After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 20 Sharing Weal and Woe, Dependent on Each Other in Life and Death!

Lin Xiaoqian knew that gaining the trust of these bandits was like clearing a path through thorns; he would have to use every trick in the book and employ a series of extremely clever and thorough methods.

She readily and proactively integrated herself into the lives of the bandits, and whenever it was mealtime, she would sit at the same table with them and share simple meals.

She was completely unpretentious, interacting with the same ease as if she were her own brothers. At that simple dining table, with sincere eyes and vivid words, she described to the bandits the bright future after their surrender to the imperial court: "Brothers, once we have accomplished this righteous deed, the court will surely forgive and forget. You will all receive land and live in peace and prosperity, and your families will be able to live a comfortable life without having to live in fear anymore."

Her words were full of sincerity and kindness, like a spring breeze that gently brushed over the bandits' originally rough and suspicious hearts, making their eyes gradually waver and ponder as they looked at her.

Moreover, Lin Xiaoqian also demonstrated some of her unique skills at appropriate times, proving her value and goodwill through practical actions.

One day, a bandit was injured while raiding down the mountain. His wound was deep and bleeding profusely, causing him to grimace in pain. Lin Xiaoqian, seeing this, rushed to his aid. Calmly searching the forest for a moment, she gathered several handfuls of common herbs. Back at her cave, she skillfully washed and crushed the herbs, then carefully applied them to the wound and bandaged it with clean cloth.

As she focused intently on treating the wound, the bandits stood by, watching quietly, their initial suspicion gradually replaced by surprise and admiration. Under her meticulous care, the wounded bandit's pain noticeably lessened, and his eyes were filled with gratitude as he looked at her.

With all the groundwork laid, Lin Xiaoqian decided to unleash an even more powerful move—a blood oath. She chose a bright, starry night and lit a roaring bonfire in the open space in front of the cave. Illuminated by the flames, she solemnly held a dagger, cut her finger, and let the blood drip into a prepared bowl of wine.

Then, she surveyed the bandits before her with unwavering resolve and declared loudly, "Today, I, Lin Xiaoqian, swear an oath of brotherhood with you all, with heaven and earth as our witness. From this day forward, we will share both fortune and misfortune, life and death. I will do everything in my power to lead you all onto the path of righteousness; if I disobey, may I be struck down by heaven and earth!"

The bandits were shocked by her resolute decision, and one by one they stepped forward to imitate her actions, dripping their blood into the bowl. As they drank the blood-mixed wine together, an invisible bond of trust was quietly established between them.

Immediately following up, Lin Xiaoqian outlined a detailed plan for the bandits' lives after being granted amnesty. Knowing their deepest concern was for their families, she said, "After the amnesty, the court will build houses and allocate land for you in safe and fertile areas. Your families can reunite, your children can attend school and learn to read and write, and either achieve official rank or inherit a trade—both have bright futures. And you brothers, with your courage and loyalty, you will surely find opportunities to display your abilities in the army or in local areas, whether training soldiers or maintaining order, becoming respected and righteous men."

Her descriptions were so detailed and vivid, it was as if that wonderful life was already right before their eyes. As the bandits listened, the vague hope in their hearts gradually became clearer and stronger. The initial suspicion and wariness in their eyes were replaced by trust and reliance. They knew that this woman would lead them onto a completely new path they had never imagined.

Murong Yi gazed intently at Lin Xiaoqian, a ripple of emotion stirring within him, a feeling he had never experienced before quietly blossoming in his heart. He unconsciously moved closer to Lin Xiaoqian, standing shoulder to shoulder with her, as if with her by his side, no hardship or danger could faze him.