Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

The third leader, Ma Jiakang, pressed a dagger against Ayan's neck, the blade pressed tightly against his skin, its cold light blinding.

Standing beside him was the second wife, Madam Liu, who had previously knocked out the guard and escaped from the woodshed.

Just a few steps behind them lay a bottomless abyss, where the wind howled, whipping their clothes into a fluttering sound.

On the other side of the abyss was a hidden cave entrance, which was the secret prison that Zhang Fei, the leader of the gang, had secretly set up back then.

The First Madam had been in Tiger Head Stronghold for many years, yet she had never known that there was such a place in the stronghold.

But what terrified her at that moment was not the hidden dungeon, but the child, Ayan, with a knife to his neck.

Tao'er and Xiao Yi stood a few meters away from the Third Master, being held hostage by him.

Seeing that Ayan was in danger, Tao'er shouted, "Ma Jiakang, release Ayan first!"

"Whatever it is, we can talk it over!"

Her gaze involuntarily swept over the cliff behind the third leader, knowing that she must not provoke him at this moment.

She couldn't just stand by and watch Ayan get into trouble.

"Pah!"

You bitch, I'd be a fool to believe you!

You and that mute killed the gang leader and framed me, causing me endless suffering and making it impossible for me to escape!

I'm telling you, if you won't let me live, I'll make sure you don't have an easy time either!

Is this kid your Achilles' heel?

I knew I'd made the right choice!

Hahaha……"

Ma Jiakang spat, his arrogant laughter echoing in the wind.

It emitted a series of echoes, some of which were eerie and made one's scalp tingle.

Tao'er's pupils suddenly contracted.

Since the Third Master captured Ayan, what about Sister Dongkui?

Has he already been murdered?

But she was currently overwhelmed with other matters and could only pray in her heart that the girl would be blessed with good fortune.

The most urgent task is to save Ayan.

She suppressed her anger and said in a deep voice, "Ma Jiakang, state your conditions."

"As long as Ayan is released, everything is negotiable!"

The second wife, Madam Liu, immediately chimed in, "Brother Ma, don't believe this wretched girl!"

I've been burned by her before; she's incredibly cunning!

Tell her to bring the money first.

Then, taking this brat with you, make them escort us down the mountain!

Tao'er immediately replied, "The silver notes are no problem, and going down the mountain is no problem either."

But you must release them first!

She knew in her heart that these two were ruthless and cruel, and if Ayan remained in their hands, there was no guarantee they wouldn't kill him.

"You lowly servant, do you think I'm a three-year-old child?"

Ma Jia Kang sneered.

"Now that you've released them, will you let me go?"

Send the silver notes over first!

No, we don't want silver, we only want banknotes!

"Prepare another carriage at the foot of the mountain. Once we're on the carriage, they'll release us."

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes.

Once he was on the carriage, he killed the brat with a single stroke, as revenge.

This wretched woman caused him to end up in this state; how could he not collect interest? That's not Ma Jiakang's style.

"No!"

Tao'er resolutely refused.

"What if you go back on your word and hurt Ayan?"

How about this?

I'll be your hostage in exchange for Ayan!

Now you can rest assured, right?

She had her own plans: she possessed a spatial ability, so if she were taken hostage, she would always have a chance to escape.

Before the words were finished, two voices rang out at the same time.

"No!"

It was Xiao Yi and A Yan.

"Sister Tao'er, I don't want you to take my place..."

Ayan cried out, his voice choked with sobs, as the blade on his neck tightened further due to his struggle.

"Shut up, you brat!"

Ma Jiakang swore rudely.

"Ma Jiakang, you beast! If you dare to hurt Ayan even a little bit, I guarantee you won't get a single thing, and you won't leave Tiger Head Village alive!"

Tao'er felt heartbroken and shouted sternly.

"Hypertrophic, did you hear me? If you dare hurt this child, believe me, I'll throw both of you off the cliff to feed the wolves!"

Xiao Yi's eyes were filled with anger and murderous intent.

"Just scare him a little. Don't worry, he's my bargaining chip. I won't hurt him."

But who exactly is coming to make the exchange?

Ma Jiakang quickly said.

He knew in his heart that without this brat, they would not only not get a single penny, but they would also have no chance of leaving alive.

"I'll do it..."

"Peach called out."

"Peach, you can't go."

If anyone should be replaced, it should be me.

Xiao Yi said in a deep voice.

He had been secretly observing, trying to find an opportunity to save Ayan.

But the third leader's position was really too tricky.

Behind him was a cliff, in front of him was Ayan, and the blade was held to the child's neck.

No matter how fast he moves, he can't outrun the other person's wrist movement.

You know, if that bastard had used any force, Ayan would probably have been splattered with blood on the spot.

