A scumbag husband fakes his death to escape his marriage? I'll burn down his funeral hall and s

Chapter 451 Boarding the ship and taking the waterway

After a peaceful night, I tidied up the next day and continued my journey.

This time, everything went smoothly and there were no ambushes. Around noon, a sign of human habitation finally appeared in the distance.

"General, the county town is just ahead," Yingyi said, pointing to the faintly visible city walls in the distance.

Gu Junze's tense nerves finally relaxed a little: "Okay, speed up and get into the city to rest."

The group quickened their pace and soon arrived at the county town gate. Several soldiers were checking people at the gate, but Gu Junze had already sent people to make arrangements beforehand, and the soldiers respectfully let them pass as soon as they arrived.

After successfully entering the city, Gu Junze did not linger and led his team directly to a secluded residence in the city.

The house looked unremarkable, but the gate was tightly closed, making it seem very secluded.

"This is where I've prepared my lodging in the city," Gu Junze said to Chu Ruohan. "It's safe for now."

Looking at the simple house in front of her, Chu Ruohan felt a sense of peace and security.

As long as we can settle down, that's the best outcome.

The family was able to catch their breath in the courtyard for the next two days.

Xuan-ge'er was playing in the yard, while Xiao Qing-chen was quietly enjoying his mother's gentle caresses in Chu Ruo-han's arms.

Gu Junze also relaxed for once. He would sit on the stone bench in the courtyard, looking at the children, with a gentle smile on his face that was rarely seen on ordinary days.

"General, we will be setting off tomorrow," Yingyi reported in a low voice as she approached Gu Junze on the morning of the third day.

Gu Junze nodded, his gaze falling on Xuan Ge'er playing in the courtyard: "Are the boats ready?"

"Reporting to the general, an ordinary cargo ship has been prepared, one that will not attract attention. The boatman has also been arranged, and the ship will sail downstream according to the agreed route, heading straight for the State of Zheng."

“Okay,” Gu Junze replied.

Chu Ruohan walked over carrying Xiao Qingchen and asked softly, "Are we boarding the ship tomorrow?"

“Hmm,” Gu Junze put his arm around her shoulder, “The boat is relatively stable, so the children will be more comfortable on it.”

"That's good." Chu Ruohan gently stroked Xiao Qingchen's soft hair.

Song Ruyan also came over, patting the dust off her hands: "The luggage is all packed, it's lightweight and easy to carry."

Dr. Qian checked his medicine kit to make sure everything was in order.

The next morning, as dawn broke, the group quietly left the mansion and traveled by carriage to a small dock outside the city.

Several cargo ships were docked at the pier, and one of them, which looked unremarkable, was their vehicle for this trip.

"General, Madam, please board the boat." The boatman, a kind-looking middle-aged man, bowed respectfully.

Gu Junze helped Chu Ruohan and Xiao Qingchen onto the boat, while Xuan Ge'er, led by Song Ruyan, curiously looked at the furnishings inside the cabin.

Although the cabin was not large, it was kept clean and tidy, with soft cushions laid out, which was obviously arranged by Gu Junze.

"Xuan'er, sit next to your mother," Chu Ruohan called out.

Xuan-ge sat down obediently, his little hands touching the wooden planks of the cabin, his eyes filled with curiosity.

Gu Junze and his shadow guards stood at the ship's side, their eyes scanning the dock area warily. Only after confirming that there was nothing amiss did they signal the boatman to set off.

The oars sliced ​​through the water with a soft sound as the boat slowly moved away from the dock and headed downstream along the wide river.

The morning mist shrouded the river, and the green mountains on both banks appeared and disappeared in the mist, like a traditional Chinese ink painting.

“This waterway is quite quiet,” Song Ruyan said softly, standing beside Gu Junze.

Gu Junze's gaze was deep: "The quieter it is, the more careful we must be."

In a secluded courtyard of the residence of Imperial Censor Zhao in the capital, the candlelight flickered.

The man in black bowed before the mysterious "master," his voice low and hoarse: "Master, news has come from Jiangnan that Gu Junze and his group are exceptionally cunning, and all our ambushes have failed."

"Failure?" The man slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacup to tremble and make a jarring sound.

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes: "The elite of Qingmo Valley can't even take down a mere Gu Junze?!"

The man in black, sweat beading on his forehead, dared not raise his head: "My lord, it seems they were prepared in advance, setting up a feint in the mountains to lure away our main force."

"Gu Junze himself is highly skilled in martial arts, and his shadow guards and the woman are also experts. By the time we realized what was happening, they had already escaped by water."

"Waterway?" The man's voice carried a chilling murderous intent: "He does know how to adapt. He's actually manipulating the remnants of Qingmo Valley."

As Imperial Censor Zhao listened, his unease grew stronger.

He spoke in a trembling voice, "My lord, Gu Junze is indeed unfathomable. His departure from the capital with his wife and children was also part of his scheme. Shouldn't we re-examine this situation?"

"Hmph!" The mysterious man sneered, his gaze sweeping over Imperial Censor Zhao, sending chills down his spine: "It's too late to say these things now."

"Does he think he'll be safe once he escapes by water? Issue my order: immediately mobilize all available water resources and intercept Gu Junze! We must find him alive or dead!"

The man in black bowed, accepted the order, and quickly withdrew.

"My lord, if there are any changes in the capital, the Emperor may notice," Imperial Censor Zhao warned, forcing himself to speak.

"So what if they find out?" A ruthless glint flashed in the mysterious man's eyes. "Without Gu Junze, this thorn in my side, what can the Emperor do to me? Besides, if he dies at the hands of river bandits, who can trace it back to us?"

Censor Zhao lowered his head, not daring to say anything more, but the ominous premonition in his heart grew stronger and stronger.

Gu Junze is a pawn that is far more troublesome than they imagined.

Meanwhile, the cargo ship sailed smoothly on the wide river.

The morning sunlight shone through the thin mist onto the deck, bringing a touch of warmth.

Xuan-ge'er lay on the side of the boat, watching the flowing river with curiosity, his little hand pointing at the water from time to time: "Mommy, look, there are fish!"

Chu Ruohan gently stroked Xiao Qingchen's hair and smiled at Xuan Ge'er: "Xuan'er, do you like watching fish?"

"I like it!" Xuan-ge'er replied in his childish voice.

Gu Junze stood at the bow of the ship, gazing intently into the distance.

The river was calm, and the scenery on both banks was picturesque, a stark contrast to the perilous mountain road ahead.

Song Ruyan walked to Gu Junze's side and said softly, "General's plan is indeed brilliant. Those people are probably still searching in the mountains."

Gu Junze's lips curled slightly, a hint of coldness in his expression: "They think they've succeeded, so naturally they'll lower their guard. The waterway is their blind spot; it's safe for now."

Chu Ruohan carried Xiao Qingchen over and nestled beside Gu Junze: "This waterway is much smoother than the mountain road, so the children can get a good rest."

"Yes," Gu Junze gently stroked Chu Ruohan's hair, his eyes full of tenderness, "You and the children have suffered."

“It’s not bitter,” Chu Ruohan shook her head, her gaze firm: “As long as our family is together, it doesn’t matter where we go.”