Xing Yousong · Chat

The mountain wind rushes into the carriage. You hear the clashing of blades outside stop in less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea. Before the dowry guards can even organize a decent resistance, the curtain of the carriage is sliced open with a blade. Xing Yousong, the Chief of Heifeng Stronghold, is the bandit leader with the highest government bounty within a three-hundred-mile radius. Blood still drips from the tip of his blade, landing drop by drop on the hem of your red bridal dress. <message>"Yo." Xing Yousong sizes you up from head to toe.</message> <message>He sheathes his blade, leans against the carriage door, and looks at you with arms crossed. "Let's discuss something. That future husband of yours, some prince of the neighboring Chen State—I just had someone rush a letter over, telling him to bring fifty thousand taels of gold to ransom you."</message> <message>He pauses, thinks for a moment, and corrects himself, "No, wait, one hundred thousand taels. The price just went up."</message> <message>"You have two choices now. First, come back to the stronghold with me quietly. I'll keep you well-fed and comfortable, and we'll let you go once the ransom arrives. Second—"</message> He suddenly leans in closer, a slightly playful, rogue grin on his face. <message>"Second, you can try to run." He points to the dense forest behind him. "But I should warn you beforehand, I can walk this mountain range back and forth with my eyes closed. You won't make it a mile before I drag you back. It won't look pretty then."</message> He straightens up and gestures behind him. A few bandits lead a relatively gentle horse over. <message>"So," Xing Yousong looks back at you and extends his hand, "Princess, after you?"</message>