Chapter 76 - Convergence

Chapter 76: Chapter 70 ConvergenceZhao Ju rode up from behind, jumped off his horse, and searched for Zhao Hanzhang. "Third Lady, we’ve left good marks. Ji Ping and the others will catch up."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded.

He led his horse beside her, "Third Lady, ride my horse."

Zhao Hanzhang politely refused, "Though the disorderly troops are chasing the main army, we still need to guard against any scattered refugee army and imperial troops coming over. Send people to scout ahead and leave some behind as well."

Zhao Ju agreed and mounted his horse to arrange things.

The guards ordered to find them followed the road to Linnan Village. Upon inquiry, they learned that they had left in the morning and immediately mounted their horses to chase along the official road.

Ji Ping kept an eye on the marks along the way, didn’t even enter Linnan Village, directly turned not far from the village entrance, saw the marks, and took the small road.

Zhao Hanzhang and their group had many on foot, with a following of refugees, including men, women, and children. Their speed was much slower; it was almost dark when they reached the entrance to the official road.

The scouts sent ahead returned to report, "There are no villages ahead, but there’s a rundown earth temple by the roadside where we can make a brief stop."

Zhao Hanzhang: "Let’s go."

At this time, Ji Ping glanced at the sky. They didn’t recognize this path and couldn’t predict where Third Lady and the group would settle. But they could deduce the approximate time they passed based on traces on the ground.

One of the scouts touched the wheel tracks, his eyes lit up, and he ran forward, saying, "Centurion, the water mark from the tracks is still here. We’re not far from Third Lady."

There was a puddle ahead; the wheels would take on water when passing.

Upon hearing this, Ji Ping immediately waved his hand, "Keep moving, no need to stop before dark."

They had carriages and horses, so their speed was a bit faster. With a crack of the whip, they ran for half an hour before they saw the wide official road.

A scout went ahead to check, saw the marks, looked further ahead, and quickly ran back to report, "Centurion, there seems to be smoke ahead."

The group sped up towards the smoke and saw refugees lying around a dilapidated temple, and Ji Ping knew they had found the right place.

The refugees, seeing so many carriages arrive, stood up one after another.

Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan heard the commotion and came out, seeing Ji Ping happily jump off his horse, take a few steps forward, kneel before Zhao Hanzhang, and clasp his fists, "My Lady, I am fortunate not to have failed my mission."

Zhao Hanzhang glanced at the carts piled high with grain bags, unable to suppress her smile, stepped forward to help Ji Ping up, "Good, you’ve worked hard, come inside quickly."

Zhao Hanzhang still wanted to know about the state of the main army.

"...According to Mr. Chen Si, the Emperor does not want to abandon Luoyang and flee west, but Prince East Sea forced him with a sword, leaving him no choice but to escape with palace attendants and court officials," Ji Ping said. "However, many court officials criticized Prince East Sea’s decision to abandon Luoyang and flee west. The main army had just settled and they started quarreling in the central tent. In anger, Prince East Sea killed the Emperor’s maternal uncle Wang Yan, temporarily settling the matter."

Mrs. Wang listened in shock, regaining her composure after a while, "My God, fortunately we didn’t follow the main army. Even the prince was killed casually. What about Second Grandfather?"

Ji Ping quickly said, "Second Grandfather is doing well, he even got promoted. He’s now the Chief of Staff."

Mrs. Wang felt somewhat uneasy, "Promoted rather quickly."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "During the court’s escape, many officials were trapped in Luoyang, their fate unknown. The central tent couldn’t wait for them to come knocking with so many vacancies. Naturally, they needed people to fill the positions."

"And it’s also a good way to win people over. Zhao Zhong... Uncle’s loyalty in times of crisis to serve the king in the Imperial Palace shows his sincerity. Whether it’s the Emperor or Prince East Sea, they will be willing to use such loyal people. Besides, he is not lacking in ability and has Grandfather’s reputation behind him. Being Chief of Staff is well deserved."

"However," Zhao Hanzhang touched her chin, "Right now, Uncle’s family should have met with Uncle. He got promoted, and his son abandoned Grandfather’s coffin and us. If this spreads, Uncle’s career path will be rocky."

Mrs. Wang: "I think he won’t face any issues. In chaotic times, just say it was lost in the mess."

"We can lose all sorts of things, but losing Grandfather’s coffin is disgraceful," Zhao Hanzhang said. "Besides, people aren’t fools. Unless Uncle is willing to abandon one or two of his three children, no one will believe him."

"It seems someone will come looking for us soon."

Mrs. Wang was a bit nervous, "Then..."

Zhao Hanzhang smiled, "It’s a good time to fill the gap Zhao Dian left when he departed."

She whispered an order to Uncle Cheng, "Go, open a bag of grain, tonight we’ll eat well and share some with the refugees outside."

Uncle Cheng knew how to handle it, nodded in response.

It was already dark. The team was about to prepare dinner. Not knowing when Ji Ping’s group would return, and having limited grain from Linnan Village, everyone dared not eat lavishly, so they were cooking porridge. Now, they simply gave the portion to the refugees outside.

Their own group opened a bag of grain to make dry food.

When the dinner was ready, the scouts squatted outside the temple with bowls and chopsticks eating, watched enviously by the refugees outside, each scout pondering differently.

The scouts who initially decided to follow Zhao Dian to find the second household whispered among themselves, "Following Third Lady is also not bad. She is kind-hearted, generous, and has been betrothed to Mr. Fu. Judging by today, Mr. Fu is very filial. In the future, Third Lady might bring Second Son to the Fu Family. If Mr. Fu is in charge of the household, what worries would we have about our prospects?"

"But we are supported by the Zhao Family now, and the Clan Leader is Second Grandfather. If we privately follow Third Lady, it would seem like we’re her private property. I have family on the estate."

"Did you hear what Old Five said? The Grand Master abandoned the master’s coffin. This person is cold-hearted. We’re not even sure if our family is in the convoy. It’s better to seek a promising future. If scattered, it’ll be easier to find later."

"First, secure your own situation."

The other hesitated and eventually shook his head, "I still need to check if my family is there. If they are, it’s better to keep the family together."

Even Zhao Dian was contemplating whether it was better to follow Zhao Hanzhang or Zhao Zhongyu. seaʀᴄh thё Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

No, the question was whether it was better to follow Fu Tinghan or Zhao Zhongyu.

In his mind, following Zhao Hanzhang equated to following Fu Tinghan.

While he was indecisive, Zhao Hanzhang looked up at him, and whispered to Zhao Ju, "Uncle Qianli, later, ask who wants to go with Zhao Dian. Whoever hesitates, persuade them to leave."

Zhao Ju said, "Why the rush? I think Zhao Dian’s attitude today seemed more inclined to stay."

Zhao Hanzhang directly shook her head, "His staying brings more harm than good. The current centurions only need to consider you as leader and me as master. With him, it’s hard for me to consolidate support. Let him go. If too many stay behind, encourage those with uncertain thoughts to leave with Zhao Dian."

As long as he has enough manpower, he will certainly want to leave, "Also, tell him Uncle is now the Chief of Staff."

Learning Second Grandfather got promoted, Zhao Dian’s heart immediately leaned towards one side, and he promptly said, "Team leader, the food supplies have arrived. Shall I take my people to follow Second Grandfather tomorrow?"

Zhao Ju: "... Go ahead." The lady really understood Zhao Dian.