Chen Jiao nodded, “Absolutely necessary.”
Lady Xu sighed, “It’s all my fault for not being able to help you.”
Chen Jiao: “Mother, if you take care of yourself in the mansion, it’ll be a great relief to me.”
She paused, “In my absence, you’ll need to be even more
careful. The mansion isn’t as safe as the outside.”
Lady Xu: “As long as Ah Ying doesn’t make mistakes, they won’t dare to provoke me.”
“I’m worried that you’ve coerced Master Cui repeatedly. If he turns against you, it’ll be disastrous.”
Chen Jiao already had a plan, “That’s why I’m asking for Xu Zhao. He’ll be the key to getting closer to Cui Jue.”
Lady Xu fell silent, increasingly aware of how precarious their position was.
Every step was calculated, and one misstep could lead to ruin.
Feeling emotional, she patted Chen Jiao’s shoulder, softly saying,
“You move forward, and I’ll watch from behind. I won’t hold you back.”
“My daughter is the most capable. I want to see you carve a path to greatness in the prince’s mansion, soaring like a giant roc, ascending ninety thousand miles.”
Such words, coming from a woman bound by her time, moved Chen Jiao deeply.
Only after enduring countless hardships and tasting the bitterness of life could one break free from societal constraints and awaken to their own strength.
Chen Jiao was deeply touched.
After all, Lady Xu supported her, resonating with her ideals.
The next morning, Chen Jiao went to Bihua Hall, only to be told by a maid that the Prince of Huai’an had gone to the prefectural office and wouldn’t return until evening.
Taking advantage of her favor, Chen Jiao boldly left the mansion to find her father at the government office.
At that moment, the Prince of Huai’an was discussing official matters with the prefectural officials when Gao Zhan reported Chen Jiao’s arrival.
All eyes turned to the prince, who, unperturbed, smiled and said,
“Let Ninth Lady wait. Prepare some pastries for her.”
Gao Zhan acknowledged the order.
After he left, the room’s atmosphere became subtly tense.
The Prince of Huai’an turned to Cui Jue, “Where were we?”
Cui Jue replied,
“Regarding the recent epidemic, various counties reported death tolls. Some villages were nearly wiped out.”
It was a heavy topic.
Around noon, the Prince of Huai’an finally had time to meet Chen Jiao.
Father and daughter had lunch at the government office.
Knowing there were many spies in the mansion, Chen Jiao took the initiative to mention her visit to Cui Jue’s residence the previous day.
Chen En wasn’t surprised, chewing his food slowly.
Chen Jiao probed,
“Father, aren’t you curious why I went to Cui Jue’s residence?”
Chen En swallowed his food and leisurely replied,
“Cui Jue already told me today that you asked him for Xu Zhao, but he couldn’t decide.”
He looked at her, narrowing his eyes,
“Why do you want Xu Zhao to escort you to Wei County?”
Chen Jiao countered,
“Father, why did you grant me Wei County? Is there something special about it?”
Chen En lowered his gaze, staring at the meat in his bowl, and said with a straight face,
“Wei County is close to the prefectural office. If you cry, you can come back and complain.”
This made Chen Jiao laugh, though she didn’t expose his real motives.
Her cheap father was full of schemes.
Assigning Wei County was merely to appease the Zheng siblings.
Suppressing her thoughts, Chen Jiao pressed,
“If I come back to complain, will you intervene?”
Chen En replied without hesitation, “Yes.”
Chen Jiao didn’t ask further, only saying,
“Then will you grant my request for Commander Xu Zhao to go to Wei County?”
Chen En: “I have many people at my disposal. Why insist on him?”
Chen Jiao, holding her chopsticks, cautiously answered,
“Commander Xu Zhao is highly skilled. When Mother and I were in trouble in Tongzhou,
he escorted us. I find him reliable.”
Chen En remained silent.
Chen Jiao continued,
“I’m impulsive. Having him around to advise me will prevent major mistakes.”
Chen En snorted, “The sun must be rising from the west. You’re actually admitting to being impulsive.”
Chen Jiao cooed, “I’ll never do it again.”
Though determined to get Xu Zhao, Chen En didn’t object.
