Chapter Forty: Old Wu Is Being Targeted

That night, the two of them returned home safely. Jiang Chen escorted Wu Yue to her door, not forgetting to remind her earnestly, “Yue’er, if you don’t have any important matters over the next few days, try not to wander too far from home.”

Wu Yue was puzzled. “Brother Chen, why do you say that? I don’t quite understand.”

“There’s no need to overthink it. I just feel you’ve been running around with me all this way, and it must be tiring. It’s better for you to stay home and rest.”

Seeing how concerned he was, Wu Yue smiled sweetly. “I’m not some delicate young lady from the city. I’m really not that pampered. Besides, the mule did all the pulling on the road—how could I possibly be tired?”

“Just stay home as much as you can, so I can find you easily when I need to.”

Wu Yue blushed at his words and replied softly, “All right, I understand.”

“You should go home early and rest too. I’ll bring you breakfast tomorrow morning.”

With that, Jiang Chen returned home and sat in silence for a long while, his mind replaying the three unfamiliar faces he had seen on the road. Shanguan Town was a small, unremarkable mountain settlement—what could have attracted their attention?

Almost instinctively, Jiang Chen associated this matter with Han Yuyang. The straight swords those three carried—if he wasn’t mistaken, such blades were issued only to officers of the Da Qian regular army and above. The craftsmanship and materials required to forge these swords were not easily replicated.

Thus, he surmised the three were likely from the Da Qian military, and the only reason they might come to Shanguan Town was because of Han Yuyang, who also had a military background.

At dawn, after eating the breakfast Wu Yue brought him, Jiang Chen decided to check on the progress at the distillery.

Just as he rounded the corner into the bustling market, he felt a prickle of unease on his back. The three men from last night appeared behind him, their eyes sharp as hawks, leaving no face unnoticed as they scanned the crowd.

Jiang Chen kept his composure and walked on, now certain these men were indeed searching for someone in Shanguan Town.

He made his way to the distillery, where Wu Qingshan and Gu Jun were diligently carrying out his instructions. The rows of freshly resealed wine jars attested to their dedication.

“How’s it going?” he asked.

Gu Jun was about to reply when Wu Qingshan cut in, “We’ve finished four hundred thirteen jars. There are still nine hundred forty soaking with the herbs!”

Jiang Chen nodded in satisfaction. “Over four hundred in a single day—that’s a pleasant surprise.”

He then outlined the events of the trip to Ziyang and its disappointing outcome. Even a letter from the county magistrate had failed to sway the authorities, leaving the three men at a loss.

Wu Qingshan cursed, “That damned garrison commander hides in the rear, feasting and drinking, yet he’s as timid as a mouse. No wonder the army is filled with such useless lumps—how can we not keep losing battles in the north? They’re digging their own graves!”

“Come, have some tea,” Gu Jun offered, his expression sour. He had once served in the army, and Wu Qingshan’s rant had struck a nerve.

Jiang Chen took a sip of tea before speaking. “No matter what, I have to get into Ziyang City. Otherwise, all our efforts are for nothing.”

“I’ve met that garrison commander, Di Hong. He’s cunning, but that’s all. I refuse to believe he can stop me.”

Just then, a hired worker hurried over, sweating and flushed.

Wu Qingshan called out with a laugh, “Uncle Liu, what’s the rush? There’s still half an hour before work starts. Don’t throw your back out—you’ll regret it!”

“Qingshan, this is no time for jokes. Something’s happened to your father.”

Jiang Chen shot up from his seat. “What happened? Tell us!”

“I just passed through the market and saw three men with swords at their waists causing trouble. They cornered Old Wu in front of the butcher’s shop—they seemed to be asking him about someone.”

“I was too far away to hear clearly, but judging by how fierce they looked, it was definitely trouble. You’d better get over there, quickly!”

Without another word, Jiang Chen took off at a run. Just as he feared, trouble had come as soon as it was mentioned. Since they had gone directly to Old Wu, it seemed clear they were after Han Yuyang.

He still didn’t know what connection Old Wu had to Han Yuyang, but knowing Old Wu’s character, there was no way he would betray anyone.

The more Jiang Chen thought about it, the worse he felt. His pace quickened, leaving Wu Qingshan and Gu Jun far behind.

He sprinted all the way to the market and looked toward Old Wu’s butcher shop. There, he saw the three conspicuous figures surrounding the stall.

“Damn it!” he cursed, striding swiftly over. At that moment, a blade flashed coldly before Old Wu’s eyes, glinting menacingly.

“Old man, stop pretending. Tell us where he is, and maybe I’ll go easy on you. Otherwise, you’ll find harboring a fugitive is a crime you can’t afford,” one of the men threatened openly.

Old Wu, unflinching, replied resolutely, “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Please move aside—you’re blocking my business.”

“Very well. Today I, Wu Da, will do business with you instead. Tell me, how much is that head of yours worth?”

Old Wu’s expression hardened. “I, Wu Kuishan, am just an honest butcher. I’ve never had any quarrel with you three—why must you trouble me?”

Wu Da smirked. “A butcher, huh? You look familiar. Ever spent time in Qishan?”

“Where’s that? Never heard of it.”

“Big brother, looks like this old man wants to play tough. Maybe we should chop off a couple of his fingers to help him reconsider?”

Jiang Chen exploded with anger. “Don’t you dare!”

“Well, what’s with today? First an old fool, now a young one. Is everyone in this little Shanguan Town as thick-skulled as you two?” The three men laughed raucously, as if maiming people was a matter of routine.

Jiang Chen was ready to fight. He had always concealed his skills for just such a moment.

But Old Wu seemed to sense his intent and suddenly placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head with a sigh.

“Jiang Chen, don’t waste your efforts here. Your talents have a greater purpose elsewhere.”