Although the tunnel is not flat enough, it can accommodate more than a dozen people walking side by side.
Jiang Yuzhu knew immediately that it was not because the cashier was conscientious, but because he wanted to make money by transporting goods, and the place was too narrow and even a cart could not fit in.
Fortunately, Jiang Yuzhu was well prepared. When she heard that they had to travel in the tunnel, she asked a carpenter to make a scooter for her. The uneven ground was not smooth, but it was less tiring than walking, so it was better than nothing.
Xie Zhao pushed the cart with an oil lamp hanging on the handle, which could illuminate the road within a few meters.
"How much do you know about Surabaya?"
Although they were only a hundred miles away, they were already in the enemy's territory. Jiang Yuzhu was unsure what to do.
Especially since there is a language barrier and the barbarians hate the people of Da Qi to the core, it is safer to pretend to be dumb.
"In the previous dynasty, Sishui City did not belong to the barbarians."
Xie Zhao showed no fear or panic about entering the tiger's den, and remained calm. "The previous dynasty was at its end, the emperor was incompetent, and the barbarians took advantage of the opportunity to occupy Sishui."
"Sishui is easier to defend than the border towns of Daqi. For hundreds of years, successive monarchs of Daqi have tried many times to reclaim Sishui, but to no avail."
After all, it is the territory of barbarians. The Da Qi dialect is prohibited in places like the City Lord's Mansion, but there are no such strict regulations among the people.
After learning about the history of Sishui City, Jiang Yuzhu asked curiously, "Do you understand the barbarian language?"
"I know a thing or two."
Xie Zhao's reply seemed very humble.
The couple agreed to keep a low profile when they were out.
In order not to reveal the identity, the title is omitted.
Their relationship is whatever others think it is.
However, Xie Zhao couldn't bring himself to call out "mother" no matter what. He would rather be misunderstood as a gigolo.
It was noon, there was no light in the tunnel, and the occasional sound of wind was particularly creepy.
Jiang Yuzhu was in a good mood and learned a few barbaric words from Xie Zhao that could be used in daily communication.
Tired, she sat on the cart and Xie Zhao pushed it to continue their journey.
The two entered the tunnel before the entrance was closed and did not see any of their companions along the way.
Jiang Yuzhu noticed some small openings with arched wooden doors on both sides of the tunnel and asked, "Are these toilets?"
"no."
Xie Zhao was silent for a moment, then said calmly, "It's for corpses."
As if seeing the surprise and confusion in Jiang Yuzhu's eyes, Xie Zhao said gently, "Most of those who have the courage to go to Sishui City to do business are desperate criminals. It's inevitable that some of them have the intention of killing people and stealing treasures."
In the tunnels, it is common to see two groups of merchant caravans fighting and snatching goods.
After someone died, in order not to affect the transportation of goods by carts in the tunnel, the bodies were thrown into the small hole by default and awaited subsequent disposal.
"Those people have a clear purpose, to rob the caravan and its money. You and I are using the excuse of visiting relatives, so we won't be targeted."
That group of people was after money, not killing.
It is better to have less trouble than more. As long as the other party does not provoke him, Xie Zhao is too lazy to meddle in other people's business.
It was a rare opportunity to be alone all day, so the couple walked and talked.
Xie Zhao doesn't talk much, but he answers every question Jiang Yuzhu asks and is very patient.
Judging from the time, it was probably already nightfall outside.
The couple barely stopped and had already overtaken the people ahead of them.
As they passed each other, passersby looked at them with vigilance, treating Xie Zhao and Jiang Yuzhu as thieves with the intention of robbery.
After walking a little further, Jiang Yuzhu said with emotion, "No wonder passersby looked at us like thieves. Those who stopped to rest were obviously injured."
In other words, there was a robbery in front of the tunnel.
Jiang Yuzhu didn't want to be too cautious about sleeping at night, so she decided to stop and rest first.
"Okay."
Xie Zhao had no objection. He found a slightly wider place, set up the tent, and skillfully made a fire.
Dinner was simple, just heated pancakes and braised pork, with a small plate of pickles.
Before Jiang Yuzhu could take a bite, she saw a small man stumbling over from a distance. He ran straight towards her and said enthusiastically, "Auntie!"
Jiang Yuzhu's hand froze in place, and after a while she realized that the other person was calling her.
Just now she passed by the short man, who stayed away from her as if he considered her a robber.
Why is he saying hello now? Is there something fishy going on?
"Aunt, my nephew Qi Lin is going to Sishui City to visit relatives. I wonder if he can accompany me?"
Qi Lin came over and gave a flattering smile.
At first, Qi Lin was alone, but after seeing someone injured along the way, he decided to find a companion.
When there are more people, the risk of encountering bad people is reduced.
After observing along the way, we finally decided to find a duo to travel with.
The pockmarked man was about the same age as Qi Lin, and he was also an aunt, so if the other party had any bad intentions, Qi Lin could handle it.
Seeing Jiang Yuzhu's surprised expression, Qi Lin scratched his head and said, "My nephew is being rude. To show your sincerity, how about I keep watch tonight?"
Jiang Yuzhu did not express her opinion, but looked at Xie Zhao.
Having someone to travel with is a benefit for the couple as their goals are much smaller.
"Okay."
Xie Zhao poured a cup of tea for his wife and agreed calmly.
After getting permission, Qi Lin hurriedly put down his package, pointed at the tent they had built, and looked at the cart.
"Brother, Auntie, you two look like strangers. Is this your first time in Surabaya?"
Qi Lin inquired about the two people's identities without leaving any trace.
Although they look like they are more than ten years apart in age, their gestures and movements do not seem like those of mother and son.
Especially when the pockmarked man was feeding his aunt tea, Qi Lin turned his face away awkwardly and simply couldn't bear to watch.
"It's the first time."
Jiang Yuzhu thought about it and decided that it would be too troublesome to cover up the lie after telling it. She might as well admit that it was her first time in Sishui City. Maybe she could get some information from Qi Lin.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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