Chapter Sixty-One: Setting Out, Northbound

Jiang Chen had no way of knowing exactly how Lin Xuesong would deal with Lin Yuanzhou. He was eager to share the good news with Wu Yue: the time to leave Shanguan Town had finally arrived.

One thing was certain—Lin Yuanzhou's open provocation of the Lin family of Ziyang meant his days in the region would no longer be easy. Those who once associated with him would now keep their distance, mindful of the consequences. Within the family, Lin Yuanzhou’s position would inevitably be usurped by Lin Qingxuan. His public display of kneeling in the street, begging for mercy, had left too deep an impression; how could such a man ever again wield the family’s power? He had lost all dignity.

This, then, was Jiang Chen’s fulfillment of his promise to Lin Qingxuan—he had once vowed to support him in seizing control of the family. While Lin Qingxuan was by no means a saint, he was still much preferable to the despicable Lin Yuanzhou.

Other matters no longer concerned them, for they were about to leave Shanguan Town behind and seek peace in a new land.

Yet, one pressing question demanded an answer before their departure.

Wu Qingshan furrowed his brow in rare contemplation. It was not often that such deep thought crossed his face, for he was not a man given to reflection.

In the stillness of the deep night, the oil lamp in the room flickered uncertainly.

At last, Wu Qingshan spoke first. “Father, to tell you the truth, I’ve long yearned to make my own way in the world. I want to join the army, earn military honors on the battlefield, and perhaps one day win a noble title myself!”

He painted a grand vision of his future, but Old Wu doused his enthusiasm with a harsh retort.

“You, go off to war? You can barely slaughter a pig—how do you expect to kill men?”

“I’ll start training from today! With my talent, I’m sure I’ll become a great general in time!”

Old Wu scoffed. “That’s impossible!”

Jiang Chen knew the truth of it—though Wu Qingshan was rash and careless, he was well-built, an excellent candidate for martial training. After all, his father had been a fierce cavalryman from Qishan; how could his son’s bloodline be any less?

The only reason Old Wu belittled his son was to dissuade him from such a dangerous path. Truly, the worries of parents are the same everywhere.

After much discussion, Wu Qingshan remained determined to travel north, seeking his chance to enlist in one of the renowned main armies of Great Qian, rather than being conscripted as a common soldier and dying namelessly on the battlefield.

Wu Yue had little opinion herself—any destination was acceptable, so long as the family stayed together.

Jiang Chen, after careful consideration, suggested heading east to the coast, where life would be peaceful, close to the capital but far from the northern turmoil of war. Yet, Old Wu rejected this plan; as head of the family, he made the final decision.

When Old Wu uttered the name “Longjiang,” Jiang Chen sensed hidden motives behind the choice. Old Wu’s explanation did not ring true—something unseen was at play. After all, Han Yuyang had also mentioned traveling to Longjiang via Ziyang; it was hard not to draw a connection.

“Longjiang’s waterways lead everywhere. Once there, we can decide where to settle.”

Though Jiang Chen felt Old Wu was concealing something, he chose not to press the matter. He was more concerned about Zhao, the magistrate who had come seeking him before. If Zhao caught up with them, trouble would surely follow.

Reaching Longjiang would make shaking off any pursuit much easier. It was a sound plan.

Without delay, they began packing. After dark, they would slip away from Shanguan Town in silence, seizing the initiative at every step.

Suddenly, the wailing cries of Uncle Li from next door echoed outside. The gray-haired old man was weeping so bitterly he could hardly speak.

As their families had always been close, Old Wu hurried out to inquire, only to learn that Uncle Li’s son, Li Yuanpei, had been seized for conscription while out herding ducks that day.

Such a fate meant almost certain death on the battlefield—few ever returned alive. Uncle Li had only one son, his hope for continuing the family line. Now the boy was to be sent to the meat grinder of war—how could he possibly survive?

Old Wu was deeply sympathetic, but there was little he could do.

Wu Qingshan’s sense of justice was roused. “If Yuanpei must serve, he should at least join a seasoned, battle-hardened army. Being taken like this—dying for nothing—would be a waste.”

“Let’s think of a way to rescue him, shall we?”

Easier said than done.

Jiang Chen looked at the solitary old man—if he lost his son, it would be a true tragedy. Remembering Li Yuanpei’s past kindness, Jiang Chen resolved to help.

“Brother Chen, what do you suggest?” Wu Yue asked, moved by compassion.

Jiang Chen replied, “This can’t be rushed. Uncle Li, go home and wait for word. I’ll find out where Yuanpei has been taken, then we’ll see what can be done.”

With their patient reassurance, Uncle Li finally dragged his frail body home.

At midnight, Jiang Chen quietly left Shanguan Town with Old Wu and his family. They loaded their belongings onto a wagon driven by the trustworthy Gu Jun.

Jiang Chen said, “Brother Gu will accompany us to Longjiang. With him looking after you, I’ll feel much more at ease.”

Gu Jun was close to the Wu family; his coming along was only natural. But from Jiang Chen’s tone, it sounded as though he would soon part ways with them, which made Wu Yue uneasy.

Jiang Chen then laid out his plan: Gu Jun would drive them to Shuima Relay Station, where Luo Tiancheng would take them through Ziyang and then north to Longjiang. Jiang Chen himself would separate from them in Ziyang City for a time.

Wu Yue said, “Brother Chen, take care of yourself. If things become too difficult, don’t force it. Your safety is all that matters to me.”

Old Wu added, “Don’t worry. Jiang Chen is calm and resourceful—he’ll be fine.”

That night, they left Shanguan Town without incident. By the time they reached Shuima Relay Station, the sky was brightening. Upon learning Jiang Chen’s intentions, Luo Tiancheng readily agreed to help in any way he could.