The Frail Scholar at the End of Ancient Times

Chapter 48: Coming to Seek Shelter with You!

Chapter 48: Coming to Seek Shelter with You!

The team has grown, its composition has become more complex, and it still needs some time to gel.

However, these are not major issues. He Da and Yu Er were formerly street loafers in the county town and were good at striking up conversations. Although they were not from the same county, now that they are in the same team and traveling together, they are considered outsiders and quickly became acquainted.

They discovered that some of the scattered employers from Bailu County, whom the escorts were protecting, did not actually want to head north themselves but were sent by their families. Those with resources and larger family members would want to share the risk and ensure the continuation of the family bloodline. Some would stay at home, while others would head north to seek new avenues for survival, rather than all staying in one place. If anything were to happen, the entire clan could be wiped out.

He Da and his group told Wen Gu about this, their words filled with envy and a hint of inferiority. "As expected of a wealthy family!" Many people couldn't even afford firewood, yet these wealthy families had the means to find various ways out for their descendants, unlike them, the miserable street loafers and common folk.

Wen Gu's gaze swept over the expressions on He Da's group, and then he looked at a few of the Tiger Might Escort Agency escorts nearby. He said, "Actually, your ancestors were likely also from wealthy families."

He Da didn't believe it. "How is that possible? My grandfather and great-grandfather were from the village; their lives were even harder than mine!"

"But you have a surname," Wen Gu replied. "In earlier times, villagers did not have surnames, nor did they have the ability to resist risks. Natural disasters or man-made calamities could wipe them out entirely with just one misstep. Most of those who survived were, in your words, 'wealthy families.'"

He Da and the others: "Huh?"

Wen Gu continued, "When a tree grows large, it branches out, or when faced with disasters, they would arrange different escape routes for their clansmen. From then on, it depended on each person's luck and abilities. Some prospered, while others fell into decline."He Da looked stunned. "So... my ancestors were once wealthy?"

Compared to He Da's lack of confidence, Yu Er was much more certain: "My ancestors produced a general!" He had only heard similar things from the elders when he was young, but he didn't really believe it. Now, hearing Wen Gu's explanation, it made so much sense! My ancestors must have produced a general!

He Da's mood was complicated. Once he accepted this notion, his thoughts began to wander. Perhaps his ancestors were high-ranking officials hundreds of years ago? I could have had the chance to be a young master from a wealthy family! Alas, some people were just not up to par! It seems that reviving the family must depend on me and my younger brother!

He Da went to chat with his younger brother about "my charming ancestors," while Yu Er and Blacksmith Yu reminisced about how many generals their ancestors had produced. A few escorts, who overheard their conversation, also went to talk to others about "my ancestors might have been generals too. With this strong physique, it's not something ordinary people can develop; it must have been passed down from my powerful ancestors!"

Daoist Master Qingyi watched them coolly for a while before asking Wen Gu, "You're quite good at talking. Aren't you worried about making them too arrogant?"

Wen Gu replied, "A bit of ambition is better than being numb and demeaning oneself. The current times are too oppressive; one can't endure without some ambition." Not only must they survive, but they must also have the drive!

Having accepted the new narrative, He Da and the others straightened their backs when they chatted with people. When they spoke to the escort agency's employers, they could confidently say: "My ancestors were once wealthy!" By elevating their own status, they no longer felt inferior. "My ancestors were once wealthy, maybe even wealthier than yours!"

Wen Gu nodded with satisfaction as he saw the team's low spirits rise again.

The northward route of the convoy was decided after Wen Gu collected and compiled information from the escort agency. Although the number of people increased, the travel speed did not slow down. After leaving Bailu County and traveling for another four days, on a territorial map, they had moved from south to north, initially entering the northern lands.

Wen Gu marked information in his notebook for recording maps. For example, which prefectures in the northern lands were the main destinations for the wealthy families from the south. The information might not be entirely accurate. "We still need to capture a caravan to inquire thoroughly."

Wen Gu closed his notebook and looked out through the carriage window. The curtain blocking the light was rolled up, and looking out, he could see the flat terrain and the sky in the distance. Looking at the clouds in the sky, Wen Gu asked the Daoist Master beside him, "Can you read the celestial phenomena? I have a feeling something is not quite right."

Daoist Master Qingyi's expression remained impassive. "Still under observation." Although his tone was calm, there was a hint of seriousness on his face that was not there before.

