newbobooks Chapter 450: Lure the enemy away
Chapter 450: Lure the enemy away
The mountain path was rugged and difficult to traverse; the horses' hooves clattered on the gravel, echoing through the silent forest.
Gu Junze held the reins in one hand and embraced Chu Ruohan and Xiao Qingchen with the other, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.
"There's a fork in the road ahead," Yingyi said, riding forward and pointing to the forked path.
Gu Junze reined in his horse and observed for a moment: "Take the left path. The right path looks like it has been trampled on, there might be an ambush."
The group turned their horses around and proceeded along the path on the left.
The road is narrower, and the branches and leaves of the trees on both sides almost cover the entire road, forming a green tunnel.
"Father, I'm thirsty," Xuan-ge'er said softly. He was riding on Song Ruyan's horse, his little face looking tired from the long ride.
Upon hearing this, Gu Junze gestured for everyone to stop and rest.
The group dismounted in a relatively flat area, and the guards quickly set up a perimeter to ensure their safety.
Song Ruyan took out a water bag from her bag and handed it to Xuan Ge'er: "Here, have some water."
Xuan-ge took the water pouch, carefully drank a few sips, and then obediently returned it to Song Ruyan.
Chu Ruohan found a clean rock to sit on, gently patted Xiao Qingchen's back, and coaxed her to sleep.
Gu Junze walked to Chu Ruohan's side and whispered, "We'll reach the next county town in another half day's journey. My people will be there to meet us and will arrange everything."
Chu Ruohan nodded: "The children can't withstand a long journey. After we arrive in the county town, could we rest for an extra day?"
“Yes,” Gu Junze said gently. “I have arranged a safe place for you and the children to rest.”
After a short rest, the group remounted and continued their journey.
"General, there seem to be people ahead," Shadow Two suddenly whispered a reminder.
Gu Junze's eyes sharpened, and he signaled everyone to stop. He then quietly dismounted and stepped forward to investigate.
A moment later, he returned, his expression slightly relaxed: "They were a father and son woodcutters, and they seemed normal."
Chu Ruohan breathed a sigh of relief: "Then can we continue on our way?"
Gu Junze nodded, but remained vigilant: "Although it seems harmless, we still need to be careful. Shadow Guards, spread out and provide front and rear protection."
The shadow guards obeyed the order and disappeared into the woods on either side, secretly protecting the team.
The group continued on their way and soon encountered the woodcutter father and son.
The old woodcutter looked to be in his sixties, with a face full of wrinkles. He was carrying a bundle of firewood on his back, while the little boy next to him, who looked to be about ten years old, was also carrying a small bundle of firewood.
The old woodcutter seemed somewhat surprised to see Gu Junze and his group, but still respectfully made way for them.
"Where are you all headed?" the old woodcutter asked curiously. "This mountain path is difficult to traverse, especially for ladies with children."
Gu Junze's expression remained unchanged: "Go to the county town ahead; we have relatives there."
The old woodcutter nodded: "Those of you should be careful. A few days ago, some unidentified people came into the mountains. They are acting suspiciously, and none of us in the village dare to go deep into the forest."
A flicker of wariness crossed Gu Junze's eyes: "Oh? Who is it?"
"I don't know," the old woodcutter shook his head. "They were dressed in black, and they don't look like good people. I heard they were looking for something and asking around for information about passersby."
Gu Junze and Chu Ruohan exchanged a glance, already feeling wary.
He took out a few silver coins from his pocket and handed them to the old woodcutter: "Thank you for telling me. Please give these silver coins to you and your son so you can have some food."
The old woodcutter was flattered and thanked him repeatedly.
Gu Junze asked about the road ahead, and the old woodcutter answered all his questions, detailing the mountain path and the dangers he might encounter.
After bidding farewell to the old woodcutter and his son, Gu Junze said to the others in a low voice, "It seems that those people have already set up an ambush ahead. We need to be more careful."
Song Ruyan gripped the hilt of her sword tightly: "Should we take another route?"
Gu Junze pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Changing routes would only make it easier to lose our way. Since we know there is danger ahead, we can be prepared."
Chu Ruohan hugged Xiao Qingchen tightly in her arms: "What about the children?"
“I have an idea,” Gu Junze pondered. “We can deliberately create a disturbance and have the Shadow Guards take a few empty horses along another road to draw the enemy’s attention, while we quietly pass through this side road.”
Everyone thought the plan was feasible and immediately began preparations.
The shadow guards, leading several empty horses, deliberately made noise and left through a side road on the right.
Gu Junze, along with Chu Ruohan, the children, Song Ruyan, and Doctor Qian, continued along the path on the left, trying to make as little noise as possible.
Sure enough, a short while later, shouts of battle and the sound of horses' hooves came from the woods on the right, clearly indicating that the Shadow Guards had lured away the ambushing enemy.
Gu Junze and his group took the opportunity to speed up and head towards the county town ahead.
As darkness fell, the mountain mist gradually rose, and visibility decreased.
Gu Junze had to slow down to avoid an accident on this dangerous mountain road.
"Hang in there a little longer," Gu Junze whispered to comfort her. "There's a cave not far ahead; we can spend the night there."
Chu Ruohan nodded, gently patted Xiao Qingchen's back, and softly coaxed the somewhat irritable child.
Xuan Ge'er sat in front of Song Ruyan, his little face full of fatigue, but he did not cry or make a fuss, but silently endured the hardships of the journey.
Finally, the group arrived at the cave that Gu Junze had mentioned.
This is a natural cave of moderate size, large enough for them to rest.
The shadow guards quickly returned to join them, bringing good news: the enemy had been lured away and there was no sign of them catching up for the time being.
“We can rest here for the night,” Gu Junze said. “We’ll continue our journey early tomorrow morning and try to reach the county town before noon.”
The group settled down in the cave, and the shadow guards took turns keeping watch to ensure their safety.
Chu Ruohan found a relatively dry corner, laid out a blanket, and let the two children lie down to rest.
Looking at his sleeping children, Gu Junze felt both love and guilt.
He didn't want his wife and children to get involved in this mess, but the situation forced him to take them with him on this risk.
"Are they asleep?" Chu Ruohan walked over and asked softly.
Gu Junze nodded: "Yes, they're all asleep. You've had a long day, you should rest too."
Chu Ruohan shook her head: "I'll keep watch with you."
Gu Junze glanced at her, did not refuse, but gently held her hand.
The two sat side by side at the cave entrance, gazing at the deepening night and twinkling stars outside.
"Do you think there's something wrong with that woodcutter father and son?" Chu Ruohan suddenly asked.
Gu Junze pondered for a moment: "It's hard to say. They do look like ordinary woodcutters, but in this situation, we can't afford to be careless."
“I also have some doubts,” Chu Ruohan said in a low voice. “That little boy’s eyes are too sharp; he doesn’t seem like an ordinary child.”
A hint of appreciation flashed in Gu Junze's eyes: "You've observed very carefully. Indeed, the child's eyes were a bit strange, but I can't see any malice in them for the time being."