Chapter Nineteen: Refugees (I)

A few days later, they entered Jizhou territory.

As soon as they arrived, Pei Qinghe keenly sensed that something was amiss.

Near the official road, a sudden group of a dozen or so ragged vagrants appeared.

“Guard Gao, we’re being watched,” Pei Qinghe said in a low voice.

“There are over ten vagrants trailing us at a distance. When I slowed down, they also slowed; when I sped up, they kept pace. They’ve been following us for two days straight.”

“They’re scouting, trying to gauge our strength — they might strike once they figure us out.”

Guard Gao’s most important task was to safely escort the Pei family to Youzhou. Having traveled most of the way without incident, their guard had dropped. Hearing this, the lady was unconcerned: “Miss Pei, no need to fret. A few vagrants are surely drawn here by our supply carts. They probably just want some food.”

“With us here, they wouldn’t dare come near.”

Pei Qinghe’s brow twitched slightly, her voice darkening: “No, they’re not ordinary vagrants.”

“They split into two groups, taking turns following us. From afar, their faces are indistinct, but their physiques are robust — they don’t look like common vagrants at all.”

Where do vagrants come from?

Mostly, they are people unable to pay taxes or stricken by famine, forced to flee their homes. Some die from hunger or exhaustion along the way. The braver ones band together into brigands, stealing food from others.

Among Jizhou’s thirteen commanderies, Bohai, Zhangwu, and Hejian commanderies were relatively prosperous, but places like Julu and Anping were far poorer. Corrupt officials and relentless droughts and locust plagues made vagrants common.

Vagrants roamed, pillaging, living on sporadic meals, their faces gaunt and emaciated. Yet these vagrants trailing them were strong and swift — quite the opposite.

Guard Gao’s expression grew serious as well: “I’ll send men to scout.”

Pei Qinghe nodded: “Thank you, Guard Gao.”

Guard Gao summoned several Eastern Palace guards, turned their horses, and drove the vagrants away.

The dozen or so vagrants scattered like birds and beasts at the sight of the tall steeds, fleeing into the forest. The mounted guards could neither pursue nor risk venturing deep into the woods and could only watch them vanish.

Captain Sun also sensed something wrong and shouted for the group to stop and rest. Then, hurrying over, he asked, “What’s going on?”

Guard Gao frowned, whispering, “Someone is targeting us. Those vagrants are scouts. They might attack soon.”

Captain Sun’s face changed abruptly. “Who are these people to dare attack imperial soldiers?”

Escorting the families of disgraced officials was a hardship assignment. If anything went wrong, he’d be the first to be blamed.

Pei Qinghe’s voice rang out: “Now isn’t the time to speculate about their origins. We must devise a plan.”

Captain Sun looked at Pei Qinghe with displeasure: “Are these people enemies of the Pei family?”

“So what if they are?” Pei Qinghe retorted coldly. “Are you going to abandon us and flee with your men?”

Of course not.

As escort officer, his duty was to deliver the disgraced family to exile safely. If the Pei family got into trouble, he’d suffer the consequences too. The hard-earned rank of eighth-grade military officer would vanish instantly, and his head might well follow.

To those in power, an eighth-grade captain was but an ant — expendable and easily forgotten.

Suddenly understanding the gravity, Captain Sun’s face darkened as he spat out, “This group is targeting the Pei family.”

“My father was proud and prominent in life; it’s no surprise he made enemies,” Pei Qinghe said without much expression. “But a clever enemy wouldn’t strike now. They could wait until we reach Youzhou — when the Eastern Palace guards and escort troops are gone, with no obstacles in their way. Mountains, rivers, disasters — all easier to arrange then.”

“Choosing to strike during the exile journey shows they’re reckless and fearless of the Eastern Palace.”

“Thinking further, these people are after the Eastern Palace itself.”

Guard Gao’s face grew grim as well.

Pei Qinghe’s analysis was well-reasoned.

There were only five Eastern Palace guards, but these five represented the Eastern Palace’s honor. How many dared challenge the Eastern Palace banner in the world today?

Captain Sun couldn’t run, nor could the Eastern Palace guards hide. Now, they were all grasshoppers tied to the same rope as the Pei family.

Pei Qinghe’s voice softened: “We’re in the same boat. Let’s help each other and face the enemy together.”

“Easier said than done!” Captain Sun’s anger and resentment burst forth. “Who are they? Where did they come from? How many troops and weapons do they have? We don’t know any of that. We’re out in the open while they’re in the shadows. How can we fight like this?”

Guard Gao’s brow remained furrowed.

As an Eastern Palace guard, he was used to escorting his masters safely; the worst he’d encountered were a few assassins. He’d never faced proper large-scale combat and lacked experience.

“Guard Gao, immediately send someone to the nearest county office for help,” Pei Qinghe took command without hesitation, “Ask them to dispatch troops.”

“Captain Sun, we’re not far from the Julu commandery. Send a request for reinforcements to the Julu garrison.”

Guard Gao instinctively answered, “Yes, ma’am.”

He was accustomed to taking orders and found nothing improper in Miss Pei’s command.

Captain Sun, clinging to some officer’s dignity, hesitated: “What if the Julu troops refuse to send help?”

Pei Qinghe replied coldly, “Reinforcements are best, but if none come, so be it. We have hands, feet, and weapons. Are we going to stand around and wait for vagrants?”

Her tone carried a chilling, murderous resolve.

A strange chill crept into Captain Sun’s heart. He stared at Pei Qinghe: “Aren’t you afraid?”

“What good would fear do?” Pei Qinghe smiled faintly. “I only know I must live. Anyone who dares try to kill me will never return.”

Her casual tone revealed immense confidence.

Was it youthful arrogance born of inexperience, or fearless confidence forged by strength?

Captain Sun’s throat tightened as if something blocked it. He wanted to argue, to reclaim the authority and dignity of his office.

Then came the voice of the Eastern Palace guard: “We all follow Miss Pei’s orders.”

Captain Sun turned and met Guard Gao’s eyes.

Guard Gao, seemingly ignoring Captain Sun’s reluctance, repeated, “We follow Miss Pei’s command.”

So be it.

With the Eastern Palace backing Miss Pei, what was there to contest?

Captain Sun gritted his teeth and conceded, “Miss Pei, please give your instructions.”