He dared not gamble, because if he lost, Ayan would die at the hands of that bastard.

You can't go.

Tao lowered her voice and leaned close to Xiao Yi's ear, "Who will avenge the Xiao family?"

Who will clear the Xiao family's name?

Let me go, trust me.

Suddenly remembering something, Ma Jiakang burst into wild laughter, "Hahaha..."

So, the mute Ah Qi wasn't actually mute?

They really hid it well!

You've completely outmaneuvered the entire Tiger Head Village.

He seems to be a trained fighter.

The leader deserved to die!

But so what?

You'll still fall into my hands!

After he finished laughing, he gave the two of them a sinister look: "Enough with the nonsense."

It's not impossible to exchange them.

But I've changed my mind!

But whoever comes over is up to me.

"You brat, you!"

He pointed to Tao'er.

"good.

I come.

"Let Ayan come over first."

Tao answered decisively, without the slightest hesitation.

"No!" Xiao Yi stepped forward. "Machigas, I'll go and relieve Ayan!"

Ayan was his elder brother's only bloodline, and he absolutely could not let anything happen to him.

But what about Tao'er?

To him now, she is far more than just a benefactor.

He couldn't let her take any risks.

Besides, Ayan is a member of the Xiao family, and so is he. It's only right that he saves Ayan.

He was so moved by Tao'er's kindness that he didn't know how to express his feelings. How could he let her risk her life for Ayan?

He can't; otherwise, what difference would there be between him and an animal?

"If you can't go, I will."

"You absolutely can't go, I'll go!"

Neither of them was willing to back down.

Ayan, who was being held hostage, looked at this scene with tears welling up in his eyes.

Uncle Shi and Sister Tao'er were vying to exchange their lives for his, their reckless actions making his chest feel like it was stuffed with cotton, hot and painful.

Just then, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Third Master!"

Tao'er and the other girl looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was the First Madam. Their attention had been on Ayan and the others, and they had no idea that the First Madam had come with Xiaohe and two other people.

The First Madam continued, "Third Master, release that child."

"The position of chief of Tiger Head Stronghold is yours!"

In desperation, she had no other choice.

She couldn't just stand by and watch these people go to their deaths.

At worst, she could take her daughter down the mountain and find a secluded place to live out the rest of her days.

Upon hearing this, Ma Jiakang and his second wife, Madam Liu, both brightened up.

This idea...

Absolutely brilliant!

The two men were only thinking about taking the money and escaping for their lives, forgetting that there was another way to go.

Staying and becoming the master of Tiger Head Stronghold is a hundred times better than being a fugitive.

Madam Liu whispered urgently, "Brother Ma, the First Madam's suggestion is good!"

Why should we live a life of escape?

Wouldn't it be better to be king of Tiger Head Village?

The top leader is dead, the third leader is dead, and what's left is you?

Can the First Madam and her young, blond-haired maid manage hundreds of people in the village?

Shall we stay?"

By the end, she couldn't help but laugh out loud with pride.

Ma Jiakang laughed loudly, "Hahaha..."

Madam, I love hearing you say that!

I've wanted to sit on this throne of Tiger Head Stronghold for a long time!

Don't worry, once I become the chieftain, I won't treat you unfairly.

You'll still be the first wife, but only if you're my woman!

He licked his lips, his gaze roaming brazenly over the First Madam.

The First Madam came from a scholarly family; she was well-educated, courteous, dignified, and elegant—far superior to the petty and narrow-minded Second Madam.

Liu's expression changed drastically, her eyes filled with resentment and venom. "Brother Ma!"

How could you do this!

I am yours!

Ma Jiakang glared at her fiercely, "Shut up!"

I'm the one who calls the shots!

"If you don't want to be the second wife, then go down the mountain yourself. I won't stop you!"

Liu snorted, but ultimately dared not say another word.

The First Madam endured the humiliation, her expression unchanged, and asked in a deep voice, "Those things can be discussed later."

Release the child first.

Rescuing the child is the top priority right now.

Tao'er and the others helped them avenge themselves, making them benefactors to the mother and daughter.

She couldn't just stand by and watch her brother fall into the hands of thieves.

Neither the third leader nor Liu is a good person. If the child falls into their hands, something bad will probably happen to him.

Tao'er and Xiao Yi exchanged a glance but did not stop the First Madam's suggestion.

Saving Ayan is the most important thing right now.

As for Ma Jiakang wanting to become the village chief?

That's wishful thinking.

Once Ayan is safely out of danger, we'll settle this score later.

Ma Jiakang narrowed his eyes, the tip of his knife dangling near A Yan's neck: "Let him go?"

It is not impossible.

However…

He paused, a sinister smile curling at the corner of his lips.

"I have one more condition."