"That's enough,"
Song Qingchao bowed and helped Shui Luo up, slowly disarming her of the sword she tightly gripped.
"Clang."
The sound broke the silence.
Song Qingchao held Shui Luo, gently stroking her back.
She looked at He Huai, who lay sprawled on the ground, a grown man now sobbing uncontrollably.
Song Qingchao let out a heavy sigh.
"It's alright now."
After composing herself, Shui Luo withdrew from Song Qingchao's embrace.
Wiping her tears, she knelt down directly, "Please, Miss, allow me to follow you."
He Huai also knelt beside Shui Luo, "Please, Miss, allow us to follow you."
Song Qingchao was not surprised. She did not ask the two to rise, but rather turned her gaze to the crowd behind them.
The group protected by Su Nanyi numbered around fifty, all of them the less fortunate from their respective teams.
But even with such people, she could not guarantee their absolute utility.
Firstly, she was unfamiliar with them, and secondly, the task she had to undertake was too risky.
Currently, they would attach themselves to her to survive.
In the future, they might betray her for riches.
Therefore...
"Everyone listen, I am giving you a choice now."
Song Qingchao took out a small medicine bottle from her懷 and played with it. "The first choice is, I can provide you with lodging, food, and shelter, but from now on, you must recognize me as your master."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other, some hesitant.
Although they were all from servant backgrounds, who was willing to be a servant for life?
Song Qingchao, of course, understood this.
"The second choice is, you can exchange your labor for food or other resources from me, just like everyone else. However, I will not shelter you. I will give you some time to think: will you choose to partner with me, or do you wish to work for me?"
After speaking, Song Qingchao turned and walked away, instructing Zhou Wu to lead everyone out of the cave.
After everyone had exited,
Song Qingchao leaned against the wall and vomited, but she did not regret it at all.
She stood amidst a scene of carnage, like a blooming red rose. She retrieved water and a handkerchief from her spatial dimension and cleaned herself up, then, feigning calmness, she also exited the cave.
The moment she stepped out, the sunlight dazzled her eyes, causing her to involuntarily lower her head.
It was then, upon lowering her head, that she discovered her entire body was covered in bloodstains.
For a moment, she felt a pang of sadness. Perhaps Bai You'an had been right to be angry.
"Master."
"Chaocao Jie."
Everyone was waiting for her.
Zhou Liu also returned with the children, distributing portions of meat one by one.
The fist-sized portions of meat were substantial.
On average, each child received seven to eight portions, with some taking away a large bag.
Even the smaller amounts were enough for a family to survive for three to four days.
Those without children, upon seeing the meat, had their eyes turn red.
Their previously made decisions instantly shifted direction.
Miss Song was indeed capable, but she never bullied good people.
Just like the He Huai couple earlier, she not only avenged them but didn't demand anything from them, instead letting them choose whether to stay or leave.
Some of them had served their masters since childhood.
They naturally understood certain rules.
Having a reliable master might also be a good choice.
Following Song Qingchao was definitely more beneficial than detrimental.
Exchanging labor for food, in the end, was the same as working under a master, with the added benefit of freedom.
But in Ling Shi Valley, what freedom was there to speak of? Surviving was the issue.
Furthermore, everyone was not foolish; following a smart person was the wisest choice, much better than stumbling and falling on their own.
Therefore, most of them had already made their decision.
Song Qingchao took a deep breath and straightened up, saying softly, "Those who wish to stay, follow Zhou Wu. As for the rest, if you wish to exchange for food, our Song family welcomes you."
After she spoke, her face was still pale.
She merely gave the Zhou brothers a look, and they knew what to do.
Song Qingchao kept only Zhou Si behind.
"Thank you for your hard work," Song Qingchao said sincerely to Zhou Si.
Zhou Si appeared a little embarrassed.
"What are you saying, Master?"
He had done such things many times.
Those without a resolute heart could not be dark guards.
"I still need you to handle this place. Remember, leave no survivors."
As Song Qingchao said this, she swayed, startling Zhou Si, who quickly supported her arm. "Is Master alright?"
Song Qingchao shook her head, indicating she was fine.
She clutched Zhou Si's arm, the bracelet on her wrist glowing a vivid red.
"Handle it properly, then hurry and catch up."
She then motioned for Zhou Si to go about his business while she tried her best to stand upright.
However, the piercing pain caused the veins on her forehead to throb.
Zhou Si naturally did not feel at ease leaving Song Qingchao like this, but...
Just as he was at a loss, he saw a carriage approaching their location not far away.
"Master! Zhou Liu is here!" His voice held a hint of excitement, but then a hint of confusion. "It's just..."
Before he could finish speaking, Song Qingchao slumped to the ground.
Zhou Si: "!!!"
He rushed to support her but dared not lift her directly.
Song Qingchao also realized her weakness. With a thought, she used her stored duration, grabbed Zhou Si's hand, and prevented herself from falling.
Wasn't her approaching Bai You'an for this very purpose?
She had just regained her footing,
When the carriage Zhou Si had mentioned stopped in front of her.
"Master!"
Aunt Fang's worried voice arrived with the screech of the brakes.
Before the carriage had even fully stopped, Aunt Fang rushed out.
Song Qingchao stood there feeling somewhat awkward.
It seemed that despite her age, Aunt Fang was still quite spry.
"Master, are you alright? Why is your face so pale?"
Without waiting for Song Qingchao to speak, Aunt Fang peppered her with questions, treating her like a child.
Song Qingchao smiled and moved Aunt Fang's hand away from her forehead.
"Aunt Fang, see, I'm really fine."
"How can you be fine?" Aunt Fang's voice began to tremble, "It's all my fault. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have to suffer like this. Your wound wasn't even fully healed yet."
Song Qingchao was momentarily at a loss for words. She was indeed not skilled at coaxing people.
Both in her past life and this one, her social circle had always been small, and even fewer people cared about her.
To be honest, she was a little unaccustomed to this.
But she could feel Aunt Fang's concern for her.
"Aunt Fang, I'm really fine."
She bowed slightly, helped Aunt Fang wipe her tears, then took a couple of steps back and spread her arms, turning around twice for Aunt Fang to see.
"Really, I'm fine."
"Nonsense, I saw you unsteady just now."
Aunt Fang was amused but still chided Song Qingchao.
Song Qingchao merely smiled.
It was her own fault for overthinking things and making herself uncomfortable. She had figured it out.
If Bai You'an couldn't accept her as she was, then parting ways was fine.
It didn't matter; he was just a man.
However...
Who could tell her why Bai You'an had appeared here! kuAiδugg
She felt a bit flustered...