Chapter 27: Wealth Incites New Envy, Danger Approaches Anew in Silence

The crumpled threat letter pressed painfully into my palm.

Ha, long time no see?

It must be some old rival jealous of my recent fortune.

The emperor’s gifts of gold, silver, and jewels filled the treasury; thousands of acres of fertile land—who wouldn’t envy such a life?

I, Lu Wan’er, am no pushover. If anyone thinks they can snatch my possessions, they’d better weigh their own strength first.

Within days, the tension escalated.

Rumors spread of a notorious band of thieves nearby, who targeted wealthy households and had never failed a job.

The villagers went pale with fear, worried our newly acquired wealth might vanish like smoke.

My younger brother Yun Sheng was frantic, pulling me aside to discuss a plan.

“Sister, what should we do? Those thieves are ruthless… what if—” His small face was creased with worry.

I ruffled his hair and reassured him, “Don’t worry, I have a plan.”

Of course I did—my golden touch was not just for show.

Outwardly, I worked with Yun Sheng to bolster our defenses—patrolling, setting traps—but secretly, I used my golden touch to probe the terrain and sense the thieves’ presence, searching for any clues.

The thieves were cunning; they sent a few lackeys first to test the waters.

But my traps were no joke. The moment those petty thieves approached, my bear traps clamped down on their feet, leaving them howling as they dangled from the trees.

Their ridiculous plight made me laugh aloud.

Yun Sheng looked at me with admiration, eyes sparkling like stars. “Sister, you’re amazing!”

I raised a proud brow, yet my vigilance grew stronger.

This was only the beginning—the real battle lay ahead.

Sure enough, a few days later, the thieves launched a full-scale assault.

On a dark, windy night, a group of black-clad figures slipped silently into the village.

Yun Sheng and I lay in ambush, waiting for them to walk right into our trap.

A fierce fight erupted—flashing blades, clashing swords, and battle cries filled the air.

I dodged their attacks while studying their movements, sensing something off.

Their techniques were sharp and their coordination seamless—unlike common thieves.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a familiar jade pendant hanging from one figure’s waist…

That pendant…

My eyes widened. “Wait!”

That pendant belonged to Lady Zhou’s closest attendant!

A shock ran through me—could it really be her?

But how could a noblewoman be involved with thieves?

Before I could think further, the black-clad figure seemed to notice me recognizing him. His gaze flickered, he feinted, and turned to flee.

“Where do you think you’re going!” I shouted, chasing after him.

Yun Sheng followed closely, rallying the villagers to encircle the other intruders.

The man was quick, nearly shaking me off several times.

Fortunately, I knew this terrain like the back of my hand. Taking a shortcut, I cut him off.

Seeing no escape, the man tore off his mask—it was indeed one of Lady Zhou’s attendants!

“Lu Wan’er, mind your own business!” he snarled.

“I intend to,” I sneered. “Tell me—what’s your purpose?”

He clenched his teeth, refusing to speak.

I thought quickly.

“Not talking? Don’t blame me for being harsh.” I produced a gold piece, waving it before his eyes. “If you talk, this is yours.”

His eyes lit up instantly. After a moment’s hesitation, unable to resist the gold’s allure, he began to speak, “We… we want to—”

Suddenly, his face twisted, foam spilled from his mouth, and he collapsed.

I rushed forward to check—he was dead.

Dead?

A chill ran down my spine. There was a deeper conspiracy at play.

I looked around—the night was thick and shadowy, the trees swaying like ghosts. An unsettling premonition rose within me.

Who was behind all of this?

Clenching the gold in my hand, my gaze sharpened…

“Yun Sheng, lock up this body and the captured thieves. I have a feeling this is only the beginning...” I whispered, eyes fixed on the distant darkness where something sinister stirred.