Conserve your energy and wait for the right opportunity to act.
Life in the mountain cabin was peaceful and stable. Under Zhao Hu's meticulous care, Su Yunqing's health gradually recovered, and her cheeks regained color, no longer as pale and haggard as before. Shen Qingci's chain wounds on his wrists and ankles also healed and scabbed over. He followed Zhao Hu up the mountain every day to hunt and familiarize himself with the terrain, becoming more and more agile and his eyes becoming sharper.
That morning, Shen Qingci and Zhao Hu hunted a wild boar. When they returned to the cabin carrying their prey, Su Yunqing was sitting by the window mending clothes. Sunlight streamed through the windowpane, casting soft shadows on her. Seeing the two return, she immediately got up to greet them, took the prey from Shen Qingci's hands, and smiled gently, "Brother Qingci, Brother Zhao, you're back. Take a rest."
Zhao Hu leaned his hunting rifle against the corner of the wall, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and laughed, "Brother Shen, your wife is really virtuous. After you get your revenge, you must live a good life together."
Shen Qingci watched Su Yunqing's busy figure, feeling a warm glow in his heart, yet also a sense of heaviness. He knew that the peaceful days would eventually end, and they couldn't hide in the deep mountains forever. Li Linfu was still committing evil deeds in the court, the old servant's revenge was still unavenged, and countless wronged people were still suffering.
After dinner, Shen Qingci pulled Zhao Hu outside and got straight to the point: "Brother Zhao, thank you for taking us in and caring for us these past few days. Yunqing and I have recovered and want to set off for Black Wind Pass as soon as possible to find the old servant's former subordinates and then try to present the evidence of Li Linfu's crimes to the emperor."
Zhao Hu pondered for a moment, then nodded: "I know you're eager for revenge, but this can't be rushed. Black Wind Pass is still over a hundred li away from here. Not only are there wild beasts roaming the route, but there are also pursuers patrolling along the way sent by Li Linfu. Proceeding rashly would be too risky." He paused, then added, "I have a friend named Qian Tong, a merchant who travels between the border and the capital. He's a righteous man and knows the roads well. I can write to him and have him come to meet you, posing as his caravan members. That way, you can reach Black Wind Pass safely."
Shen Qingci was overjoyed: "Thank you, Brother Zhao! If that's possible, then that would be wonderful."
“However,” Zhao Hu changed the subject, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes, “Although Qian Tong is righteous, this matter is of great importance, and I need to go to town to contact him personally. You all stay in the cabin and remember not to go out, so as not to expose your whereabouts.”
Shen Qingci quickly said, "Brother Zhao, the journey is long, and we are really worried about you going alone. Why don't I go with you?"
“No need,” Zhao Hu waved his hand. “You and Miss Su have special identities and it’s not appropriate for you to show yourselves. I’ve been active in this area for years and won’t arouse suspicion. You just need to wait here, and I’ll be back in five days at most.”
The next morning, Zhao Hu packed his bags and set off on horseback. Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing saw him off at the foot of the mountain, watching his figure disappear into the depths of the forest, their hearts filled with gratitude and anticipation.
Over the next few days, Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing rested and recuperated in the wooden cabin, while also preparing for their journey. Shen Qingci carefully put away the bamboo token left by the old servant, and, following the hunting rifle blueprints left by Zhao Hu, sharpened several daggers for any eventuality. Su Yunqing sorted and organized the herbs left by Zhao Hu, making them into portable medicine pouches, and also sewed several thick garments to prepare for the harsh cold along the way.
In their spare time, the two would sit by the window, gazing at the snow-covered mountains and forests outside, and quietly discuss their future plans. Shen Qingci would analyze the political situation at court and consider how to safely present the evidence to the emperor; Su Yunqing, from a woman's sensitive perspective, would remind him to pay attention to details along the way and guard against potential dangers.
"Brother Qingci, how should we contact loyal and virtuous officials after we arrive in the capital?" Su Yunqing asked softly.
Shen Qingci pondered for a moment and said, "When I was in the Hanlin Academy, I had dealings with the Imperial Censor Zhou. He is an upright man who hates evil and has a long-standing feud with Li Linfu. We can contact him first, give him the evidence, and have him present it to the Emperor on his behalf."
Su Yunqing nodded: "Yes, Lord Zhou is indeed a reliable person. But we must also be careful. Li Linfu has many followers, and the capital city is bound to be fraught with danger."
"Don't worry." Shen Qingci held her hand, his gaze firm. "We've been through so much together, we're no longer the naive teenagers we once were. No matter how dangerous the road ahead, I will protect you and we will definitely bring down Li Linfu and reveal the truth to the world."
On the evening of the fifth day, Zhao Hu finally returned, followed by a middle-aged man dressed in brocade with a shrewd expression. "Brother Shen, Miss Su, this is Brother Qian Tong," Zhao Hu introduced with a smile.
Qian Tong bowed to the two men and said, "I have long heard of Supervisor Shen's deeds. It is my honor to serve Supervisor Shen."
Shen Qingci quickly returned the greeting: "Brother Qian, you're too kind. Thank you for your help this time."
Qian Tong waved his hand: "Supervisor Shen, there's no need to be so polite. That traitor Li Linfu deserves to be killed by everyone. We'll set off early tomorrow morning, disguised as a merchant caravan, and head to Black Wind Pass."
As night deepened, the wooden cabin was brightly lit. Shen Qingci, Su Yunqing, Zhao Hu, and Qian Tong sat together, discussing their route and countermeasures. A cold wind howled outside, but the four men inside were burning with a fierce flame—for justice, for revenge, for those who had been wronged, they were about to embark on a new journey.
Shen Qingci looked at Su Yunqing beside him, then at Zhao Hu and Qian Tong in front of him, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that the road to the capital was still full of unknowns and dangers, but with the help of these righteous people and with Yunqing's company, he would surely overcome all difficulties and fulfill his long-cherished wish.
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