However, Dabu was destined to be disappointed. The people he had been hoping for had already been captured, and even his own stronghold was about to be raided.
Zhen Wanwan and her two companions drove the carriage without stopping, so Zhou Dashan and his group behind them, who were already in the carriage, couldn't find a time to meet.
Only when the city came into view did Zhen Wanwan order A Yue to stop the carriage.
She jumped down from the carriage and looked at the city at the foot of the mountain.
It has been less than two months since I left the prefectural city, and the once bustling scene is now quiet.
It was as if the once bustling streets were just a dream of hers.
Zhen Wanwan patted her cheeks, trying to keep herself clear-headed.
Perhaps because of its high vantage point and expansive view, she seemed to see through the city walls to the open space on the other side, where it appeared to be filled with people and horses.
Thick smoke from the fire also rose into the sky.
Zhen Wanwan pursed her lips, knowing that the other side was where the Northern Hu people, who struck fear into the hearts of the common people, were located.
They were also the enemies who once occupied their homes!
A hint of disgust flashed in Zhen Wanwan's eyes; those people didn't deserve to stand on this land.
She narrowed her eyes, clenched her fists, and thought of many things in an instant.
However, she can't do much on her own right now; she can only proceed step by step and try to drive the people out as soon as possible.
"Let's go into town!"
Now, one can only leave the city, not enter. Zhen Wanwan and her companions arrived at the city gate.
One after another, I saw many wealthy families, with their children and belongings, carrying large and small bags, leaving the city and heading towards the countryside.
It seems they're all trying to avoid trouble!
The general inspecting the goods saw Zhen Wanwan and her two companions standing to the side from a distance, and led a few people to them.
"During this special period, you can only leave the city, not enter it. You should go back quickly!"
Although the city's commander spoke harshly, his attitude was relatively good, and he did not attack them.
"Hello! I am Zhen Fugui's younger sister. Please trouble you to tell him!"
There were many people at the city gate, and there was a high possibility that there were spies from other enemies. She could not expose her relationship with Zhuyuan.
The goalkeeper carefully examined Zhen Wanwan for a few moments, and seeing that her features did indeed resemble Zhen Fugui's, his cold expression softened slightly.
But words alone are not enough; he can't just report every Tom, Dick, or Harry who claims to be relatives!
"Young lady, what can you do to prove your identity?"
Zhen Wanwan looked embarrassed. Where did she get the proof?
She doesn't usually like to wear gold or silver jewelry, and she rarely wears them out, whether they are bought for her by Zhu Yuan or Zhen's family.
Now, there really is nothing to prove her in any way.
Seeing that Zhen Wanwan remained silent for a long time, the gatekeeper's expression turned colder, and he said in a harsh tone, "No identification is allowed! Please leave, young lady!"
As he spoke, he led his subordinates back and turned back to continue maintaining order, while carefully inspecting passing vehicles.
Zhen Wanwan looked at A Yue and Qu Huaiyuan with an innocent and embarrassed expression: "It was my oversight, I didn't expect this."
A-Yue didn't answer, but silently took a few steps closer to her.
Just by looking at this scene, A-Yue could guess that there were many hidden dangers here.
Therefore, she had to stay by Zhen Wanwan's side every step of the way.
Qu Huaiyuan still had a faint smile on his face. Seeing her silly grin, he couldn't help but laugh inwardly.
"No rush. I think if we wait here a little longer, Brother Zhen and the others will come out soon."
Sometimes, after delivering the grain, Zhen Fugui and the others would rush back to Guangling County before dawn.
That's why Qu Huaiyuan made that statement.
"Mr. Qu? Is that you?"
Suddenly, a melodious female voice came from the city gate.
Zhen Wanwan looked in the direction of the sound and saw a pretty woman looking at her with a joyful expression... Qu Huaiyuan was next to her.
Qu Huaiyuan stiffened, quickly glancing at Zhen Wanwan. Seeing that she showed no change in expression, he felt a little dejected.
"Miss Xu San".
Yes, I also met this beauty Zhen Wanwan twice.
