Chapter 613.1: No such person

She looks so pale though. What if she falls ill? Would I still be able to take her as my wife?

Li Zhuang then said, Dad, lets make some porridge so shell have something to eat when she wakes up. When night falls, Ill sneak into the village physicians place to steal some herbs.

Old Woodcutter Li frowned when he heard his sons plan, but didnt say anything since he didnt have any better ideas.

Seeing the unconscious Su Xi-ers lips move, Old Woodcutter Li went to the kitchen to get started on the porridge while Li Zhuang stayed to watch her.

Be careful, Old Woodcutter Li said before going back into the kitchen.

Li Zhuang closed the door to the room and squatted down as he observed Su Xi-er closely, swallowing as he thought to himself.

Shes so pretty! Shes probably the most beautiful girl in all of Beimin!

This girl is going to be my wife!

The corner of Li Zhuangs lips turned up as he leaned in closer to the pale Su Xi-er, planning to steal a kiss as he was mesmerized by her looks.

She smells so nice too!

Before his lips could touch hers however, someone banged on the door loudly. It was Ma Zhu from the east of the village who yelled, Li Zhuang, come out! Soldiers have come to the village, and they seem to be asking around about something. Every villager is to report to them, and it looks like its serious, so hurry up!

Ma Zhu continued his frantic knocking on the door as Li Zhuang quickly covered Su Xi-er with a blanket before exiting the room.

Li Zhuang closed the door right behind him after coming out, surprising Ma Zhu with his speed. Whats up with you? Youve never been this quick. Are you hiding something in the room?

Li Zhuang pushed him away and said, Stop it. I only have a kitchen and a toilet here, what could I be hiding!

Im just saying. Why are you getting so agitated? Ma Zhu commented in annoyance before he turned to leave.

Old Woodcutter Li had heard everything Ma Zhu said, and walked up to his son in concern. Why are there soldiers in the village all of a sudden? Could it be He thought of Su Xi-er and the red dress she was in. Though the outfit was dirtied, it was obvious that the fabric was of an expensive and high quality material.

Could the soldiers be looking for that girl?

The old man began to panic at the thought. Son, we cant have that girl stay here. Youll still have a chance to get a wife in future. Lets go tell the soldiers that this girl

Li Zhuang cut him off before he could finish. Dad, I dont care who that girl is; I want her. They wont find out as long as we dont say anything. If shes unwilling when she wakes up, well just tie her up and force the matter. We can pack up and move to a place far from the capital city afterwards.

Seeing his father unconvinced, Li Zhuang continued, Dad, Im your only son. We both know that its unlikely Ill be able to find a wife given our current situation, so just dont give anything away later. Lets go!

He then tugged at his fathers sleeve and led him towards the village entrance.

The village chief was speaking to one of the guards respectfully. Officer, though our village is located quite a short distance away from the capital, its just a tiny village with a few families. If you dont believe what I say, you can check each house individually.

The guard then raised a hand and gave an order to the rest of the men, You heard him, check each house.

The men began their search immediately, separating into two groups that covered the east and west sides of the village respectively.

Old Woodcutter Li turned nervous.

Theyll be searching my house soon!

He looked at his son, signalling to him that they had to come up with some other idea.