasm, were now panting and sweating profusely, and had to sit down and rest every now and then.

After more than an hour, the lone traveler finally reached the location of the spruce tree. Lin Daiyu sat down next to a rock, panting, and said, "I can't go on anymore. You can go now. I'll just sit here and wait."

Xue Baochai was also exhausted, but she still encouraged them, "We're almost there. Let's rest for a while before continuing. How can we give up halfway?"

"Sister Lin, let me carry you for a while." Jia Huan squatted down in front of Daiyu and said. In fact, it was already quite unexpected that Lin Daiyu could persevere to this point. If it were the sickly Lin Daiyu in the original novel, it would have been impossible.

Lin Daiyu felt a surge of sweetness in her heart, but she still stubbornly said, "No need, let me rest for a while before I go."

After resting for the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, the group recovered some of their strength and continued through the spruce forest. Sure enough, a wide alpine meadow appeared before them, surrounded by mountains on three sides. The ground was covered with stones, and wild grasses grew out from between the pebbles of all sizes, forming a large and unique landscape. There were also clusters of yellow-green exotic flowers emerging from between the stones, standing gracefully and crystal clear like jade, stretching as far as the eye could see and extending to the vicinity of the glacier in the distance.

"Wow, these are snow lotuses? They're so beautiful!" The women were all overjoyed, as if all their fatigue had vanished, and they all stepped forward to admire these rare creatures up close.

To be honest, the snow lotus isn't particularly beautiful in terms of appearance, but it's rare to grow in such a high-altitude, cold region. Imagine, surrounded by monotonous black rocks, with snow-capped mountains and glaciers as a backdrop, those clusters of flowers blooming proudly in the cold and snow—what a visual impact that would be! How breathtakingly beautiful!
Jia Huan had seen snow lotus flowers in his previous life, so he remained relatively calm, simply standing there smiling as he watched the women marvel at them, flitting among the snow lotus flowers like colorful butterflies.

At this moment, Dong Dao leaped down from the height like a nimble leopard and quickly arrived in front of Jia Huan, holding a particularly thick snow lotus in his hand, as big as a washbasin.

Jia Huan gave Dong Dao a questioning look, but Dong Dao casually shook his head, indicating he hadn't found anything. Jia Huan relaxed slightly, pointed to the snow lotus in Dong Dao's hand, and asked, "Where did you get this? It's quite nice!"

Dong Dao laughed and said, "In that patch of ice and snow up there, there was a single plant that was thicker and more translucent than this one, so I picked it and presented it to the Governor."

After Dong Dao finished speaking, he handed the snow lotus to Jia Huan with both hands. The latter gladly accepted it. At this moment, all the women saw it and curiously gathered around, marveling at it. The snow lotus in Jia Huan's hand was several times larger than the others, and it had a wonderful fragrance. It was truly a rare sight.

Ayina exclaimed in surprise, "This is the finest snow lotus, and it's not common. It usually grows in the most dangerous and secluded places on mountain peaks, and even if ordinary people see it, they may not be able to pick it." She then glanced at Dong Dao.

The women were even more intrigued upon hearing this, and took turns admiring it. In the end, they carefully wrapped it in a gauze scarf, presumably intending to take it back to soak in wine for someone to use as a tonic.

Jia Huan vaguely guessed Daiyu's intentions and couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. However, he was also puzzled. His body was perfectly healthy and he was full of energy. He could have sex several times a night without any problem, but Ping'er, Mandarin, and Qingwen had all failed to conceive.

Jia Huan was somewhat distracted when a wisp of mountain mist blew in from the other side of the valley, like a white veil, instantly attracting everyone's attention. Soon, the mist quickly drifted to them, a hazy white expanse that felt cool to the touch.

Fortunately, this is in the north. If it were in the deep mountains and forests of the south, this stuff would most likely be poisonous miasma. But the mountain mist here is just condensed water vapor. It comes and goes quickly. Once the mist passes, the sky above is once again blue sky and white clouds, snow-capped mountains and strange peaks, which is amazing.

"The bright moon rises over the Tianshan Mountains, amidst the vast sea of ​​clouds. If there were a moon tonight, what a magnificent sight that would be!" Daiyu exclaimed.

Xueyan tightened her crimson cloak and laughed, "If it were late at night, it would probably be even colder here. Who would be in the mood to recite poetry? These poets are so boring!"

Everyone laughed, and then continued to admire the flowers. Zijuan and Ying'er opened the curtain and spread it on the ground, and then placed cushions and fruits on it. Everyone sat on the ground and chatted and admired the flowers in this beautiful scenery, which was extremely pleasant.

