Wang Zhengwu chimed in, "At this critical moment, we need to deploy constables at all checkpoints. At the very least, we need solid connections with the arrest warrant level. From what I know, the Liu family, being just a concubine, at most has some benefits exchanged with the arrest warrant, but there's no way they could make the arrest warrant go out of their way to help her succeed."
The Shop Assistant, hearing this, was a bit panicked and said, "Boss, should we take a different route?"
Xiaosuo remained completely unperturbed. "No route will be easy, and detouring will only waste time. Let's go meet them. I suspect it's the First Madam's move."
"Boss, should we just charge through?"
Seeing the Shop Assistant unusually worried, Xiaosuo smiled and reassured him, "I know you're anxious, but don't be. You should know I'm even more anxious than you. There's nothing we can do now but face it head-on."
Xiaosuo hadn't expected the local authorities to openly intervene in Zhu Clan's affairs.
Wang Zhengwu suggested, "Young Master, since you've already disguised yourself as a martial artist, if you stay in the carriage, it will be hard to explain when the constables come to search. Perhaps you should get off and pretend to be my apprentice for this short stretch?"
Xiaosuo found Wang Zhengwu's concern very reasonable. "Master Wang is indeed an old hand, very meticulous."
Xiaosuo got off the carriage, imitating other martial artists by tying a long blade to his waist and striding forward.
Before long, they reached the checkpoint.
"Who goes there?" a constable leader asked.
Zhu Sangao initially wanted to directly state his name and his connection with the Liu family, but Wang Zhengwu discreetly stopped him.
The Second Madam had sent Zhu Liucai to kill Zhu Wuhua. Between Zhu Liucai and Zhu Wuhua, there was a vast difference in both personal strength and martial skills of their subordinates. If it were a straightforward confrontation, Zhu Wuhua and his men would be doomed.
Wang Zhengwu knew that if the constable leader was indeed, as Xiaosuo said, someone from the First or Second Madam, they could only pretend to be Zhu Liucai's men to make sense.
"Reporting to the officer, we are under the stewardship of Zhu Liucai."
At the mention of Zhu Liucai's name, the constable leader's demeanor immediately softened.
He looked around obsequiously, wanting to chat with Zhu Liucai but didn't see him.
The constable leader then asked Zhu Sangao and Wang Zhengwu, "Is Master Cai in the carriage?"
Seeing the constable leader so servile, Xiaosuo had mixed feelings. In Yellow Dog County, even an ordinary constable visiting his shop would be treated like a grandfather.
Temporary constables often extorted from his shop, and Xiaosuo could only nod and bow without complaint. But eventually, his shop was still demolished by a constable.
Now, the constable leader, who seemed like a celestial being in his memory, was groveling like a dog, wagging his tail just like he used to when facing constables.
Someone had to respond to the constable leader's question, and it clearly couldn't be Xiaosuo, who was disguised as Wang Zhengwu's apprentice. His current status didn't allow him to speak.
Zhu Sangao knew his words weren't as meticulous as Wang Zhengwu's, so he stepped back slightly, letting Wang Zhengwu take the lead.
If Wang Zhengwu had any ulterior motives, this was the time he could harm Xiaosuo.
This was when Xiaosuo's decision to not use Wang Zhengwu's nephew as a substitute and his act of saving Wang Zhengwu's life during the battle with Zhu Liucai paid off.
A step back and a step forward won Wang Zhengwu's loyalty.
This was just Xiaosuo's usual way of dealing with people, not a deliberate attempt to win over Wang Zhengwu, nor did he expect immediate returns.
But it just happened to work out.
Wang Zhengwu was troubled about how to repay Xiaosuo, and fate presented him with the opportunity.
It's hard to say whose luck it was.
At this moment, Wang Zhengwu was fully determined to ensure Xiaosuo's safe passage to Mountain Chicken County.
True to his Zhu Clan roots, Wang Zhengwu spun a convincing tale on the spot: "The steward has already completed his business and returned to the county ahead of us. The person in the carriage is a distinguished guest the steward asked us to protect before he left, someone the Second Madam specifically requested to see. We don't know who it is."
"Master Cai has left? That's a problem... Our orders are to let people through only after seeing Master Cai. How about you go to the county and get a note from Master Cai, and then we'll let you pass?"
The constable leader was in a dilemma.
He genuinely didn't want to offend Zhu Liucai's men.
But the mission was directly ordered by the arrest warrant, explicitly stating that this checkpoint only recognized Zhu Liucai.