While he wanted to temper her ambition, he had no intention of harming her.
Others, however, might not be so kind.
Assigning Xu Zhao to Wei County served two purposes: he was capable, and he wasn’t aligned with any faction, ensuring impartiality.
That afternoon, Chen En summoned Xu Zhao to discuss the matter.
Though frustrated, Xu Zhao held his tongue.
By the end of the month, everything was settled. Ma Chun was transferred from the public kitchen to Lixiang Court.
On the day of departure, the sun shone brightly, the weather perfect.
In a rare good mood, the Prince of Huai’an accompanied Lady Xu to see Chen Jiao’s party off at the city gates.
Lady Xu, reluctant to part with her daughter, repeatedly instructed Ma Chun to be cautious.
Chen En also gave Xu Zhao some advice.
Hu Yan and other attendants watched from a distance, grumbling about why Chen Ninth Lady would seek hardship in Wei County.
Seeing it was getting late, Chen Jiao, assisted by Ma Chun, boarded the carriage.
Xu Zhao and the others mounted their warhorses, and the group set off.
Lady Xu watched them disappear into the distance.
This was the first time Chen Jiao had left her, and her heart was heavy.
Chen En patiently comforted her,
“Lady Hui, there’s no need to worry. That girl will be back in a few days.”
Lady Xu sighed,
“I know Ah Ying’s temperament. She won’t turn back easily.”
Chen En smiled,,
“Life outside isn’t as comfortable as at home. No one will indulge her.”
Madam Xu looked at him, hesitating to speak.
Chen En wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“Let’s go back, the wind is strong outside.”
The two of them headed home.
Meanwhile, Chen Jiao sat in the carriage, her spirits high.
She wasn’t the least bit afraid of the outside world, all thanks to her family background.
This wasn’t the Central Plains trampled by the barbarian cavalry. Although it was less developed in every aspect compared to the Central Plains, there would always be opportunities to rise in the future.
And to rise, one must focus on land and the hearts of the people, growing stronger and larger.
Seeing her joyful expression, Ma Chun was genuinely curious and asked,
“Miss, why are you so happy?”
Chen Jiao grinned,
“It’s been a long time since I left the mansion for some fresh air. I’m just happy.”
Ma Chun said seriously,
“The outside world is very chaotic, Miss. It’s quite brave of you to dare to leave the mansion.”
Chen Jiao:
“It’s fine. We have Captain Xu escorting us. Their skills are excellent, and they can protect us.”
She then brought up the incident in Tao Village where they had seen the barbarians massacre the village and how they had been killed.
Ma Chun listened in shock and awe.
Ma Chun was talkative and lively, greatly admiring Chen Jiao’s capabilities.
The two chatted idly along the way, and before they knew it, it was noon.
Spring was the busy farming season.
Along the way, farmers were plowing the fields, and the occasional mooing of water buffaloes could be heard.
The surrounding hills were in full bloom, the breeze warm, and bees buzzed busily.
The carriage jolted, and they stopped midway to rest and eat dry rations.
Chen Jiao sat under the shade of a tree, watching an old man and a couple plowing a field not far away.
She decided to go and ask them some questions.
Ma Chun fetched a parasol to shield her from the sun.
Chen Jiao lifted her skirt and walked towards the three of them.
Xu Zhao was particularly vigilant and gave Hu Yan a look, who immediately followed.
The three plowing the field were curious about their approach and kept glancing at them.
Chen Jiao greeted them and asked,
“Elder, may I ask if there is still an epidemic in the villages along the way?”
The old man, seeing her well-dressed and the attendants around her of extraordinary bearing, guessed she must be from a noble or wealthy family.
“May I ask where the young lady is heading?”
The old man spoke with a distinct northern accent.
Ma Chun replied in official language,
“We are merchants, heading to Wei County to visit relatives.”
The old man nodded,
“Oh, the epidemic killed many people last year. I don’t know about other places, but our village has calmed down now.”
Chen Jiao asked, “Were there many deaths?”
The old man nodded,
“Many. Several families were wiped out. In our village, most of the old and weak are gone.”
Chen Jiao chatted with them about the epidemic and the local security situation.