Jia Huan strolled to the edge of the glacier and found some snow lotuses growing in the snow. Surrounded by ice and snow, the yellow-green petals looked even more crystal clear and lovely.

Jia Huan bent down and gently brushed away the surface snow, trying to pluck a snow lotus. A stone next to him caught his attention. He picked it up and took a closer look, only to find that it was a piece of jade. The outer layer of the stone was broken, and the jade inside was clearly visible.

"This is Xiuyan jade, the lowest quality kind, it's not worth much!" A voice suddenly rang out from behind.

Jia Huan turned around and saw that Shan Ba ​​was standing two meters behind him, staring straight at him. His left hand was habitually on the hilt of the curved knife at his waist. His tall figure and strong muscles made him look like a lion ready to pounce.

Jia Huan calmly retorted, "You know about jade too?"

A hint of confusion flashed in Shanba's eyes. Jia Huan's composure surprised and annoyed him, because no one could remain calm when he deliberately released hostility.

"I not only understand jade, but I also understand killing. This curved knife of mine is incredibly sharp and can cut a person in two with a single stroke," Shanba said proudly, patting the hilt of his knife.

Jia Huan smiled and said, "I kill people without a knife, and we Han people have a saying—'A dog that bites doesn't bark.' I wonder if you've heard of it?"

Shan Ba ​​was taken aback for a moment, then realized what he meant and angrily retorted, "You're calling me a dog?"

Jia Huan shook his head and said, "That's not true, don't misunderstand!"

Shaanba was filled with rage. He gripped the hilt of his knife, his expression shifting. He had only intended to frighten Jia Huan, but now he couldn't help but feel a surge of murderous intent. Just as he hesitated, Ayina, who was some distance away, seemed to sense something was wrong and quickly walked over, calling out, "Shaanba!"

Shanba then released his grip on the knife hilt, snorted coldly, and turned to face Ayina. Jia Huan quietly tucked the flintlock pistol hidden in his left sleeve and engaged the safety.

"Shaba, what were you doing just now?" Ayina questioned Shaba in a low voice. The latter shook his head and said, "Nothing, just scaring that kid a little. This guy stole our palace treasury's treasures. He's really despicable."

Upon hearing this, Ayina frowned her delicate eyebrows and said, "Shaanba, don't do anything rash. If Jia Huan gets hurt, we won't survive either!"

Shanba nodded helplessly and said, "Of course I know, and I'm not that stupid. There are more than three thousand Jin soldiers in Hami City right now."

Ayina glanced at Jia Huan, who was smiling in the distance, hesitated for a moment, and then walked over. Although she was reluctant, she still apologized, saying, "The people of Shaanxi are rude, and their Mandarin is not very good. They often fail to express themselves clearly. If they have offended you, please forgive them, Lord Jia."

Jia Huan smiled nonchalantly and said, "He didn't offend me. Princess Ayina is overthinking it."

Ayi County initially had a bad impression of Jia Huan, but seeing how magnanimous the other party was, her dislike for him lessened. Seeing that Jia Huan was holding a stone, she warned him, "Don't go any further. The ice near the snow line is very thin. If there is a deep pit below, you will either die or be seriously injured if you fall in."

Jia Huan's heart skipped a beat. This little girl actually had a kind heart. He smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Princess Ayina!"

Bang... Suddenly a gunshot rang out, followed by a scream that echoed through the valley. Ayina and Jia Huan were both startled; the former drew her curved knife and looked around warily.

bang bang bang...

Gunshots rang out like popping beans, interspersed with the twang of bowstrings and the sound of arrows piercing the air, accompanied by shouts of battle and screams of agony.

"Kill him! Kill Jia Huan!"

"Kill the corrupt Han Chinese official!"

Suddenly, a group of people rushed down from the side of the ridge, wielding gleaming curved knives, running and leaping among the rocks like a pack of predatory wolves.

"Enemy attack! Protect the master!" Dong Dao shouted, leading several brothers straight towards Jia Huan, while Fan Jian led another group of brothers to protect the ladies, including Daiyu and Baochai.

The guards on the high ground opened fire and shot arrows, killing the enemies who rushed down the ridge. Meanwhile, even more intense gunfire and shouts of battle came from the foot of the mountain, clearly indicating that a fiercer battle was taking place there.

At this moment, seven or eight enemies finally rushed forward. Dong Dao sneered and rushed forward to finish them off. His waist knife gleamed like cold autumn water, and he instantly killed one of them. The other guards also stepped forward and began to fight the enemies one by one.

Ayina and Shanba stood back to back, holding knives and looking around warily. They were clearly bewildered by the sudden change and didn't know what was going on.

