I didn't expect such turmoil to have happened here before, no wonder the grain prices have been high in recent months.
Luo Feng listened with his mouth agape and couldn't help asking, "How do you know about these things? I remember the city gates haven't opened in months."
Zhou Hua sneered, "Does keeping the city gates closed stop everything? You're too naive."
Then he fell silent and walked quickly to the front of the escort team.
Zhao Ya watched his back, seemingly thoughtful.
Luo Feng couldn't help but mutter, "What, he acts like he's so mature."
The escort team's speed was fast, and by noon they had traveled thirty li. At this rate, arriving at the destination by evening was not a problem.
Luo Qiang also breathed a sigh of relief and instructed a rest for lunch.
Actually, routes like these that they frequently traveled had regular rest stops, mostly small roadside inns, simple but offering hot meals.
But after being impacted by a wave of refugees, all those small roadside inns were gone.
So Luo Qiang and the others had to eat some of the dry rations they brought with them.
Zhao Ya took out a piece of dried beef, tore off a strip, and slowly chewed it.
Now he always carried some dried meat with him, eating a piece now and then to not only replenish energy but also pass the time.
At this moment, the sound of urgent hooves suddenly came from the main road, and Luo Qiang immediately stood, gazing into the distance from the escort vehicle.
Everyone spread out, surrounding the escort vehicle protectively.
At this time, Zhao Ya saw a cloud of dust rolling in from afar, instantly reaching their position.
It was a lone horse, with a burly man on it.
But the man's situation was dire, with wounds all over his chest and abdomen, still oozing blood.
Even so, the man's eyes glowed intensely.
Despite the distance, Zhao Ya could feel the man's fiercely intimidating aura.
If Zhao Ya could sense it, let alone Luo Qiang.
Master Luo's face changed, just as he was about to speak, the man on the horse reined in and stopped in front of the escort team.
"Do you have any food or drink?"
For a moment, no one dared to respond.
The man frowned.
"No food, dry rations will do, I won't take it for free."
He said, taking out a piece of broken silver from his coat and tossing it over.
Luo Qiang quickly responded, catching the silver and grabbing a bag of dry rations, putting the silver into it, and tossing it back to the man.
"Silver is not necessary; please take it, brave man."
The man caught it without hesitation and just nodded.
"Farewell."
With that, he spurred his horse and left.
The man came and went quickly, disappearing in an instant on the main road.
Luo Feng watched curiously, unable to stop expressing admiration.
"Tsk tsk, how can this guy act like nothing's wrong with such serious injuries?"
At this point, Luo Qiang said solemnly, "Quickly get up, leave this place."
On the road, his words were like commands, and everyone immediately got up and headed towards their destination.
The following journey, Luo Qiang spoke not a word, his expression very grim.
His demeanor made everyone a bit restless, even the usually lively Luo Feng dared not speak out of turn.
Fortunately, the rest of the journey was peaceful, and before sunset, they arrived at their destination, Wu Family Camp.
The Wu Family Camp, though called a village, was entirely a fortress.
The village was surrounded by rammed earth walls, and Zhao Ya even spotted several lookout towers and arrow towers.
If the main gate were closed, it would be impossible for ordinary people, even in the hundreds, to breach it in a short time.
At the village entrance, Luo Qiang went to negotiate.
As they were acquaintances, the gate quickly opened, and Zhao Ya and the others escorted the vehicle into the village.
By the time Luo Qiang finished handing over the cargo, it was completely dark.
Fortunately, Wu Family Camp was spacious and had guest accommodations.
Luo Qiang stayed with Zhao Ya and the others for the night, setting off at dawn the next day.
On the way there, because of the cargo, speed was limited, but on the return, things were different.
Everyone traveled light, covering more than half the distance by noon.
The distance to Wuxiang City was merely thirty li at most when a band suddenly appeared ahead.
All of them rode great horses, led by a man in a blue cloak, with a long sword on his waist, blocking the road.
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
This time, however, Luo Qiang had calmed down, smiling fully as he cupped his hands and said.
"Friend, we are from Changlong Escort Agency in Wuxiang City, returning from a delivery, about to head back to the city. May I ask why you block our road?"
His casual manner made clear they were returning with empty coffers, with nothing to offer.
Unexpectedly, the leader ignored this, merely asking coldly.
"I ask you, have you seen a wounded man on horseback on this road?"
Zhao Ya's heart skipped a beat.
These people were looking for that man from yesterday?
Luo Qiang's expression didn't change at all as he shook his head and said, "We just passed through this road; we didn't see any wounded rider."
"Really?"
"No."
"Hmph! That guy probably won't get far. Let's go," the man called out, ignoring Luo Qiang and the rest, leading his followers on the pursuit.
After they had gone far, Luo Qiang breathed a long sigh of relief and immediately ordered.
"Go, back to the city at once."
Actually, he didn't need to give the order, everyone was ready.
The remaining journey was uneventful, and soon they returned to Wuxiang City. Once back at the Escort Agency, Luo Qiang immediately went to see the Chief of the Escort, obviously to report what happened on the road.
Zhao Ya and the others relaxed.
In general, although there was some unexpected trouble on this first escort assignment, it went relatively smoothly.
Luo Feng was elated, bragging to the workers.
"You didn't see it; we encountered a..."
Before he could continue, Zhao Ya suddenly stopped him.
"Luo Feng, come with me."
Confused, Luo Feng followed Zhao Ya aside.
"Zhao, what's up?"
Zhao Ya said solemnly, "It's best not to talk about what happened on the road this time."
"Why?" Luo Feng didn't understand.
"No why, just don't mention it, and I'm sure your uncle will tell you the same shortly."
With that, Zhao Ya patted Luo Feng's shoulder and left.
Luo Feng was puzzled, but soon enough, his uncle Luo Qiang gave him a strict order: Do not mention anything about the trip to anyone.