Chapter 78 - We'll Assess the Situation
Tang Yue had anticipated that the journey with so many burdens would be notably slow. Little did she expect that they would reach Qinyang City in just under two weeks.
Situated in the southwestern region of Ye City, Qinyang City had long been a tumultuous area characterized by an abundance of mountains and scarce arable land. The local populace, unable to farm, asserted dominance in the mountains, resorting to survival by raiding passing merchants.
To the west of Qinyang City lay a wilderness renowned for its abundant medicinal herbs and valuable iron mines. This road was the mandatory passage for all caravans, and it explained the Imperial Court's urgent mission to eradicate the bandit menace.
“Your Highness, it seems we may have to spend the night in the forest,” Hu Jinpeng, clad in military attire with a hefty iron sword at his side, projected an imposing presence.
“Why the anxiety? I've camped outdoors before. What's got you so worked up?” Zhao Sanlang, mounted on his horse, exuded a rugged demeanor.
Positioned beside the carriage was a not-so-tall horse with a reddish hue, roughly two-thirds the size of a full-grown horse. It could only keep up with the group by trotting.
Tang Yue was perched atop her horse, her hands firmly gripping the reins and her legs clamped tightly together. She appeared more novice than knight when it came to equestrian skills.
Earlier that morning, Tang Yue had a sudden urge to learn horseback riding. Wang Zizhao promptly acquired this particular horse from the city—a horse that was neither too big nor too small. It was spirited yet gentle, making it ideal for beginners.
After enduring Hu Jinpeng's repeated guidance, Tang Yue eventually managed to sit upright on her horse. Initially, guards led her, but eventually, she decided it was unseemly and insisted on riding solo.
As they ventured into the hilly terrain, the team's pace fortunately slowed down. This allowed Tang Yue to ride his young horse alongside Wang Zizhao's carriage.
They engaged in intermittent conversation and admired the scenery as they traveled, ensuring that boredom didn't creep in.
Tang Yue, perched on the horse's back, felt as though his legs were disconnected from his body. Each step on the ground seemed devoid of gravity and sensation.
Wang Zizhao, moving steadily, approached Tang Yue. The comparison revealed that Tang Yue had sustained an injury affecting his legs.
Due to the scarcity of flat terrain, the team could only set up camp in select spots. Tang Yue, accompanied by the smallest group, naturally joined Wang Zizhao's team. He paid no attention to the disappointed looks of Zhao Sanlang and Pingshun.
“I'm doing quite well, don't you think? I'll soon transition into a striking and capable adult horse,” Tang Yue boasted, but his moment was short-lived as he stepped into a pit and tumbled forward.
Wang Zizhao, having no time to evade, braced himself with his back to absorb Tang Yue's collision.
Tang Yue's face collided with Wang Zizhao's back, causing him to clench his teeth and bite his lip. A faint sweetness invaded his mouth. Instinctively, he clung to Wang Zizhao's support, landing on his back.
Wang Zizhao leaned forward, rapidly regaining his balance. He glanced at the hands gripping his waist, sensing an unexpected warmth against his skin.
Physical contact with others was rare for him. Except for his childhood, he seemed to only connect with Tang Yue.
Although his back stung briefly from the impact, the warmth of their proximity soon eased the discomfort. A mild tingling sensation replaced the pain.
“I'm truly sorry, I didn't mean to. It was an accident,” Tang Yue apologized, taking a deep breath and straightening up. The solid sensation in his hands momentarily held his attention before he naturally withdrew.
Wang Zizhao paused briefly and then resumed walking without missing a beat. He raised his voice slightly, instructing, “Men, Tang Xiaolang's legs are not in good shape. Assist him in walking.”
Tang Yue patted his numb legs and awkwardly accepted the help.
Once the tent had been set up, Tang Yue found himself sharing a room with Hu Jinpeng.
Hu Jinpeng, having removed his armor, pointed out, “The terrain in this mountain forest is rugged, and the available space for tents is limited. We'll have to make do and stay together here.”
Tang Yue didn't mind sharing a room with someone; he had endured overcrowded train journeys with over a hundred people in the past. Their current arrangement felt rather comfortable.
The only issue was that he was rooming with this handsome guy. In the dead of night, would he be able to suppress any inappropriate thoughts or would he put his life at risk?
Tang Yue gazed at Hu Jinpeng's back in a daze for a moment before asking, almost unconsciously, “Brother Hu, how old were you when you went to the battlefield? That scar on your back must be almost a decade old.”
“Young dandy, you have quite the medical expertise. Yes, this injury is indeed from a decade ago. He was rather reckless during his time on the battlefield and got slashed on the back by someone. Isn't it quite terrifying?”
“Really? As a man, how many scars does one need to be considered handsome? If you had met me back then, maybe that scar wouldn't have been so prominent.” Proper wound care could significantly affect how well the skin healed.
