Chapter 125: A Land Beyond the Law

Jiang Chen’s words sent a sudden shiver through the gathered villagers.

Why did that sound so chilling?

It was true; if they set this fire, both Lan Hui and her unborn child would be consumed by the flames. If they were to die in such a manner, wouldn't their resentment cause them to return as vengeful spirits? What if that really happened? What were they supposed to do then?

The men who had been ready to strike all changed color. The red glow of the torches reflecting off their faces made them look particularly grotesque and eerie.

Jiang Chen continued, "Think about it, everyone. If this woman is burned alive in this house, won't you feel terrified every time you pass by here in the future? This is the heart of the village, and it’s very close to your own homes. If she truly becomes a vengeful ghost, do you think she’ll spare you? Will you ever be able to sleep peacefully again?"

Jiang Chen’s words struck deep. One timid fellow was so frightened that he dropped his torch altogether.

"Useless coward!" the village head cursed fiercely. "Who exactly are you? Do you have some unspeakable relationship with this woman?"

Jiang Chen replied, "No relationship at all. This is the first time I've met her. As I said before, I’m not doing this to save her; I’m doing it for the sake of everyone in this village."

"Village head, I think this young man is right. If we burn her alive, we’ll face retribution."

"Yes, after hearing him say that, I’m afraid to even walk out at night."

Many began to agree with Jiang Chen, sparking arguments with those who held the opposing view. These were honest, simple village folk; none of them had ever had blood on their hands. If they were truly forced to commit murder, it would inevitably weigh heavily on their consciences.

Jiang Chen exploited this psychological vulnerability, causing the villagers' resolve to waver. Belief in spirits was deeply rooted in their hearts, and no one wanted to face such horrors themselves.

The village head hadn't expected the situation to spiral out of control. It was all because of this boy. If they had just set the fire moments ago, it would have been settled once and for all, without all these complications.

He glared at Jiang Chen and demanded, "Stop spreading your heretical nonsense here! In short, our village has no room for this slut. If we want peace, we must get rid of her!"

Shen Xueying could no longer stand by. While she didn't have the same personal reason to protect Lan Hui that Jiang Chen did, she was also a woman, and the cruel words and actions of these villagers deeply incensed her. Driven by empathy, she decided to step forward and speak up for Lan Hui.

"Wait a moment. Everyone, be quiet. I have something to ask the village head."

Shen Xueying walked out slowly, turning to face the various expressions and gazes of the villagers. Yet, suddenly, not a single person made a sound, as if they had all been frozen in place by some supernatural power.

"This girl... she’s incredibly beautiful," a young man blurted out, voicing the secret thoughts of every man present.

It wasn't just the men; even the village girls were eclipsed by Shen Xueying’s peerless beauty, left stunned and staring blankly at her.

Only the older women quickly regained their senses, eyeing her suspiciously. "Girl, do you intend to meddle in our business too?"

Shen Xueying smiled faintly. "You’ve misunderstood. I was standing in the crowd and witnessed everything. I’m just curious: if everyone here is so unwelcoming to this young lady, why not simply drive her away? Must you be so cruel as to burn her to death to be satisfied?"

The village head answered, "Because of this woman, our village has suffered the wrath of the gods. She is a cursed disaster. If we only drive her away, how can we guarantee the village will be safe in the future? Tell me, everyone, do you want our village to never know peace again?"

Shen Xueying immediately retorted, "Village head, that is utterly ridiculous. In my view, this isn't any divine punishment; it’s the corruption in your own hearts at work. You have such a young and beautiful woman in the village, and you’ve been itching for her for a long time. If she weren't pregnant, you would have already made your moves. Now that you’re frustrated, you want to kill two lives. Do you really think this place is outside the reach of the law?"

The village head was taken aback, not expecting this beautiful girl to be so sharp-tongued.

"Don't you try that on me! As for the affairs of our village, even if the government officials came, they wouldn't dare interfere!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Shen Xueying looked around at them with skepticism. To think that such lawless behavior could exist so close to the capital was truly infuriating. At this point, she felt she had to intervene. She was an official of the Great Qian government, and seeing the villagers' arrogant attitude, she had no reason to stand by.

Jiang Chen whispered a few words into Lan Hui’s ear, causing her to look at him in astonishment. He then walked over to the village head, placed a hand on his shoulder, and forcibly led him toward the base of a wall.

"Village head, I need to discuss something with you."

The village head had intended to refuse, but he found his body moving with Jiang Chen against his will, as if pulled by an irresistible force he could not shake off.

Standing away from the crowd, Jiang Chen said with a grave expression, "Village head, you are truly foolish. I advise you not to push this woman too far, or you will surely suffer the consequences."

"Hmph, don't try to deceive me. Do you think I'll be scared by that?" The village head sneered. "The officials who oversee this area are nothing but statues. As long as you give enough incense money during the holidays, you’re safe all year round to do whatever you please! Are you trying to threaten me with the authorities? Go ahead and try! If I were afraid, I’d be a senile old fool!"

Seeing the village head’s unbothered demeanor, Jiang Chen found it both annoying and amusing. He lowered his voice and warned him with great seriousness, "You are wrong. Those officials are nothing but useless gluttons. But do you know what kind of family this young lady comes from?"

"What are you trying to say?" The village head squinted at Shen Xueying.

"She comes from a distinguished official family. Her brother is a high-ranking official in the imperial court. If she wishes, she can appeal directly to the throne at any time. Do you really think this tiny village can stand up to her?"

The village head looked at Jiang Chen, half-doubting.

"Look at her clothing, her bearing, and her mannerisms—does she look like an ordinary person? Don't say I didn't warn you!"

Jiang Chen spoke with such conviction that the village head finally began to waver.