Wang Zhengwu showed a helpless expression, "The steward has left, how can we find him? Besides, the officer should have heard about Master Cai's temperament, he hates trouble. If I bother him over this, I would have to mention your name, and then..."
Wang Zhengwu's words struck a chord with the constable leader.
The constable leader naturally didn't want to offend Zhu Liucai.
He was on the verge of collapse.
He initially thought this was an easy job, not only to extort travelers from Yellow Dog County but also to make an impression on Zhu Liucai, possibly gaining some connections.
But now he was stuck in a deadlock.
Letting them pass would offend the arrest warrant. Not letting them pass would offend Zhu Liucai.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, he didn't even know if he could come out of this unscathed.
His forehead veins were bulging with frustration.
As the constable leader was in a bind, Wang Zhengwu quietly asked, "Officer, where are you from?"
"From Mountain Chicken County. Why?"
Hearing this, Wang Zhengwu continued, "Where is the arrest warrant from?"
"From Black Donkey County, transferred here ten years ago."
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhengwu's face couldn't hide his smile.
"Then, officer, do you know where the steward is from?"
"Who doesn't know? Master Cai is a Zhu family member from Mountain Chicken County..."
At this point, the constable leader also realized the issue.
Wang Zhengwu decided to make it clearer: "Officer, the arrest warrant has been here for ten years without a promotion, probably about to retire back to Black Donkey County. When he leaves, the steward won't leave!"
The constable leader nodded in agreement, "What you say is true. But as a constable leader, you understand, I've put a lot of effort into this position. Offending the arrest warrant might cost me my skin."
Wang Zhengwu replied, "And if it does, the steward can give you a new one."
The constable leader, though tempted, was an old hand who had been through the wringer.
He couldn't just believe the words of Zhu Liucai's men.
It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from bit.ly/3iBfjkV.
If Zhu Liucai himself said it, he might believe it.
Then again, if Zhu Liucai were here, he wouldn't have this problem.
"Let me think about it."
The constable leader waved Wang Zhengwu off and turned to leave, wanting to quietly consider his options.
Wang Zhengwu, however, followed him and whispered something that finally settled the constable leader's heart.
"Officer, think it through! Offending an outsider like the arrest warrant might cost you your black uniform. Offending our steward, well, officer, you might keep your black uniform, but not your skin underneath."
Understanding the stakes, Wang Zhengwu completely enlightened the constable leader.
Which is more important, do you even need to think?
After being cautious for decades, how could he be so confused now?
He hurriedly grasped Wang Zhengwu's hand, "You've awakened me from a dream, truly awakened me! Brother, you're my savior! I'll let you through right away, just please put in a good word with Master Cai, tell him I'm loyal only to him!"
"Thank you, officer, I'll be sure to pass on the message."
"Hey, brother, no need to be so formal, why still call me officer!"
"Then, may I boldly call you Brother He?"
"That's more like it! May I ask for your name, brother?"
Wang Zhengwu, with a smug look, discreetly pointed to the carriage behind and chuckled, "What I'm called depends on whether I can deliver the person in that carriage to the Second Madam on time. You understand, right?"
He Youfu immediately understood, realizing Wang Zhengwu was about to advance in rank, and laughed heartily like a split peach.
"Brother, I'll be waiting for your good news!"
"Time is tight, so I won't hold you up, Brother He. I'll be on my way, and we'll have a meal together later!"
"Brother, it's a deal!"
"It's a deal!"
When Wang Zhengwu and He Youfu returned with their arms around each other, laughing and instructing the constables to let Xiaosuo and his group pass, everyone was stunned.
As the only leader, Xiaosuo had to remain calm.
But this time, he couldn't hide his emotions, looking at Wang Zhengwu with a hint of admiration.
He thought there was no way he could persuade the constable leader to let them through and was prepared for a fight.
Yet Wang Zhengwu resolved it effortlessly.
Having lived two lives, over fifty years, he thought he could handle all matters big and small.
But Wang Zhengwu taught him a lesson right before his eyes.
For the first time, Xiaosuo lost his pride as a reborn.
As Zhu Sangao had previously said, "I underestimated the talents of the world."
Thanks to Wang Zhengwu's decisive intervention, Xiaosuo and his group successfully reached Mountain Chicken County.
Xiaosuo pondered for a long time, still amazed by Wang Zhengwu's maneuvering.
He also made a mental note.
Wang Zhengwu was someone worth keeping.
If he had the ability to lend a hand, Xiaosuo wouldn't ignore him.
Xiaosuo glanced at Zhu Sangao, equally satisfied.
Though Zhu Sangao's abilities weren't as sharp as Wang Zhengwu's, he knew when to advance and retreat.