Wen Gu asked County Lieutenant Zhou to inform everyone to reduce the noon rest break and speed up their journey. The further north they went, the greater the chance of encountering migrating northern families. They had indeed seen other groups in the past few days, but they kept their distance, neither side initiating contact. They had also seen a group of about ten fast riders rush past. Wen Gu speculated that these might have been messengers carrying important news.

One day, during their mid-journey rest, they encountered a caravan from a major merchant guild from the south. In the current state of affairs, these large merchant caravans were much like escort agencies. They transported goods from one place to another, some carrying supplies, some delivering letters, and others escorting people. This caravan might have been doing all three. Although the times were perilous, whether to set out depended on the potential profit. As long as the profit was enticing enough, they would dare to take the risk!

The guards' equipment varied; some wore light armor, some wore leather armor, and others wore distinctive local rattan armor. The total number of people was about a hundred. The leader's gaze swept over the escort agency's group, lingered on the Ma Shuo polearm in Escort Leader Lin's hand, and then paused on County Lieutenant Zhou. The type and material of their weapons, their physique, demeanor, and bearing allowed him to make an initial judgment of their identity, pondering who was behind this group.

In a time when food, medicine, and supplies were scarce, encountering people with a large amount of resources while outside would naturally arouse thoughts. Both sides had the same idea, carefully observing each other and reaching the conclusion—not to be trifled with, impossible to defeat. If a conflict broke out, it would only lead to mutual destruction. After a moment of consideration, the tense, confrontational atmosphere quickly shifted to one of wary non-interference.

As the caravan leader categorized this group as having a background in military officials, a scholar emerged from a carriage near the front of their group and expressed a desire to chat for a moment. Wen Gu, under the protection of County Lieutenant Zhou and Tietou, walked to the center, accompanied by two guards from the other side.

The caravan leader sized up Wen Gu. He would not underestimate Wen Gu based on his simple coarse cloth clothing, nor would he assume he was a good person due to his gentle demeanor! While remaining vigilant, Wen Gu offered polite pleasantries and then took out a packet of salt—a mixture of coarse and fine salt, of a higher grade. Very inferior salt would not be regarded by the caravan. Wen Gu wasn't looking to recruit people from their side; he was eager to understand the terrain and situation in the north and gather more information. Although this caravan was from the south, and the distance was great, their information might be much more current than Wen Gu's. They appeared to be experienced veterans and might know more about the northern lands.

The caravan leader did not refuse. Since both sides were evenly matched in strength and a conflict was unlikely, it was better to make a friend rather than an enemy. The salt was secondary; merchants who could travel in these chaotic times were well-off, so they wouldn't place much value on such a small amount. However, it did add a slight touch of goodwill. The caravan leader told Wen Gu about the terrain and which county towns were present. They had traveled these routes for trade before. He would not reveal any more information. The convoy's route and the identities of its members were secrets that would not be disclosed to outsiders to prevent being exploited.

However, as their conversation was ending, the leader looked at the escorts and casually asked Wen Gu, "Which clan are you going to seek shelter with?"

"Clan?" Wen Gu repeated the word, his eyes gleaming. The clan of aristocratic families?

He bowed to the other party and had County Lieutenant Zhou offer another packet of salt. Wen Gu showed a look of confusion: "My previous residence was remote. May I ask how many clans there are in the northern lands?"

The caravan leader accepted the salt but lost interest in continuing the conversation. *Hmph, people from a small place!* He casually replied, "Six great clans in the north: Dong, Zhao, Qi, Ren, Du, Jiang. Who are you going to seek shelter with?"

"We intend to go to Xin Prefecture and seek shelter with relatives," Wen Gu said.

"Oh, Xin Prefecture, that's quite far. It's Zhao Clan's territory," the caravan leader said.

Inside the escort team's carriage, Madam Liang watched from a distance. Being some distance away and the voices not being loud, they could only hear vaguely. A courier who ran errands and passed messages came over and relayed the conversation from earlier. Madam Liang's face showed surprise.

Inside the carriage, another young woman, the wife of Escort Leader Lin, asked, "Eldest sister-in-law, is there something wrong with what was said?" Escort Leader Lin, who was guarding outside, then approached the carriage. Due to their background, they indeed lacked some sensitivity, but the intuition honed over the years told him that there was very important information in what was just said! He also asked in a low voice, "Eldest sister-in-law?"

