Chapter 451 Boarding the ship and taking the water route
After a restful night, we packed up the next day and continued on our journey.
This time everything went smoothly and there was no ambush. Near noon, there was finally a sign of human habitation in the distance.
"General, the county town is ahead." Ying Yi pointed to the vaguely visible city wall ahead and said.
Gu Junze's tense nerves finally relaxed a little: "Okay, speed up and go into the city to rest."
The team sped up and soon arrived at the county gate. There were several soldiers at the gate checking people, but Gu Junze had already sent people to make arrangements in advance, so as soon as they arrived, the soldiers respectfully let them pass.
After successfully entering the city, Gu Junze did not stop and led the team directly to a secluded house in the city.
The house looks inconspicuous, but the gate is closed, making it seem very secretive.
"This is the place I prepared to stay in the city." Gu Junze said to Chu Ruohan, "It's safe for now."
Chu Ruohan looked at the simple house in front of her, and a sense of security surged in her heart.
As long as I can settle down, it's the best.
For the next two days, the family was able to take a break in the house.
Xuan Ge'er was playing in the yard, while little Qingchen was in Chu Ruohan's arms, quietly enjoying his mother's caress.
Gu Junze also relaxed for a rare time. He would sit on the stone bench in the yard, looking at the children, with a gentle smile on his face that was rarely seen on other days.
"General, we will set off tomorrow." Ying Yi came to Gu Junze in the early morning of the third day and reported in a low voice.
Gu Junze nodded, his eyes falling on Xuan Ge'er who was playing in the yard: "Is the boat ready?"
"General, we have prepared an ordinary cargo ship that will not attract attention. The boatman has also arranged to sail down the river according to the agreed route and head straight for Zheng State."
"Okay." Gu Junze responded.
Chu Ruohan came over holding little Qingchen and asked softly, "Are we going to board the ship tomorrow?"
"Well," Gu Junze put his arm around her shoulders, "the boat is relatively stable, and the children will be more comfortable on board."
"That's good." Chu Ruohan gently stroked Xiao Qingchen's soft hair.
Song Ruyan also came over and patted the dust off her hands: "The luggage is packed, it's light and easy to carry."
Doctor Qian was checking the medicine box he carried with him to make sure everything was safe.
The next morning, at daybreak, the group quietly left the house and took a carriage to a small pier outside the city.
There were several cargo ships docked at the pier, and one of them, an ordinary-looking vessel, was their vehicle for this trip.
"General, Madam, please get on board." The boatman was a kind middle-aged man who bowed respectfully.
Gu Junze helped Chu Ruohan and Xiao Qingchen onto the boat, while Xuan Ge'er was led by Song Ruyan, looking at the layout of the cabin curiously.
Although the cabin was not big, it was kept clean and tidy and covered with cushions, which was obviously specially arranged by Gu Junze.
"Xuan'er, sit next to mother." Chu Ruohan called.
Xuan Ge'er sat down obediently, touched the wooden boards of the cabin with his little hands, with curiosity in his eyes.
Gu Junze and his shadow guards stood by the side of the ship, looking around the dock vigilantly. After confirming that there was nothing unusual, they signaled the boatman to set off.
The oars cut through the water, making a slight sound, and the boat slowly left the dock and headed downstream along the wide river.
The morning mist covered the river, and the green mountains on both sides were looming in the mist, like an ink painting.
"This waterway is quite quiet." Song Ruyan stood beside Gu Junze and said softly.
Gu Junze's eyes were profound: "The quieter it is, the more careful we should be."
In the capital, in a remote courtyard of Censor Zhao's residence, candlelight flickered.
The man in black bowed before the mysterious "lord" and spoke in a low, hoarse voice, "Lord, we've heard from Jiangnan that Gu Junze and his group are incredibly cunning, and all our ambushes have failed."
"Failure?" The man slammed the table, and the teacup on the table shook, making a harsh sound.
A sinister glint flashed in his eyes: "The elite of Qingmo Valley can't even take down Gu Junze?!"
The man in black sweated profusely, not daring to look up. "My Lord, it seems they've made preparations long ago, setting up a false formation in the mountains to divert our main force."
"Gu Junze himself is a skilled martial artist, and the shadow guards and the woman around him are also masters. By the time we reacted, they had already escaped by water."
"By water?" The man's voice was filled with cold murderous intent. "He knows how to adapt. The remnants of Qingmo Valley were manipulated by him."
Censor Zhao listened from the side, and his uneasiness grew stronger.
He trembled as he spoke, "Sir, Gu Junze is truly unfathomable. His departure from the capital with his wife and children was actually part of his scheme. Should we reconsider this situation?"
"Hmph!" The mysterious man sneered, his eyes sweeping over Censor Zhao, sending a chill down his spine. "It's too late to say these things now."
"Did he think everything would be fine if he escaped to the water? Pass my order, mobilize the water forces immediately and make sure to intercept Gu Junze! We must see him alive or dead!"
The man in black bowed his head and accepted the order, then quickly retreated.
"Sir, if there are any changes in the capital, the emperor might notice it." Censor Zhao reminded him with gritted teeth.
"So what if he noticed?" A fierce look flashed in the mysterious man's eyes. "Without Gu Junze, the thorn in his side, what can the emperor do to me? Besides, if he died at the hands of pirates, who would be able to trace it back to us?"
Censor Zhao lowered his head and dared not say anything more, but the ominous premonition in his heart became stronger and stronger.
Gu Junze, this chess piece, is far more difficult to deal with than they imagined.
At the same time, the cargo ship moved steadily on the wide river.
The early morning sun shines through the mist onto the deck, bringing a hint of warmth.
Xuan Ge'er lay on the side of the boat, looking at the flowing river curiously, his little hand pointing to the water surface from time to time: "Mom, look, there are fish!"
Chu Ruohan gently stroked Xiao Qingchen's hair and looked at Xuan Ge'er with a smile: "Xuan'er, do you like watching fish?"
"I like it!" Xuan Ge'er responded in a baby voice.
Gu Junze stood at the bow of the boat, gazing into the distance with deep eyes.
The river was calm and the scenery on both sides was picturesque, which formed a sharp contrast with the dangers lurking on the mountain road before.
Song Ruyan walked to Gu Junze's side and said softly, "The general's plan is indeed brilliant. Those people are probably still searching in the mountains."
Gu Junze raised the corners of his lips slightly, with a hint of sternness: "They think they have succeeded, so they will naturally let down their guard. The waterway is their blind spot, so it is safe for the time being."
Chu Ruohan came over holding little Qingchen and snuggled up to Gu Junze: "This waterway is much smoother than the mountain road, and the children can rest well."
"Yes," Gu Junze stroked Chu Ruohan's hair, his eyes full of tenderness: "I'm sorry for making you and the children suffer."
"It's not bitter," Chu Ruohan shook her head, her eyes firm: "As long as our family is together, it doesn't matter where we go."
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