novelraw Chapter 59: Cousin!
Chapter 59: Cousin!
Chapter 59 Cousin!
As Wen Gu and his group approached Xin Prefecture City, the temperature dropped further, and snow began to fall. In addition to rescuing hidden survivors from villages, there were also some scattered refugees who had gone out to cut firewood only to find nothing. Surprisingly, they spontaneously and secretly followed the group. Indeed, as long as enough people were gathered, more would naturally follow. A rough estimate revealed that as they neared Xin Prefecture City, the group had grown to nearly five hundred people! The cold and snowfall accelerated their decision-making.
"After we cross this mountain, we should be there!" Escort Leader Lin, riding a horse, had a piece of cloth towel covering his face to ward off the cold. The mountain ahead was not tall or steep, the mountain path was clearly maintained and frequently used, easily accommodating horse-drawn carriages. There were also obvious tracks from passing carriages, which brought joy to everyone in the group. Even those who were sick in the cold weather seemed to gain some energy.
A villager ran ahead to scout, then returned to a horse-drawn carriage in the group and reported respectfully. As supplies dwindled, two horse-drawn carriages were left empty. One had been converted into a dedicated carriage for Daoist Master Qingyi. Every day, villagers vied to impress the Daoist Master, serving him tea, water, and running errands. The Daoist Master spent most of his time inside the carriage, and any news from outside would be brought to him. To gain the reverence of these people, Daoist Master Qingyi only needed a little skill, a bit of magic, and some rhetoric to gain followers. Among the group's supplies, Daoist Master Qingyi had his share, and he was willing to make his carriage luxurious and comfortable. Occasionally, when Daoist Master Qingyi emerged from his carriage, his demeanor was even more...
Zhou Shan didn't know how to describe it. When he privately pointed it out to Wen Gu, Wen Gu smiled and said, "He's gotten a bit carried away." Zhou Shan pondered this description. Yes, it was very apt. Perhaps it was due to being flattered so much, but recently Daoist Master Qingyi had indeed become a bit puffed up. Even though everyone knew they were coming this time by taking advantage of Wen Gu's visit to his relatives, Daoist Master Qingyi seemed to believe that his abilities could surpass Wen Gu's and gain more benefits for everyone. Regardless of what others thought, Daoist Master Qingyi felt this way gave him more of the demeanor of an expert. Experts, after all, must have pride! Immortals must have the bearing of immortals! Daoist Master Qingyi was full of high spirits. With his confidence already somewhat inflated, the Daoist priest looked ahead, hoping that Wen Gu's maternal uncle would not be disrespectful!
The "dog scholar" had written a letter earlier. If the letter had been delivered, and if his uncle was indeed a person of high status and power, he would not have failed to send someone to meet them. However, the reality was that no one had appeared yet.
*Da da da—*
The sound of horse hooves approached. A troop of cavalrymen rapidly approached from a distance, their cloaks flapping in the wind, kicking up snow. Escort Leader Lin and Zhou Shan immediately adopted a vigilant stance. The horses neighed, and the cavalry stopped not far ahead. The white mist from their nostrils carried warmth, but was quickly dispersed by the wind. The armored warrior leading the cavalry scanned the group of nearly five hundred people before him. He could analyze their general composition at a glance. His gaze swept over the members of the escort agency and County Lieutenant Zhou, passed the Daoist priest, and finally settled on Wen Gu, who was peeking out from the carriage. His originally sharp gaze softened slightly.
Wen Gu's eyebrows twitched, and he stepped down from the carriage. The leading armored warrior also dismounted. Without looking at Escort Leader Lin and the others, he clasped his hands in a salute towards Wen Gu and asked loudly, "Are you Wen Gu?"
Wen Gu returned a scholar's bow. "This humble scholar is indeed Wen Gu." "Do you have a token of identification?" the other asked. Wen Gu produced the token. After carefully examining it, the stern face of the leading armored warrior showed a smile, and he became more polite: "We've finally been waiting for you; we've been expecting you for a long time!""Oh?" Wen Gu looked over with a hint of confusion. "Young... your cousin specifically entrusted someone to keep an eye on your movements. If we encountered you, we were to escort you into the city. If you were going to Shuo City, someone would also be there to receive you, but it seems we missed you." The other then introduced himself: "My surname is Yang, and I am a Patrol Lieutenant of the Patrol Division in Xin Prefecture City." The Patrol Division? It sounded like a newly established military institution. Wen Gu returned the salute: "Lieutenant Yang."
Lieutenant Yang glanced at the people behind Wen Gu and said, "It's getting late. Everyone can follow me to the camp. We'll rest for the night first, and then head to Xin Prefecture City tomorrow. I've already instructed people to prepare ginger soup to ward off the cold." Medicine was scarce nowadays, and it was too precious to provide for so many people. Ginger was also expensive, but at this time, ginger soup could still be provided. Someone would reimburse the cost anyway. Wen Gu thanked him, returned to the carriage, and told everyone to follow Lieutenant Yang and his men to the nearby army encampment.
Seeing this, the Daoist priest's eyelids twitched violently. This was not the expected situation! His emotions surged, and the arrogance he had recently developed gradually receded. The camp was not far away, and the ginger soup was indeed prepared. Several large pots were set up, and people were distributing the soup to the group members. Wen Gu and his brother received different treatment; their bowls of soup were clearly more exquisite. Tietou, unable to tell the difference, picked up his bowl and drank it down. Wen Gu, however, took a closer look at the soup bowl in his hand. They are thoughtful, this is a treasure!
