Chapter 71: The Ungrateful Wretch

Wang Keyue rode her horse to a deserted place, withdrew the animal into her system, and activated the spatial teleportation token. A white light appeared, multicolored streams flashed incessantly along the golden card’s lines, and in the next instant, Wang Keyue vanished from sight, the dizzying sensation of weightlessness lasting only a moment.

The next second, she found herself back in a familiar place. Her legs felt weak and unstable; she dropped to one knee, steadying herself until her senses cleared. Looking around, she recognized her surroundings—the very place she’d departed from before, inside her small tent.

Wang Keyue removed the mask from her face. The appearance and voice of Doctor Wang were stored within the mask’s intelligent device, generating a persona she could use whenever needed. She shed her disguise, changed into her simple male attire, tied her hair into a high ponytail secured with a jade crown, and reattached her usual saber and small dagger at her waist.

“Young master! You’re back!” Cheng San, outside the tent, had overheard sounds from within and called out excitedly. Only the three of them were allowed near this tent, and Cheng San’s heart was bursting with joy.

“Come in,” Wang Keyue replied.

Hearing this, Cheng San was overjoyed. Her master had finally returned; she hurried into the tent.

“How have things been these past days in my absence?” Wang Keyue asked.

“Everything’s been fine, young master. Only, that group of scholars has left,” Cheng San answered.

Through Cheng San’s account, Wang Keyue learned that during her absence, the refugees remaining in the wasteland, having not seen her for several days, grew anxious and fearful. They worried that their benefactor had abandoned them, unwilling to bring along so many burdens. In such disastrous times, a group their size would be left to await death, so their anxiety grew desperate.

Ultimately, with explanations from Hong Yi and Cheng Yi, and Old Zhang’s reassuring words, the people were calmed. Compared to the Zhou clan’s concern for Wang Keyue and Old Zhang’s refugees’ worries, the scholars were far more impatient.

Time and again, the scholars tried to ascertain Wang Keyue’s identity, even using their status and wealth to persuade the Zhou clan and the refugees to leave Wang Keyue and escort them to the nearby Kang Le County.

Initially, most refugees were unmoved—after all, here they had food and drink. Yet, the lure of money and power proved immense. Eventually, three men among the refugees agreed to escort these frail scholars to Kang Le County.

Old Zhang exhausted himself with earnest words and threats, but the three men remained unmoved. In frustration, Old Zhang could only watch as they took up their hatchets, bid farewell to their families, and set off with the scholars.

Wang Keyue was irritated but helpless. “Gather everyone for a meeting,” she ordered.

All, including the Zhou clan and the refugees, assembled in the open space. Excitement stirred among them; their gazes toward Wang Keyue were more fervent than before.

“I had urgent family matters to attend to, hence my absence these past days. During this time, the Wang family has provided medicine and food free of charge. I wonder how everyone’s health is now and if you have any difficulties in daily life?” Wang Keyue deliberately raised this point, intending to remind the newly joined refugees.

She knew their sense of belonging was still weak, and some harbored a sense of entitlement toward her group.

In truth, Wang Keyue could not force anyone to stay or leave. Yet, these people wanted to eat from her pot while eyeing opportunities elsewhere, expecting her to support their families gratis while they sought grand prospects—wanting every advantage.

Her words drew sharp attention toward the newcomers, especially the families of those who had left. They flushed crimson, lowering their heads in shame. Wang Keyue felt a fleeting softness in her heart, but with her mission and loved ones in mind, she steeled herself.

Old Zhang, the elder among them, stepped forward and respectfully saluted Wang Keyue. “Young master, meeting you in these troubled times is our fortune. We are all willing to follow you, awaiting your command at any moment.”

“Fine words are easy to say, but I fear some are blinded by riches and forget what’s right,” Wang Keyue pressed further, making it clear that the newly joined refugees had shown ingratitude.

“Young master, I, Old Zhang, pledge absolute loyalty. I swear by my ancestors that I, Zhang Guisheng, will serve you as my master. If ever I act unkindly or dishonor you, let me face my forebears in shame after death!” Old Zhang’s oath was fierce indeed.

“Words aren’t enough; let it be written in black and white,” Wang Keyue demanded forcefully.

She needed these people and was willing to support them, but she was determined to change the current situation.