This was why many people opted for plastic surgery after sustaining injuries. They wanted to minimize any visible scars once their wounds had healed.
“Young master, you were just a child a few years ago. Even if you had met him, what could you have done?”
Tang Yue chuckled at himself. Indeed, he had no connection to this world a decade ago. Meeting him would have been impossible.
This was an entirely unfamiliar world to him. After a short while, a generous soul brought over some food. Tang Yue could immediately discern that its aroma surpassed anything he had savored in the past few days.
He selected a morsel of meat from the dish and made a sound of approval. “Today, we're all sharing a meal. What's there to complain about?”
Hu Jinpeng devoured his food with enthusiasm, much like most individuals in the diverse army. Eating was a delight in itself.
Swallowing a mouthful of food, he elucidated, “We'll be reaching Qinyang City tomorrow. It's customary for soldiers to enjoy a hearty meal the day before a battle. No need to fret.”
“I understand,” Tang Yue murmured, taking a bite of the initially unappealing meat. To his surprise, it was quite delectable. It made sense why they called it “Cutting Head Rice” and praised its fragrance.
Dismissing such childish thoughts, Tang Yue inwardly scoffed.
“Should we take a brief rest upon arriving in Qinyang City before dealing with the bandits?” he inquired.
Hu Jinpeng shook his head. “Based on the intel we received, it's the sole route to Qinyang City. Waiting until we enter the city might not be an option.”
After hearing his response, Tang Yue finished his meal and left the table to check on Zhao Sanlang.
He couldn't forget that these two dimwits' lives were still in jeopardy. He pondered whether they were seeking someone else's demise or if someone else had already done the deed.
Zhao Sanlang lived peacefully on the opposite side of the mountain, while Tang Yue ventured through the forest for an hour, encountering a group of wolves, a tiger, and a few frightened wild rabbits and dogs.
Fortunately, he was accompanied by a substantial group of people. The wolves observed from a distance and withdrew without making any hostile moves. As for the tiger, unable to assess the situation, it met its fate in the mountains, along with the others.
Tang Yue checked the time as he gazed upon the national-level one animal lying lifeless in a pool of blood. He couldn't bear to witness it and harbored self-blame for an extended period.
Upon locating Zhao Sanlang, Tang Yue learned that he had once again engaged in a dispute with Ping Shun. Both families' guards had taken sides, setting up separate camps and fervently supporting their own side.
By the time Tang Yue arrived, the confrontation had nearly concluded. Zhao Sanlang emerged as the victor once more, but his victory came at a cost. His once-handsome face, marred by old scars, now bore fresh injuries, and he had lost the fair complexion that had once characterized his looks.
“With this level of strength and fighting spirit, I won't have to worry about your survival tomorrow, even if you can't vanquish the enemy,” Tang Yue playfully remarked.
“Tomorrow…” Both young masters exclaimed simultaneously, mouths agape, uncertain about their next actions.
The fighting spirit had drained out of them, and the two reconciled, symbolically washing their hands in the same basin of water. They then ushered Tang Yue into the tent for a more earnest discussion.
The techniques Tang Yue had taught Ping Shun had also been imparted to Zhao Sanlang, along with some medicinal remedies.
“Remember, do not attempt recklessness. Your life holds more value than anything else. If you genuinely wish to drive the carriage, I will be…”
“Come with us?” Zhao Sanlang asked excitedly.
Tang Yue rolled his eyes. “I won't do such a shameful thing, but I can give you some spiritual comfort.
“What spiritual comfort?”
“This is our farewell,” Tang Yue embraced Zhao Sanlang and Ping Shun tightly. “Stay diligent and expand Wang Zizhao's horizons.”
The two of them remained frozen, unable to react. In this era, such affectionate gestures were not just startling but also prone to misunderstandings.
Especially for Zhao Sanlang, who awkwardly averted his gaze and remained silent. After a lengthy pause, he muttered, “I'm deeply infatuated with County Princess Huizhu. You… You don't stand a chance.”
“…” Tang Yue's lips twitched in exasperation. If only he could toss Zhao Sanlang into the wilderness and let him fend for himself.
“Even if you entertain such notions, it's inconsequential to me. Aside from your looks, do you possess any other virtues?”
Zhao Sanlang was unyielding. “Looks are a substantial virtue. Every time I walk the streets, I hold an advantage. I've lost count of how many women have tossed their tokens and handkerchiefs at me.”
“Well, if you have such charm, why don't you enlist them to help you deal with threats?” Tang Yue retorted with a snort.
Zhao Sanlang brandished his spear, striking a magnificent pose. “I've been honing my skills these past days. Handling a few bandits should be a walk in the park.”
“Let's hope so.” Tang Yue's optimism was somewhat tempered. He handed them two vials of medicine and cautioned them to exercise caution.
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