Since it was a rural county near the governor’s mansion, it was generally peaceful.
It would take only four days to reach Wei County from Fanyang.
Chen Jiao wasn’t in a hurry and would inquire about the surrounding situation from merchants or local residents along the way.
The epidemic had killed many people.
Some sparsely populated villages were spared, while those with larger populations lost nearly half.
Most of the dead were the elderly or children.
The journey was relatively peaceful.
Who would have thought that upon entering Wei County, they would be robbed by bandits.
Those bandits were blind.
Xu Zhao had already hoisted the Chen family flag on the carriage to warn travelers that they were officials and not to be trifled with.
But they still fought.
At that time, Ma Chun had to relieve herself and went to find a spot.
Chen accompanied her.
Ladies couldn’t be as casual as men and needed some privacy.
Hu Yan stood far away, his robust frame like a brown bear with his arms crossed, looking impatient.
Chen Jiao said, “Don’t peek!”
Hu Yan rolled his eyes and turned his face away.
Suddenly, the sound of hurried hooves and neighing came from not far away.
A group of strong bandits charged out of the woods, catching Xu Zhao and his men off guard.
The chaos came too suddenly, startling Ma Chun into pulling up her pants and running.
The bandits’ target was clear-they were after Chen Jiao.
The horses charged wildly, hacking and slashing towards the two.
Xu Zhao and his men fought back hastily.
Ma Chun was terrified by the sudden attack and ran around like a headless fly.
Hu Yan’s temper flared, and Chen Jiao quickly dragged her to hide among nearby rocks for shelter.
The bandits were all fierce and strong, their imposing figures quite intimidating.
Xu Zhao wielded a white wax spear with a red tassel, aiming for the horses’ bellies.
His men, well-trained, quickly regrouped and defended.
Despite the bandits’ ferocity, they didn’t gain the upper hand.
Ma Chun, hiding in the rocks, had never seen such a bloody fight and clung to Chen Jiao, trembling like a quail.
Hu Yan, despite his temper, stood like a mountain, their last line of defense.
The sounds of battle were deafening, scattering the birds in the mountains.
The air was thick with the smell of blood, and Xu Zhao’s men fought with a frenzied intensity.
The melee lasted about two incense sticks’ time before the cries of battle gradually subsided.
More than twenty bodies lay in disarray, the remaining bandits fleeing in disarray.
Xu Zhao and his men didn’t dare to pursue, as they had women with them.
The scene was bloody and horrifying.
Some were decapitated, some died with eyes wide open, some were trampled by horses and had their bellies burst open-there were all sorts of deaths.
Fearing further incidents, they didn’t dare to continue and hurried back, regardless of their injuries.
Ma Chun was so scared her legs went weak, and in the end, Hu Yan had to carry her to the carriage.
The return journey was somber, with no one speaking.
They only stopped when they found a clear and water-rich official road to tend to their wounds.
The eight of them had fought bravely and were injured, but it was fortunate that no one had died.
Chen Jiao wasn’t a delicate lady, ignoring the propriety between men and women, and actively helped clean and dress their wounds.
Ma Chun, who had been scared stiff earlier, was now calmer and also helped.
After tending to Xu Zhao’s flesh wounds, Chen Jiao had something to say to him.
The two walked aside, and Chen Jiao whispered,
“We were given a warning as soon as we entered Wei County. What do you think, Captain Xu?”
Xu Zhao looked grave and reminded her,
“We cannot take this road again.”
Chen Jiao stood with her hands on her hips, clearly unhappy.
Xu Zhao comforted her patiently,
“In my opinion, we should first inquire about the origins of those bandits around here, decide whether to take a detour, and then plan our next steps.”
Chen Jiao nodded, “Fine.”
So the group rested briefly before continuing their return journey.
When the carriage reached a village, they stopped again.
Xu Zhao sent someone to bring a local elder for questioning.
The old woman, seeing these strong men, was somewhat intimidated.
Xu Zhao mentioned the bandits they encountered on the road, and the old woman panicked, telling them:
“Those bandits have been surrounded and suppressed by the authorities several times, but it didn’t work.”
Chen Jiao couldn’t help but ask, “Why is that?”
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