Chapter 144 - Chapter 144: Chapter 140: Avoiding Bandits (Three Chapters in One)_5

Chapter 144: Chapter 140: Avoiding Bandits (Three Chapters in One)_5

Translator: 549690339

They encountered several traps along the way, forcing the bandits to proceed with increased caution.

Their leader grew more interested and insisted on having his men continue the pursuit.

He wanted to see who was ahead of them, someone so clever to utilise traps.

The leader didn’t know that these were basic hunting techniques by using the resilience of bamboo for simple traps. While they could catch someone off guard, they could also be easily avoided once detected.

Indeed, the bandits soon caught up with Jiang Sanlang and his group.

Jiang Sanlang and his elder brother took turns firing arrows, maintaining their defence whilst retreating, thus holding the bandits at bay.

Eventually, the bandits’ ferocity heightened, disdainful of their losses they attacked recklessly. Hence, Jiang Sanlang drew his confiscated machete to fight back, assisted by his brother.

Due to the narrowness of the bamboo path, only one or two could pass at a time. The bandits became infuriated as they were repeatedly repelled by the brothers.

Hearing the sounds of the intense battle behind her, Yingbao grew increasingly anxious.

Seeing the situation, Lady Wen’s servant also joined them, brandishing a machete at the bandits.

This servant was obviously well trained, far superior to the Jiang brothers, and held the bandits off single-handedly.

However, as the casualties among the bandits increased, Jiang Sanlang’s group began to show signs of exhaustion, their strength visibly weaker.

At this time, Jiang Lao Han and his group ahead suddenly found a steep slope blocking their way.

There were some bamboos growing on the steep slope, but numerous other trees as well.

Jiang Lao Han was overjoyed and urged his family to climb the steep slope.

Once they reached the top of the slope, they could launch attacks against the bandits who were pursuing them.

But the slope was very steep. Though it was possible for people to climb up using the bamboo and shrubs, it was difficult if they were carrying anything. It was even impossible for mules and horses to climb this slope.

“Women and children, go up quickly. If you can’t carry something, leave it.” Jiang Lao Han advised.

Dani, Erni and Yanru reluctantly discarded the baskets they were carrying. However, they still climbed up the steep slope, struggling with their carry-on baskets.

Yingbao suddenly handed her mother a bundle of ropes, “Mother, hurry up and take the children up, then tie the rope to the tree.”

Chunniang immediately understood her daughter’s intention. Without considering where her daughter had gotten the rope, she immediately rushed up the slope with the two children.

Jiang Jie and Jiang Wu, who had been trained by their sister countless times to climb trees and walls, were put to good use. They were even faster than their younger cousin Yuanbao.

Wei Zhan also followed closely, climbing up the steep slope.

But Lady Wen and her daughter Wen Shu couldn’t make it because it was rainy and the slope was wet and slippery. They tried several times but ended up falling and getting covered in mud. If it wasn’t for the straps on their shoes, they would have lost them too.

Just in time, Chunniang made it to the top of the slope. She tied one end of the rope her daughter had given her to the tree on the slope and tossed the other end down the steep slope.

“Master, Sister Wen, hurry up and grab the rope, we’ll pull you up.” Yingbao, who had already climbed up the steep slope, called out.

Wen Shu was almost in tears. Pushed by her mother, she clasped the rope while the nanny reassured her, “Don’t be afraid, Miss. Just make sure to hold the rope tightly and don’t let go.”

“Hmm.” Wen Shu knew she couldn’t lag behind. Her mother and nanny had not climbed up yet. She had to make it to the top quickly to pull them both up.

Simultaneously, another rope was thrown down. Yingbao somehow found another bundle of rope, asking her mother to tie it to another tree and tossed the loose end down, “Master! You have to hurry up!”

The situation was critical, they couldn’t afford to hesitate. If they did, they would lose their lives.

Lady Wen couldn’t afford to delay. She quickly grabbed the rope and began to climb up.

At the same time, it was obvious that Jiang Sanlang and the others were barely holding out.