When facing the constable leader, he didn't try to show off but stepped back, allowing Wang Zhengwu to turn the situation around.
Had Zhu Sangao lacked perspective and insisted on taking the spotlight, they might still be stuck at the checkpoint.
Having these two assist him on this journey, Xiaosuo couldn't help but feel lucky.
Zhu Sangao and Wang Zhengwu, who had clawed their way up from the Zhu Clan Courtyard, were reliable people.
Along with Zhu Wuhua, who discovered his identity through Old Huang's findings, and Zhu Liucai, who was decisive and meticulous, Xiaosuo realized that those who could stand firm in the Zhu Clan were all tough, not a single weakling.
This gave him a new understanding of the Zhu Clan's dynamics.
He couldn't underestimate them.
At this point, Zhu Sangao had become the guide for Xiaosuo's group.
Walking ahead, Zhu Sangao was very pleased.
He had noticed Xiaosuo's admiration and respect for Wang Zhengwu.
Not just Xiaosuo, even he, who didn't like Wang Zhengwu, had his opinions dissolve after the checkpoint incident.
A survival lesson in the Zhu Clan was not to take on tasks you couldn't handle.
He knew his abilities weren't on par with Wang Zhengwu's, so he willingly stepped back.
Wang Zhengwu got the spotlight, but Zhu Sangao wasn't jealous.
Xiaosuo was a man of propriety and a keen thinker.
Compared to Wang Zhengwu's wavering loyalty, Zhu Sangao had entrusted his life to Xiaosuo.
No matter how excellent Wang Zhengwu was, he couldn't overshadow him.
Zhu Sangao knew that in Xiaosuo's eyes, the timing of joining was important, but the motive was even more crucial.
Wang Zhengwu had cleared a major obstacle for him to become Zhu Qigao, so he was naturally delighted.
Meanwhile, Wang Zhengwu planned to retire after his success, taking his apprentices and leaving.
According to the agreement between Xiaosuo and Wang Zhengwu, once they reached near the Zhu Clan, it was time for them to part ways.
***
Wang Zhengwu approached Xiaosuo and said, "Young Master, it's just two more miles to the Zhu Clan."
Xiaosuo knew Wang Zhengwu was about to leave and didn't stop him, only asking, "It's already late, do you have a place to stay?"
"Not yet. There's a temple ahead that often does good deeds and offers free lodging for travelers. We could stay there."
"Then let's spend the night at that temple together. The night before my father's funeral is likely to be unsettled, and it's better if we stick together. Tomorrow morning, we'll each rely on our own skills."
"Alright."
After speaking with Wang Zhengwu, both felt a bit heavy-hearted.
The group arrived at a temple exuding a strong Buddhist aura.
The plaque had three large characters in gold: "Empty Form Temple."
Seeing Xiaosuo and his group, an old monk emerged from the temple.
"Are you here to spend the night, benefactors?"
Zhu Sangao replied, "Yes, sorry to trouble you, Master."
"Please come in. You can tether the carriage outside."
Not wanting his substitute to be seen, Xiaosuo asked, "There's someone injured in the carriage, unable to get out. Can we tie the horse outside and bring the carriage in? We'll stay in a corner and won't disturb the monks."
The old monk's expression changed slightly, then he said, "Alright."
With that, the old monk quickly turned and went back inside, not engaging further with the group.
Xiaosuo found it odd, "Why did the old monk leave so quickly? Could there be something fishy?"
Wang Zhengwu said, "It is strange. But Empty Form Temple is known for its seclusion from worldly affairs, solely focused on Buddhism, with an excellent reputation. There shouldn't be any issues."
The group untied the carriage, preparing to pull it into the temple.
Suddenly, several loud explosions startled them.
Turning around, Xiaosuo and the others were frozen in place.
The carriage had several large holes pierced through it.
On the ground, seven iron arrows as thick as fingers were embedded, along with pieces of the carriage's wooden planks.
"Ouch!"
"Ah..."
Groans of pain came from inside the carriage.
Wang Zhengwu immediately held his Broad Back-Cleaving Blade ready, cautiously shielding Xiaosuo as they retreated into the temple, keeping an eye on the rooftop across the street. He whispered to Xiaosuo, "The one who attacked is Zhu Clan's archery and horsemanship instructor, Zhu Simuo. This seven-arrow volley is his signature move. He must be targeting you, Young Master. He thought you were in the carriage, and when the person inside refused to come out, he had no choice but to shoot through the carriage."
Xiaosuo looked at the seven blood-stained iron arrows embedded in the stone slab nearby, feeling a chill run down his spine.
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan