Chapter 127: Getting People to Stay

Chapter 127: Getting People to Stay

Du Motian did bring Yang Fengs message. Once he discovered the disappearance of the Weary Marquis, he headed straight to the Northern Army. However, as an unranked instructor of the Marquiss manor without any official position, it was not easy for him to enter the camp. He waited for a whole day before being allowed in, and then waited even longer to receive instructions from Yang Feng in person.

The next task was to find out the whereabouts of the Weary Marquis.

Du Chuanyun had followed Ma Da, but unfortunately, due to his lack of experience, he lost track of him in the wilderness. Du Motians method of searching was relatively simple; he inquired among his pugilist world friends along the way. He traveled all the way to Huailing County in the north of the Capital, almost getting detained. When he finally found the Weary Marquis at the village by the Guaizi Lake, two days had passed.

Its really not easy to find you. The old man finished a big bowl of water in one gulp and looked at the three people in the room.

The body of Chao Yongsi had been removed. Prince Donghai sat on a stool in the corner, his face gloomy and lost in thought. Reckless leaned against the door, idly carving a piece of wood with a short knife, occasionally looking up and gazing into the distance.

Master Du, this is the hero from the Drunken Immortal Inn, known as Reckless

Reckless interrupted coldly, Stop it. I am a cook, not a hero. Im not here to make friends with heroes.

Du Motian smiled and bowed, saying, Ive heard of you, then turned to the Weary Marquis, suppressing his smile. Is it convenient to talk here?

Han Ruzi nodded. The safety of the entire village relied on Prince Donghai, and he would not let his brother out of his sight again.

Master Yang hopes that you will immediately head to the Northern Army.

Hmm. Han Ruzi trusted Yang Feng, but he also needed to hear the reasons.

Du Motian glanced at Prince Donghai again, lowering his voice slightly. Master Yang said that many imperial relatives and nobles have petitioned to volunteer to join the army after receiving hints from the imperial court. You should do the same and must not return to the Capital. Master Yang has already paved the way for you in the Northern Army, waiting for your arrival.

My wife also suggested that I petition to join the army. Han Ruzi was both happy and surprised. It turned out that Cui Xiaojun and Yang Feng had come to the same views.

Suddenly, Prince Donghai in the corner jumped to the ground. Hah, I get it! The person who wrote to you is my cousin! How could the Cui clan produce someone like her Prince Donghai suddenly realized that this was not his territory and quickly shut his mouth, sitting back on the stool, pretending to be a statue.

So the Weary Marquis is already prepared, thats even better. Lets set off now. We cant enter the city, we can only make a detour. If we hurry, we might arrive tonight. Master Yang will send someone to meet us.

There are more than seven hundred people in the village, some of them are old. We are without horses, and only have a few mules. Im afraid we cant move too fast.

Du Motian was slightly surprised. You dont need to bring everyone. At most five or six people. After leaving the village, I can find horses.

Han Ruzi remained silent in contemplation.

Prince Donghai couldnt help but sneer, Hes showing womanly compassion again. He probably wants to take even the cats and dogs from the village with him.

Du Motian advised, The Weary Marquis is kind-hearted, which is a good thing, but its really not the time

Han Ruzi shook his head. No, Im thinking of something. When Master Yang asked Master Du to find me, did he know that I had recruited an army?

Du Motian was an experienced man of the pugilist world. At this moment, he unconsciously scratched his head. Based on what he saw and heard after entering the village, this could not be considered an army at all.

What can I do in the Northern Army?

Well Master Yang has his own arrangements, which he did not tell me. Du Motian couldnt answer.

The door was opened, and a group of people stood outside. Led by Chao Hua, they bowed respectfully to the Emperor.

Please come in, Han Ruzi said, standing in the middle of the room, about seven or eight steps away from Reckless.

Only five people came in, while the others remained outside the door, but they could still see and hear what was happening inside.

Whats the matter? Han Ruzi asked.

The five lowered their heads and exchanged courteous remarks for a while. Finally, Chao Hua raised his head and said, I want to avenge my father. Your Majesty, please allow me to lead a group of people out of the camp.

Have you found the whereabouts of the enemy?

Not yet, but since we know theyre from the Chai manor, they should be easy to find.

Han Ruzis gaze swept over the five, asking, Do you all plan to come back?

Not only these five, but even those outside blushed and lowered their heads further. Chao Hua was their leader, so it fell to him to speak. We came to seek refuge under Your Majesty, not to be soldiers or fight wars. Since Your Majesty is going to the northern border to fight the Xiongnu, we cant help. Please let us go.

Prince Donghai whispered to Reckless in the corner, I bet hes going to be alone again

Reckless didnt even move his eyes. He just stood there as if he had no interest in anything.

Prince Donghai glanced at the two short blades behind Reckless and fell silent.

You have come here voluntarily, why speak of whether I would let you go? Han Ruzi showed no sign of anger, clasping his hands. If you wish to leave, you can leave at any time. I have only one request.

Please, Your Majesty, Chao Hua immediately said. Being allowed to leave so easily made him breathe a sigh of relief. He was willing to agree to any condition.

I hope to offer you some compensation.

Prince Donghai made a disgusted expression, barely suppressing a sneer. The faces of Chao Hua and the others turned even redder, and someone outside the door shouted, Your Majesty has already been very kind to us. We havent done anything for Your Majesty; we dont deserve any compensation.

Han Ruzi said seriously, Your presence at the Riverside Camp is the greatest help to me. A little compensation is just my token of appreciation. Please accept it, no matter what. In three days, at most three days, the compensation will arrive. I hope you can wait a little longer.

The five people in the room looked at each other, then turned to look at the people outside for a while. Chao Hua turned back to Han Ruzi. We dont deserve any compensation, but were willing to stay for three more days for Your Majesty.

Han Ruzi thanked them and escorted everyone out of the room, closing the door halfway.

Prince Donghai sneered disdainfully, Youre really hypocritical. As long as you ask, these people will stay for three more days. Why pretend to offer compensation?

Han Ruzi hadnt spoken yet, but Reckless spoke up, For the sake of face, they will agree verbally to stay. But for the sake of compensation, they will stay for real. The Weary Marquis did nothing wrong. But if I were to guess, youre not waiting for compensation, youre waiting for a crisis.

Im waiting for both, Han Ruzi said.

The Riverside Camp was no longer a hidden place. The crisis would come sooner than the compensation.

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CH 126