I started out with seven husbands, and I worked hard to support my family while crying.

Chapter 191: The Brown Sugar Factory Scandal

After receiving Xiaoman's consent to be her bodyguard, Fang Xiaoxiao's previously complicated and heavy mood felt much lighter, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

Fang Xiaoxiao took Xiaoman, the female knight, to her brown sugar factory, which was located on the outskirts of Changle County, surrounded by mountains.

In ancient times, such novel and unique factories were extremely rare, so Xiaoman was filled with curiosity after hearing about it.

The two of them rode quickly towards the brown sugar factory, one after the other.

Fang Xiaoxiao rode ahead, looking extremely anxious, her brows furrowed, her heart pounding like a rabbit, constantly wondering just how bad the situation at the factory had become.

Xiaoman followed closely behind, her gaze unwavering, her expression serious, gripping her sword tightly, ready to face any potential danger.

Along the way, Fang Xiaoxiao's cherry-like lips kept introducing the factory's situation to Xiaoman, her voice carrying a hint of anxiety and helplessness.

"This brown sugar factory was something I worked very hard to set up, and it went through countless hardships and setbacks."

I had hoped to bring some benefits to everyone through this factory, so that everyone could live a better life. I never imagined that the despicable Giant Whale Gang would target us.

As Fang Xiaoxiao spoke, a hint of anger and resentment flashed in her beautiful eyes.

Seeing Fang Xiaoxiao's worried expression, Xiaoman gently comforted her, "Sister Fang, don't worry too much. There's always a way out. We'll find a solution once we get there." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a mountain spring, bringing Fang Xiaoxiao a sense of comfort.

Before long, they arrived at the factory gate.

The factory gates were tightly shut, and the surroundings were deathly silent, so quiet it was unsettling, and an eerie atmosphere permeated the air.

Fang Xiaoxiao nimbly dismounted, strode forward, and knocked on the door. The knocking sounded particularly loud in the quiet environment.

"Old Li, open the door quickly, it's me!" Fang Xiaoxiao's voice was full of urgency.

The door slowly opened, and Old Li nervously peeked out with his wrinkled face. When he saw Fang Xiaoxiao and Xiaoman, his cloudy eyes lit up instantly, as if he had seen saviors.

"My lady, you've finally arrived! Those people are making a huge scene inside!" Old Li's voice trembled, filled with deep fear.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Xiaoman walked into the factory without hesitation, only to find a group of burly men sitting casually in the yard.

The leader was a man with a face full of scars, whose fierce eyes looked like he wanted to devour people, sending chills down one's spine.

"Who is in charge?" the man shouted, his voice booming like a bell, making everyone's ears ring.

Fang Xiaoxiao took a deep breath, mustered her courage, stepped forward, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"I am, what is the meaning of this, heroes?" Although her voice was firm, her slightly trembling hands betrayed her inner nervousness.

"Hmph, what do you mean? This factory is on our Giant Whale Gang's territory. They have to pay protection money every month, or they won't have a peaceful life!" the man said viciously, his ferocious expression as if he wanted to devour Fang Xiaoxiao alive.

Fang Xiaoxiao frowned, a hint of anger flashing across her beautiful face.

"Gentlemen, my factory has only been open for a short time, and business is not yet on track. I really can't come up with that much money." She tried to reason with these people, her eyes full of pleading.

"Stop talking nonsense! If you don't pay up today, we'll smash up your factory!"

As he spoke, the man roughly waved his hand, and his men began smashing things like wolves.

Fang Xiaoxiao panicked and rushed forward to stop him, but a strong man shoved her away like a chick and she fell heavily to the ground.

"You can't do this!" Fang Xiaoxiao cried out in grief and indignation, her voice trembling with tears.

Seeing this, Xiaoman's eyes widened in anger, and she shouted loudly, "Stop!"

Her voice was thunderous, stunning everyone present.

Those people stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Xiaoman.

The man in the lead sneered, "Oh, where did this little wench come from, daring to meddle in other people's business?"

His gaze roamed freely over Xiaoman, filled with frivolity and disdain.

Xiaoman's eyes were so cold they seemed to freeze people: "How dare you be so arrogant in broad daylight!"

Her petite frame exuded a powerful aura that commanded respect.

"Arrogance? In this territory, the Giant Whale Gang is the law!"

The man spoke arrogantly, swaggering towards Xiaoman with every step carrying a threat.

Xiaoman showed no fear, her eyebrows furrowed, and she assumed a fighting stance, ready to meet the opponent's attack.

Seeing her like this, the man raised his fist, which was as hard as an iron hammer, and struck her.

Xiaoman nimbly dodged to the side, then countered with a backhand strike, causing the man to stumble and nearly fall to the ground.

Enraged, the man's face flushed red: "All of you, teach this bitch a lesson!"

In an instant, the members of the Giant Whale Gang rushed towards Xiaoman, like a pack of hungry wolves besieging a lamb.

Xiaoman unleashed her fists and feet with the agility of a swallow, responding with ease. Every move she made was clean and swift, sending the burly men sprawling and groaning in pain.

Seeing that things were not going well, the leader of the men had a sinister look in his eyes. He drew the knife from his waist and stabbed at Xiaoman.

With a nimble turn, Xiaoman kicked the man's wrist, and the knife clattered to the ground.

The man tried to resist, but Xiaoman kicked him hard to the ground, making it impossible for him to get up.

"Stop it, all of you!" Xiaoman shouted, her voice filled with authority.

When the members of the Giant Whale Gang saw their leader subdued, they were so frightened that they dared not move, standing there dumbfounded.

Fang Xiaoxiao struggled to her feet, dusted herself off, and tried to appear calm as she spoke.

"My lords, let's forget about today's matter. I will find a way to raise the money for you as soon as possible."

Although her voice was calm, the slight tremor in her tone revealed her inner fear.

"Hmph, you're smart to know what's good for you! We'll come back in three days, and if we still don't see the money, don't blame us for being impolite!"

After saying that, the man led his men away in a dejected manner, not forgetting to glare fiercely at Fang Xiaoxiao and Xiaoman as he left.

Fang Xiaoxiao and Xiaoman watched their departing figures, their brows furrowed with worry.

Back inside, Fang Xiaoxiao and Xiaoman sat at the table and discussed their strategy.

"Xiaoman, what should we do? Where am I supposed to raise so much money in three days?"

Fang Xiaoxiao said with a worried look on her face, her hands supporting her chin, her beautiful eyes filled with sorrow.

Xiaoman thought for a moment and then gently bit her lip.

"Sister Fang, why don't we report this to the authorities?" Her eyes held a hint of expectation.

Fang Xiaoxiao shook her head and sighed.