Chapter 47: Encounter with Pirates

Gan Sui and Wang Xiaoshan had come to discuss business. It wasn't really suitable to bring Banxia and Anzi along, so Gan Sui, knowing Banxia couldn't stand idleness, handed her some silver and reminded her, "Whatever happens, stay calm. Don’t act impulsively, don’t go too far, avoid eating too much cold food..."

"You’re so naggy! Senior brother’s waiting for you, hurry up, just go," Banxia interrupted, shooing him away.

Gan Sui pinched her nose, “Be good. Don’t cause trouble.”

“I know, I know.”

As soon as Gan Sui left, Banxia and Anzi jumped up with excitement. At last, they were free from the family head.

Their first stop was, of course, the food stalls. Skipping breakfast at the inn, they ventured out and enjoyed a bowl of fish ball wonton noodles, followed by half a basket of shrimp dumplings. The dumplings were fresh and flavorful, the skin springy and smooth—Anzi even ate three.

Banxia ordered a large bowl of wonton noodles to share with Anzi, worried they might not finish everything. Full and satisfied, they wandered through the streets.

Neither was accustomed to shopping, so everything seemed novel and fascinating. They strolled and gawked, not realizing how far they’d walked until nearly noon. Banxia glanced around and said, “Anzi, we should head back. Your brother-in-law will be home soon.”

Anzi was tired after a morning’s walk. Banxia wanted to carry him, but Anzi insisted on walking—he didn’t want to burden her. While shopping, they hadn’t noticed the fatigue, but retracing their steps, exhaustion hit.

Just as they spoke, a commotion erupted behind them. A massive crowd surged forward. Banxia scooped Anzi up as people shouted, “Run! Pirates are coming! Pirates!”

Pirates. Banxia hadn’t expected such trouble during their outing. Returning was impossible; they could only move with the crowd and seek shelter.

Spotting an inn ahead, Banxia rushed over, but the doors slammed shut. “Innkeeper, we need a room!”

“We’re closed! Go, go!” The innkeeper didn’t dare open, terrified that pirates might burst in at any moment.

Banxia realized then that in the face of disaster, it was not the calamity itself that brought despair, but the cold indifference of others.

“Sister, what should we do?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you,” Banxia said, running with Anzi in her arms, her mind flashing to Gan Sui, who was in the direction the pirates had come from. Was he in danger?

The screams behind grew closer. Banxia didn’t dare look back. Cold arrows whistled past, leaving her no time for further thought. She darted into a narrow alley, hiding with Anzi behind a heap of debris, watching a horde of pirates thunder past. She waited a while; the street seemed quiet now. Banxia began to make her way back.

“Anzi, are you scared?”

“As long as I’m with you, I’m not afraid.” Though Anzi trembled, he told himself not to cry, not to hold her back.

Banxia rushed toward their old inn, desperately searching for Gan Sui. Where was he?

“No! Please spare me! Help!”

“Well, little beauty, the streets are empty—why not enjoy a night on Mount Wu with me?”

Banxia glanced over. The girl couldn’t be more than ten, her hair in braids.

Monster. Banxia gritted her teeth, hid Anzi under a basket at the corner, and grabbed a wooden stick as big as a bowl from under the eaves. “Be good, Anzi. I’m going to help that girl. Wait here for me.”

Anzi nodded. Banxia crept behind the man, whose lustful gaze left him oblivious to his surroundings. With a forceful swing, she struck him; he collapsed without a sound. Banxia dropped the stick and pulled the girl up, but the frightened child shook off her hand and fled.

Banxia didn’t linger. She hurried back to the corner, only to find the basket overturned and five or six men in black standing nearby. The leader held a short dagger in his left hand and clutched Anzi with his right, the sharp blade tracing Anzi’s face. Banxia’s heart threatened to leap from her chest.

“If you have a grievance, take it out on me. What kind of man bullies a child?”

Anzi’s eyes brightened at her voice. “Sister, don’t worry about me, run—” Even as he spoke, the dagger sliced his neck, a thin line of blood stark against his pale skin.

Banxia’s heart broke. Since coming to her family, Anzi had never suffered like this. He must be terrified. Why hadn’t she protected him better? Her guilt was overwhelming.

“Still not crying?” The man’s tone was mocking. “Children who don’t cry are no good. Maybe I should throw you to the ground and see if you cry then.” He raised his hand and slammed Anzi down.

“No!” Banxia lunged forward, catching him in her arms. Anzi crashed into her, the force so great Banxia coughed up blood.

Ignoring her own pain, Banxia hugged Anzi tightly. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here. It’s all right, it’s all right.”

“Sister…” Anzi saw the blood at her lips and worried she might die, just as Grandpa had after coughing blood, never waking again.

“Oh, you caught him? That’s no fun,” the pirate leader sneered, towering over Banxia. Her leg was scraped from the fall, stinging painfully. She struggled to stand, murmuring, “Don’t be afraid, Anzi. I’m right here with you.”

“Hmm, a feisty little girl. Let’s play a game.”

“What do you want?” Banxia asked.

“There are six of us. If you defeat three, you and the boy can go. If not, well, we haven’t sacrificed anyone to our sails today. You two will do nicely.”

She was a fish on the chopping block—no choice remained.

“Fine.” Banxia flexed her aching limbs. Even if not for herself, she had to ensure Anzi survived.

“Rainfall, play with her,” the leader ordered.