"Clan..." Madam Liang lowered her voice, but it was clear enough for Escort Leader Lin and a few guards standing by the carriage to hear. She explained to the escort agency members. A long time ago, aristocratic clans could rival imperial power! Later, with changes in dynasties, the consolidation of military power, the imperial examination system, and the strengthening of imperial authority, the great aristocratic clans had long since declined. But! With the current rampant evil plagues, the imperial capital in ruins, the court scattered, and the imperial examination system halted... Judging by the caravan leader's words, the clans have risen again! When a dynasty cannot centralize power, the regions will inevitably decentralize. In such chaotic times, when the wealthy families of the south call them "clans" today, it means—the important military command in those regions has little to do with the imperial family anymore. Within the sphere of influence of their clan, those with the family surname possess special political rights from birth! Although they may not return to the situation of hundreds of years ago, this monopolistic privilege represents the undisguised ambition of these families!

Escort Leader Lin and the others understood. In their words, they were local emperors!

Over there, after hearing the caravan leader's answer, Wen Gu looked up with surprise and joy: "My relatives also have the surname Zhao!" He Da and the others, as well as the escorts and employers from the escort agency, all looked over. However, the merchant pulled at his face and snorted, "What a coincidence, I also have the surname Zhao." It was obvious he wanted to establish a connection; there were plenty of people named Zhao! Does it get to your family? Wen Gu said, "It's in the same area; if we go back a few generations, maybe we were from the same family centuries ago!"

The merchant was about to mock him: *Who is your family? Don't flatter yourself!* But then he thought, yes, it's about survival. Never mind flattering oneself with gold, just cover yourself in gold to look like you're made of it! If you really have such relatives, you should try to connect with them! That could save your life!

The caravan leader agreed with a nod and then led his team away. They were not heading in the direction of the Zhao Clan; their company's boss had better choices. Wen Gu watched the caravan depart. Unfortunately, this person did not know the name of the Zhao Clan's leader. He didn't know if he was his dear uncle. Pondering the information he had just gathered, Wen Gu couldn't help but take a deep breath. These elites of the feudal era were truly powerful! They weren't even hiding it anymore! And rightly so, in these times, why hide? For survival, and for ambition, they would naturally mobilize troops to seize opportunities! Although they couldn't solve the problem of the evil plagues immediately, there were still many things they could do.

The aristocratic families indeed had deep foundations, and they were the first to reveal their fangs and claws, not only resisting Evil Creatures but also seeking longer-term development for their families. Speed is of the essence in military matters! This saying applies extremely well at such times! In terms of foundation and crisis response, even the imperial family might not be comparable to some aristocratic families. When faced with threats to survival and great opportunities, what kind of power would deeply rooted aristocratic families unleash? One should not underestimate the ability of noble and influential families to quickly connect various factions under extreme circumstances! Acting decisively and responding appropriately is the only way to protect oneself while developing influence and achieving power monopoly! In the initial stages of the turmoil, when other places showed no abnormalities, those with well-informed intelligence might have already taken action. Regions affected by the evil plagues later experienced a year of chaos, but these well-informed noble families might have already had nearly two years of development! Time is far more valuable than money! What could they have developed into in nearly two years?

Such an evil plague and chaotic era, completely different from the past, was beneficial to those with deep foundations, enough to weed out the emerging insignificant figures. While ten out of every ten might perish elsewhere, if they could protect a region and keep its people alive, even if not half, but three or four out of ten survived, that would mean tens of thousands more manpower! As long as they focused on defense in the initial one or two years and preserved more vital forces, they would be ahead. When some people were content guarding a single county, the various giants were already absorbing the fresh blood continuously flowing north, developing towards a dominant position, becoming the "clans" spoken of by the wealthy families of the southern lands!

Wen Gu, collecting talent through trickery… cough, recruiting, painstakingly extracting a few people from each place, was it easy?! Up to now, it's only around a hundred people. In the northern lands, facing northern aristocratic and influential families that had developed for nearly two years, gathered northern and southern families, and collected survival resources, how much effort would he have to expend to seize living space? Thinking of his father's praise for his uncle in his memory, Wen Gu prayed in his heart: Uncle, if you are still alive, you had better have seized these one or two golden years! And, is the 'Zhao' in Zhao Clan your Zhao clan? If so, your gentle, learned, elegant, and pure nephew is coming to seek shelter with you!

(End of this chapter)