Chapter 58 Does the gentleman know Mr. Chen Wenfu?
(Thanks to that year for the 200 Qidian coins reward!)
Li Shiyue carried a basket on her back, her hair was tied in two buns, and she had even changed her clothes, so she could at least look like a young girl.
Of course, the basket contained a wood-chopping knife.
Li Wangshui's scholarly demeanor was evident; just by standing there, he appeared to be a handsome young scholar.
Li Wangshui also carried a basket on his back, which naturally contained a wood-chopping knife.
The other villagers, however, didn't need to pretend. Just by looking at their rough hands, dark complexions, and travel-worn appearance, you could tell they were genuine farming villagers.
However, the donkey cart they were driving carried contained not only two bags of grain, but also some hay, several straw baskets, and four or five thick carrying poles.
It's somewhat understandable that seven or eight people would carry two machetes, but if each person carried a machete, that's a different story.
Li Shiyang's character is described as: "My master is in Dongmou Port, and I deliver food to him according to the etiquette due to a disciple."
Uncle Wangshui is my uncle from the same village. My grandfather was worried that I would travel alone, so he asked you uncles to accompany me.
October is my younger sister's birthday; she's reached marriageable age. My teacher's wife has found a marriage for her in Dongmou, and I took some people there to meet her.
Li Shiyue pouted, somewhat dissatisfied with this character's persona.
"Otherwise, it's hard to say why a young woman would accompany someone on the journey."
"I'll have to make do with this in October."
Li Shiyang noticed Li Shiyue's displeasure and explained the reason for the character design to her.
Li Shiyue had no choice but to nod in agreement. She knew that it was indeed difficult to explain why she, a woman, would suddenly appear among a group of rough men.
As for why Li Shiyue had to be brought along?
The first one is that Li Shiyue herself wanted to get involved in this matter;
Secondly, although Li Shiyang has the courage to kill, that requires the victim to be bound hand and foot and unable to move.
Li Shiyang is really not a person with any fighting skills. In critical moments, it's good enough if he can protect himself without causing trouble.
Li Shiyue's combat prowess was evident throughout the journey. With Li Shiyue around, at least there was a sliver of hope for escape if things went wrong.
According to Ma Zi and Wei Zi, there were six soldiers at the intersection, three at each intersection, except for the one at the intersection leading to Dong Mou, who had an extra clerk who looked like a scholar.
If things go smoothly, Li Shiyang and his group will return and take more than fifty people from Li Family Village with them on their way.
If that doesn't work, and they don't return by the agreed time, then the fifty-odd people from Lijia Village will have no choice but to take a detour to Dongmou.
As for Li Shiyang and his group, with Li Shiyue and Li Wangshui around, they could at least manage to drive the donkey cart.
Because they've already checked the pockmarks and moles, these soldiers don't have horses!
Even if there is a horse, it's still a head-on collision, and the runner still has the advantage.
As for why we had to go through this intersection?
Taking this route really saves time. About two miles north of this road, there is a sizable river. From the small ferry crossing on this river, you can take a boat north and reach the estuary, which is Dongmu Port, in half a day.
If we don't take this route and instead go around to Dongmou Port, it will be very difficult, and it will take at least five days to get there.
Therefore, in the end, Li Shiyang decided to take the risk and find out why the soldiers at the intersection were blocking the way.
As they hurried ahead of the King of Chariots, they reached the horse-tripping post, where soldiers came forward to question them.
Where are you going?
If you are going to Dengzhou, go straight ahead on the left. If you want to take a boat to Dongmou, follow me.
Li Shiyue got off the donkey cart and followed behind Li Shiyang, walking forward with the soldiers who had moved the tripping stakes.
The soldier said a few words to another, taller soldier, who then looked Li Shiyang and his companions up and down from a distance.
Li Shiyue could sense that there was no malice in that scrutinizing gaze.
Yes, Li Shiyue herself also discovered that after taking the fertility pill for the second time, in addition to becoming stronger, she also became more sharp-witted and perceptive.
As long as she concentrates, she can see and hear images and sounds that ordinary people cannot see or hear.
Moreover, in a vague and inexplicable feeling, Li Shiyue felt that she could sense the existence of "killing intent". She could directly sense whether a person had any ill intentions towards her by looking directly into their eyes.
Li Shiyue's thought was: "This is probably another effect of the fertility pill, perhaps it is designed to enhance the mother's sensitivity to touch, so as to better protect the fetus."
"So it's you guys who're going to take a boat to Dongmu?"
Li Shiyang stepped forward and saluted the soldier who seemed to be in charge: "General, yes, our group is indeed heading to Dongmou."
When the soldier saw Li Shiyang's appearance, he knew that Li Shiyang was a scholar, so he pointed to the table and told Li Shiyang and his men to go up and register.
"The world is unstable, and Dongmou Port is related to the stability of the imperial court. If you want to go to Dongmou, you should register."
After registration, you can walk twenty li along this road to a ferry crossing. It costs thirty copper coins per person; once you have enough for a boat, you can cross.
"General, why is it that we don't need to register when we go to Dengzhou?"
Before the soldier could answer, the clerk sitting at the table spoke up: "There are also registrations at the gate of Dengzhou City, but they are not here."
Come forward quickly, I'll register you.
Upon approaching, while Li Shiyang was speaking to the document, Li Shiyue leaned closer to examine the text recorded on the paper.
Li Shiyue was truly grateful that the original owner of this body had been taught to read by her mother since childhood, although she hadn't written much and her handwriting wasn't particularly good.
Li Shiyue noticed that the previous entry on the paper stated that fifteen people, all traveling with their families, were going to Dongmou to visit relatives. She then interjected, asking, "Excuse me, sir, can families traveling with their families also pass through here? Is it unnecessary to check their household registration?"
The clerk was good-natured; he wasn't annoyed at being interrupted and asked questions. Instead, he kindly explained to Li Shiyue, "Oh, you mean this family? They left half an hour earlier than you. They were going to Dongmou to visit relatives."
In these unstable times, the Xuanjia Army of the Prince of Zhenbei is stationed in Dongmou, and many people are going there to seek refuge with relatives, which is at least a way to survive.
The Prince of Zhenbei's fiefdom is in Andong, and he's looking for people. If you're willing to go, just go.
Upon hearing what the clerk said, Li Shiyue and Li Shiyang exchanged a knowing glance.
"Are you under the command of the Prince of Zhenbei, sir?"
"No, no, I am merely a minor official under the eldest young master."
Li Shiyang and Li Shiyue exchanged another glance. They were truly surprised to find that there was a settlement set up by the Prince of Zhenbei here.
Li Shiyue nodded to Li Shiyang, who then bowed to the document. The document was rather strange. After bowing, Li Shiyang asked, "Does the gentleman know Mr. Chen Wenfu?"
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