Rainfall stepped forward. “Don’t worry, boss. I’ll make sure the blood is sweet.” He approached. Banxia sized him up—his stance was unstable, not a seasoned fighter.

Rainfall eyed Banxia’s pale skin, regretting he couldn’t have his way with her before she died. Still, he could take advantage. He reached for Banxia’s sash, but her hand was quicker, grabbing his wrist. With a light twist, she sent pain shooting up his arm, forcing him to bend over. Banxia kicked his chin and, as he rolled on the ground, snatched his knife.

Rainfall wailed, but Banxia straightened, adopting a professional fighting stance, warily facing the others.

“You can’t even beat a woman. Useless.”

“Boss…” Rainfall couldn’t finish, as a short dagger pierced his throat.

Banxia gasped, forcing herself to stay calm. If she lost, it wouldn’t just be her fate.

“Tian Feng, your turn.” The second man stepped forward. Banxia could tell he was tough.

He wasted no words, launching straight into attack. Banxia managed to parry five moves before faltering; his assault grew fiercer, and she could barely keep up. He aimed for a swift victory, striking her shoulder with a palm. Her knife flew out of her hand; she slammed into the wall.

“Sister, sister…” Anzi rushed to her.

“Oh, a child’s cry is music to my ears.”

Banxia pulled Anzi into her arms, shielding him from the scene. The men drew closer; Banxia heard her own heart pounding. It was such a pity—she might die without seeing Gan Sui one last time.

She stared at the leader as he slowly lowered his blade, savoring the torment. As the knife neared, Banxia instinctively shielded Anzi, and the blade shifted accordingly.

Just as it was about to strike, a feathered arrow whizzed through the air. The leader dodged instinctively; the arrow grazed his hair, slicing off a lock.

“The Lin family army is here! You marauders, robbing and dishonoring our people—surrender at once!”

Several bandits mounted their horses to flee, and the soldiers pursued them.

Banxia looked up and saw the black banner with red lettering—“Lin”—like a spark in the night.

Survivors after catastrophe.

Banxia suspected she had internal injuries; every breath hurt. Anzi stayed by her side, wiping her sweat with his small hands.

“Sister, it’s all right, don’t be afraid.”

“Have you seen a woman with a child about this tall?”

It was Gan Sui—he was safe.

“Brother-in-law, we’re here! Brother-in-law!” Anzi stood and shouted.

Gan Sui spotted them immediately. Banxia lay against the wall, pale. He rushed over.

“Brother-in-law, sister… she’s in pain.”

Gan Sui’s hands trembled. “How are you? Does it hurt?”

“It’s all my fault… all my fault…” Banxia struggled to raise her hand. “Don’t be afraid, I’m fine.” With that, she fainted.

When Banxia awoke, night had fallen. Gan Sui sat by the window, writing something.

Banxia tried to speak, only to cough from a dry, scratchy throat.

Gan Sui poured her water and hurried over. “You’re awake—why didn’t you call me?”

Banxia drank, soothing her throat. “I was just about to call you, but then I started coughing.”

“What time is it?”

“Just past the hour of the dog. Are you hungry? I had the kitchen make chicken soup. I’ll bring it right up.”

“Don’t rush.” Banxia tugged at his sleeve.

Gan Sui sat down, holding her in his arms. “What’s wrong? Were you frightened?”

“A little… When that villain raised his knife, I was truly scared…” Banxia’s voice trembled. Gan Sui gently patted her. “It’s over now.”

“You don’t know, at that moment I thought, if I died, I wouldn’t even see you one last time… That would be such a regret.”

Gan Sui held her in silence.

“Now, after surviving all this, Gan Sui, I really, really like you. I want to grow old with you.”

Gan Sui’s heart was unsettled for a long while before he finally said, “Let’s promise—grow old together, die together.”

Their tender moment was interrupted by soft sobs—Anzi, probably plagued by nightmares.

“Go bring him over, he must be terrified.”

Gan Sui fetched him from the small couch. Anzi woke up, reaching for Banxia. “Sister…”

“Don’t cry, don’t cry, I’m fine.” Banxia tried to take him.

“No, you’re injured. The doctor said you mustn’t strain yourself.”

“Anzi doesn’t want sister to carry him.” Anzi obediently withdrew his hand.

“Put Anzi on the bed.”

“I’ll go get some food. Anzi didn’t have a proper supper, let’s all eat together.”

Gan Sui went downstairs for food. Anzi lay in Banxia’s arms; she stroked his head. “Were you scared, little Anzi?”

Anzi nodded miserably.

“It’s all right, it’s over. See, you and I are both safe.”

“Sister, I want to learn martial arts.”

“Hm?”

“That way, when bad people come, I can protect you.” He didn’t want to watch her get hurt.

Banxia thought for a moment. “Learning martial arts is tough, and painful. Aren’t you afraid?”

“I’m not afraid. I’ll learn well so I can protect you.”

“All right. When we reach the capital, we’ll have your brother-in-law find a teacher for you.” Banxia mused that training would be good—even if not mastering advanced skills, it would strengthen his body.

It was late; the kitchen had little left. Gan Sui brought up a small pot of chicken soup, some side dishes, and three bowls of wonton. Gan Sui and Anzi hadn’t eaten well all day. The three happily shared a midnight meal.

Perhaps disaster brings harm and fear, but love always dispels it, bringing warmth anew.