But Ni Manxue couldn’t run fast; her legs were too weak. So, after just two steps, she tripped over rocks and branches on the ground. Determined to survive, she gritted her teeth and got up.
"Dong’er, let’s go!"
Dong’er helped her, and they ran another two steps. Ni Manxue fell again. Looking back, the Tiger was already within arm’s reach.
Ni Manxue gritted her teeth and pushed Dong’er away. "Don’t worry about me, just run!"
Pushed, Dong’er stumbled forward a few steps. When she turned back, she saw her mistress had fallen to the ground, the Tiger right behind her!
"Mistress!" Dong’er ran back without a second thought. "Mistress, you go ahead, I’ll hold it off! If it eats me, it won’t be hungry anymore and won’t eat you!" Dong’er said, starting to cry.
Ni Manxue pushed her firmly again. "Nonsense, just go! Run!" She had never been so fierce before. After roaring, she burst into tears. I’m sorry, Dong’er!
Dong’er cried too. "Mistress, I won’t leave! If you die, I don’t want to live either! If we’re going to die, let’s die together!"
Ni Manxue felt desperate. She had no strength left to push her away or even to shout, let alone run. She lay on the ground, her face and clothing covered in mud, looking utterly disheveled. Holding Dong’er’s hand, she softly said, "Alright!" A faint smile touched the corners of her mouth.
Dong’er also broke into a smile through her tears.
Ni Manxue, with trembling hands, reached into her clothes and pulled out her half of the Jade Pendant, pressing it against her chest. Tears slid down her face, yet she looked blissful. Maybe he’s waiting for me over there! Father, Mother, your daughter has been unfilial!
Dong’er was not afraid either. They closed their eyes and quietly awaited their impending demise.
"ROAR!"
A deep GRRROWL followed.
"ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!"
The Tiger approached, its roars deafening, making even the ground tremble. Hand in hand, they were not afraid at all!
Time trickled by. It felt like an eternity had passed. Huh? Where was death? Where was the Tiger? Could this be a dream?
Dong’er was the first to open her eyes! "Ah! Oh! Blood! Mistress, there’s blood!" Their skirts were stained red.
Ni Manxue opened her eyes and struggled to sit up. Turning around, she was shocked. "The Tiger... it’s dead!"
It really was dead! An arrow had pierced its throat; blood was gushing out in a stream, bubbling constantly! The Tiger was still struggling.
"Ah!" Ni Manxue was so frightened that she stepped back several paces before realizing that the hem of her skirt was covered in blood. The mistress and servant were pale with fear.
"Help!"
"Help!" They both cried out in unison!
After all, they were young ladies; their emotions were near breaking point after such an ordeal.
...
"Don’t be afraid, it’s already dead!" A cool, gentle female voice sounded in their ears, tender yet resolute.
Ni Manxue suddenly looked up. A woman was smiling as she walked towards them, bow and arrows in hand. The woman was dressed in brown cloth, with dark boots on her feet. Around her waist was a black cotton belt, with a water flask and a Quiver attached. Her hair was casually done up, secured with a Thorn Hairpin at the back of her head. Her features were delicate yet well-defined, and her wheat-colored skin glowed evenly. Her smile was clear and bright, showcasing a row of pearly white teeth which made her seem especially sunny. What a bright, handsome, and carefree girl!
"Are you two all right?" she strode forward, asking with a beaming smile.
Ni Manxue and Dong’er exchanged a glance. They felt this person bore no ill will; indeed, not only was there no malice, but she had also saved their lives. The two temporarily let down their guard and nodded apprehensively.
"That’s good!" The girl then relaxed and happily went forward to check on the Tiger’s condition.
Ni Manxue’s and Dong’er’s expressions changed, and they hurriedly dodged to one side.
The girl then laughed. "Don’t be afraid, I’ve shot it dead! It won’t bite anyone anymore!"
The mistress and servant then nodded.
They stood by and watched as the girl used her dagger to cut some vines and bind the Tiger. She also chopped down branches to make a stretcher and tied the Tiger onto it. With a strong pull, the stretcher slid forward a little along the path.
They were stunned. This girl was incredibly strong; she could actually move a Tiger by herself. Although she used tools, she was still just a girl.
"You’re amazing!" Ni Manxue complimented sincerely.
The girl wiped the sweat from her brow and laughed. "Actually, it’s quite strenuous, but I’m used to it!" After saying this, she pulled the stretcher and was ready to leave.
Ni Manxue and Dong’er panicked. They were uncertain of their exact location in the woods and feared encountering more wild beasts. Having finally come across someone, should they ask for help?