After settling in at the camp, Wen Gu asked Lieutenant Yang about Xin Prefecture City, wanting to know the current system there. "Is this place also divided into an inner and outer city?" he asked. "The inner and outer cities are indeed divided, but the outer city is only just beginning to be built," Lieutenant Yang replied. Wen Gu became even more curious. Why was the outer city only starting to be built now? Lieutenant Yang explained, "Xin Prefecture City is a border city. It has often been subject to warfare in the past, and even when there were no major conflicts, there were many disturbances, so it wasn't peaceful. Therefore, Xin Prefecture City still retains some of the neighborhood system from hundreds of years ago."
"After the world became chaotic, the Zhao family took charge of this area and strengthened the neighborhood system." Wen Gu marveled in his heart: A wise choice! The others in the group didn't quite understand what the neighborhood system was. The main point they heard was that they had arrived early and could live in the "inner city"! The inner city! As expected, arriving early was good!
While Wen Gu was chatting with Lieutenant Yang, he noticed the tracks of loaded vehicles on the ground and some black particles. Coal? Lieutenant Yang was speaking when he looked towards Wen Gu and saw him smiling. Wen Gu noticed the other's gaze and said, "We've finally arrived after a long journey. Thinking about seeing Aunt and Uncle and Cousin soon, I can't help but be happy!" Lieutenant Yang replied, "I can understand!" He thought that this young master's cousin would be even happier tomorrow!
This group of northern migrants with complex backgrounds rested for a night at the camp. Wen Gu was able to wash up at the camp. Of course, only Wen Gu and his brother enjoyed such treatment. The next day, new warm clothes were brought for them to change into. They were also smoked with a fragrant incense with a pleasant medicinal scent. Such incense was not easy to obtain now; without sufficient status, one could not get it. Wen Gu's suspicions were confirmed. After changing into a clean robe, the fabric looked unremarkable, but it was of understated luxury, far beyond what ordinary people could afford. Perhaps seeing Wen Gu's frail physique, a warm cloak was also provided. In just one night, the others in the group saw Wen Gu again but could hardly recognize him. Washed clean of the wind and dust from their journey and dressed in these clothes, he looked like a noble son who was too lofty to approach. Daoist Master Qingyi was unusually silent today and no longer had attendants serving him.
After resting, the group set off again towards Xin Prefecture City. This time, everyone's faces were filled with uncontrollable smiles and anticipation. They no longer had to fear attacks from evil creatures or bandits, as they were now escorted by the army! The snow had stopped overnight, but a thin layer of snow still covered the ground. Wen Gu's carriage had also been replaced, specially arranged by Lieutenant Yang. Seeing the silhouette of Xin Prefecture City in the distance, everyone quickened their pace. As they got closer, Lieutenant Yang instructed the group to halt.
"Please dismount. You are not allowed to ride horses for the rest of this road," Lieutenant Yang said, then looked at Wen Gu, "The horse-drawn carriage is allowed." The escorts in the group couldn't understand. They were still quite a distance from the city, so why couldn't they ride horses? However, since they were on someone else's territory, and the Zhao clan was the most powerful here, they complied with the order not to ride horses. They all dismounted and led their horses forward.
But soon, they heard the sound of horse hooves. Weren't they not allowed to ride horses? What were the people ahead riding? They looked into the distance and saw what appeared to be hundreds of cavalrymen. What was happening? As they continued to walk forward, they realized that a particularly large horse-drawn carriage seemed to be approaching. The horses pulling it were three in number! Two teams of fully armed cavalrymen were stationed on either side, looking exceptionally majestic!
"Is a noble person traveling? Should we make way?" someone asked nervously. Lieutenant Yang walked to Wen Gu's carriage at this time and made a gesture to "please." Wen Gu said nothing, called out to Tietou, and got out of the carriage to walk forward. Escort Leader Lin and Zhou Shan wanted to follow, but were stopped. Wen Gu raised his hand and signaled to them, "It's alright."
The two approaching teams of cavalrymen had armor that reflected the cold winter light, making them look imposing. However, Wen Gu's attention was not on them, but on the approaching horse-drawn carriage. "What is that?" Zhou Shan asked. "It's the Young Master's retinue," Lieutenant Yang said. "What... what Young Master?" Zhou Shan's teeth chattered. "The Young Master of the Zhao Clan!" Escort Leader Lin almost dropped his Ma Shuo. No, this... is it really alright to encounter someone of such status right away? But he quickly reacted. His eyes widened as he watched Wen Gu's retreating figure. By Tietou's side, even with the cloak, the seemingly frail figure gradually loomed larger in his eyes! His pupils trembled. Holy crap!
The two teams of cavalrymen on the front also dismounted and waited quietly. A young man in a brocade robe with cloud patterns stepped out of the carriage. The cavalrymen on either side bowed in unison. Lieutenant Yang naturally followed suit, bowing. He had observed earlier, not knowing if it was because he was already assuming the outcome, but he saw a slight resemblance between Wen Gu and the Young Master. The Young Master's mother and Wen Gu's mother were sisters, so they must have looked very alike. Looking somewhat alike, being close blood relatives, and having abilities, Wen Gu would undoubtedly...
Regardless of what thoughts others present were having at this moment, Wen Gu walked forward, his eyes clear, his expression respectful with a hint of excitement at seeing a relative. With a scholarly bow, he said, "Cousin!"
(End of this chapter)