Although Jia Huan's expression was cold and stern, he remained calmly standing in place. The enemies were clearly coming for him and did not attack the ladies, such as Daiyu and Baochai, in the distance. Instead, they rushed towards him recklessly.

At this moment, an enemy broke through the guards' line of defense and rushed towards Jia Huan, yelling strangely.

Seeing that Jia Huan was still standing there "foolishly" without moving, Ayina assumed that this refined fellow was too scared to move. After hesitating for a moment, she finally shouted and rushed forward to block the enemy.

The young girl was quite skilled; she wielded a curved knife with a gleaming light and fought the burly man opposite her with equal skill, her two braids flying up and down with each step.

At this moment, another enemy rushed up. Shanba originally wanted to see how Jia Huan would make a fool of himself, but he was worried that Ayina would get hurt, so he could only go forward to help.

It must be said that Shanba was indeed very skilled. He quickly wounded the enemy and then kicked him away. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the enemy landed right in front of Jia Huan.

thump……

The enemy was dazed and confused, his thighs covered in blood, but upon seeing Jia Huan so close, he endured the pain, got up, and viciously lunged at Jia Huan with his knife.

A hint of schadenfreude flashed in Shanba's eyes, and he deliberately slowed his pursuit. Ayina was shocked. Although she was dissatisfied with Jia Huan, she did not want anything to happen to him, especially not today, because it would be difficult to explain if that eunuch Duan Yong were to investigate. So she shouted and swung her knife several times, forcefully forcing back the enemy in front of her. Then she leaped forward, her body almost taut.

With a soft thud, Ayina's curved blade pierced the back of the enemy who lunged at Jia Huan, instantly passing through his chest.

Jia Huan was slightly taken aback, then clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for your help, Princess Ayina!"

Ayina's move had taken a heavy toll; she was still panting heavily after drawing her scimitar and hadn't had time to recover when another enemy, eyes red with rage, pounced on her and delivered a fatal blow to her head!
"Ayina, watch out!" Shanba was terrified, but it was too late to rescue her.

--when!

Ayina barely managed to raise her knife to block, but with a loud crash, the already exhausted Ayina was struck and staggered backward, crashing headfirst into Jia Huan's arms, the knife falling from her hand.

Caught off guard, Jia Huan was knocked backward and fell into the snow along with Ayina.

"Die!" The enemy leaped forward and unleashed a powerful, single-handed strike, attempting to kill both men with a single blow.

Ayina was terrified, thinking she was doomed. Just when things were at their worst, she suddenly felt a tightness around her waist. It turned out that Jia Huan had grabbed her and rolled her to the side.

The enemy missed his target with his sword, and due to the excessive force, he fell face-first into the snow. At that moment, Dong Dao and Shan Ba ​​arrived simultaneously, and with two swift strokes, the unfortunate fellow was dismembered.

Over there, Jia Huan and Ayina rolled several meters away, and just as they were secretly rejoicing, the ice beneath them suddenly cracked with a snap, and the two of them plummeted downwards!
"Oh no!" Jia Huan exclaimed in alarm.

It's true what they say, good things don't come true, but bad things do. Ayina had just warned Jia Huan not long ago that there might be a deep pit under the ice, and it turned out he really fell for it.

Most of these deep pits under the glaciers are caused by tectonic movements. They are bottomless and covered with a layer of ice, so they are not visible under normal circumstances. Once the ice breaks, if a person falls in, their body will never be found.

Of course, some pits were formed by meltwater erosion and are generally not very deep. Jia Huan didn't have time to think. The next second, his back slammed into the hard ground, his blood surged, he saw stars, and he almost lost his breath.

Fortunately, it hit the bottom so quickly, so the hole probably isn't very deep!
Because Jia Huan was underneath her, Ayina was unharmed. She tried to get up, but as soon as she turned over, she was suddenly suspended in mid-air and plummeted down, causing her to scream in fright!

Almost instinctively, Jia Huan reached out and grabbed Ayina's wrist. Only then, with the light coming through the hole above, did the two realize with horror that something was wrong.

At this moment, Jia Huan was lying on a protruding large rock, while Ayina's body was suspended in mid-air, with a dark, bottomless sinkhole below. A chill ran up from the sinkhole, and both of them broke out in a cold sweat.

"Pull me up quickly!" Ayina cried out in terror.

Jia Huan could only smile bitterly to himself. He wanted to pull as well, but he was powerless. The stone was smooth all around, with no place to put his strength. He could only try to stick to the surface of the stone as much as possible and dared not move even an inch, otherwise he might be pulled down by Ayina.

(End of this chapter)