The first time I saw her was at the Guangling County School, where she was chatting happily with Qu Huaiyuan.
The second time was at her coming-of-age ceremony, where Zhen Wanwan even acted as her hairpin maker.
Only then did Miss Xu get a clear look at the person next to her.
Upon seeing Zhen Wanwan, she blushed and gave a very polite bow.
"Is Lady Zhen well?"
Zhen Wanwan glanced at the two of them without showing any emotion, her gaze finally settling on Qu Huaiyuan's handsome face.
When Qu Huaiyuan was fleeing famine and traveling, his skin was dark, and due to poor diet, he suffered from malnutrition and looked very thin.
They don't act like scholars at all.
Back then, he was just a man with delicate features.
Now that he's no longer doing long-term manual labor, his skin has regained its fair complexion.
In addition, the food here is good, so I've gained weight.
He was more captivating than ever before.
As Qu Huaiyuan walked onto the road, he attracted a lot of attention from young girls and women passing by.
Zhen Wanwan wasn't surprised that a young girl was interested in him.
Moreover, Miss Xu is such a beautiful young lady, whose family background, appearance, and talent are among the best in Anqing Prefecture.
Countless young men wanted to marry her but couldn't.
But seeing Qu Huaiyuan's attempt to avoid suspicion, Zhen Wanwan sighed helplessly.
She suddenly remembered the tactics her online friends used when their families pressured them to get married in her past life.
Being older and still unmarried is because your standards are too high...
To be honest, Zhen Wanwan also wanted to say the same thing to Qu Huaiyuan.
Miss Xu is so wonderful, why don't you seize the opportunity? What are you waiting for?!
Sensing Zhen Wanwan's gaze that seemed to see through everything, Xu Qingli blushed even more.
She unconsciously touched her burning ears and glanced at Qu Huaiyuan shyly.
But this beautiful scene of a young girl in love could not attract the handsome man in front of her.
To avoid suspicion, Qu Huaiyuan silently moved a few steps away from Xu Qingli, his eyes fixed on the ground, not daring to look up.
Upon seeing this, Xu Qingli's face turned pale, and her heart ached.
Zhen Wanwan's eyelids twitched. Seeing Xu Qingli's embarrassed look, she quickly pulled her to divert her attention.
“Miss Xu, it’s so good to meet you here! I need your help with something.”
Xu Qingli dared not look at Qu Huaiyuan, who had broken her heart, any longer. Hearing Zhen Wanwan's words, she asked, "Madam Zhen, please speak freely."
In her heart, Zhen Wanwan was the one who praised her at her coming-of-age ceremony; she was her elder!
When her elders needed help, Xu Qingli naturally listened attentively.
Zhen Wanwan nodded to herself. No wonder the Xu family had been able to survive in Anqing Prefecture for hundreds of years.
Girls with such good upbringing are all equally sensible.
Thinking about the purpose of her group's arrival, she frankly admitted, "It's like this, we came here for my father and older brother, but we can't get into the city right now..."
Upon hearing this, Xu Qingli bit her lip in embarrassment and explained awkwardly, "Madam Zhen, it's not that I'm unwilling to help, but the city's management has been very strict lately. Once you leave this city gate, even a prince won't be allowed to enter!"
"To be honest, Qingli came out today with her elders to seek refuge in a village in a nearby county town. We have already left the city gate and can't go back in."
These words were exactly what Zhen Wanwan had expected, and she wasn't disappointed: "I see!"
"Then, Miss Xu, do you know any way to send a message to the city?"
If she can't get in, she can send a message to Zhen Fugui and the others!
Zhen Wanwan was so certain that the Xu family could deliver the message because of the Xu family's prestige in Anqing Prefecture.
If a family with a history of over a hundred years cannot even transmit information within its own territory, then such a family would have long since ceased to exist.
Xu Qingli was slightly taken aback. Although she had no way to take them in directly, it was still easy for her to pass on a message.
But... how did Lady Zhen know that she could send messages?
She was destined never to hear the truth from Zhen Wanwan.
"I do have a way to send messages..."
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