Chapter 31: Blessings

Seeing that Wen Gu and the others were still there, the two men felt a sense of relief in their hearts. It was good they hadn't left yet; they had caught up in time.

Yu Er followed at He Da's side, keeping an eye on the movements around them.

It was easy to identify the few figures ahead, but his attention at this moment was focused first on those children.

He had heard those two children call Zhou Shan "Father." It seemed they were indeed the children of this military officer, and the little ones looked to be in decent spirits.

After seeing Wen Gu and being introduced to Yu Er, the two-man street-drifter duo didn't waste words, expressing their wish to follow them north.

Yu Er said, "Our Tan County Magistrate is a formidable person. Half a month ago, our family had originally intended to follow him north, but we encountered trouble at home at the time. By the time it settled down, we had already missed the timing."

The main force led by the County Magistrate had already set their departure time and would not change it easily, so they could only watch helplessly as Tan County Magistrate led his people away.

Yu Er just wanted to tell Wen Gu and the others that their whole family had intended to go north all along. They had missed one chance, and now they had met someone else heading toward Beidi; you, this scholar, look decent enough, and you have relatives in Beidi, so we think well of you.

He Da also spoke up at this time: "Although we don't know much about places outside Feng County, we used to hang around the streets and alleys and heard plenty of news; perhaps that could be of help."

Yu Er added, "We will bring our own dry rations."

Wen Gu seemed somewhat hesitant. "I wonder how many relatives and friends you intend to bring? Are there any elderly or children?"

He Da said, "Only my younger brother and I are left in my family, and perhaps two or three friends. My brother is twelve years old and used to study at the County Academy; he has a quiet and sensible temperament."

Yu Er thought for a moment and also said, "You should all know about the four in my family: myself, my brother and sister-in-law, my niece, and perhaps two friends."

Wen Gu was satisfied in his heart; the number of people was acceptable. He said in a gentle voice, "Could I ask you two to wait for a moment?"

"Of course, we will wait right there."

Knowing that Wen Gu and the others needed to deliberate, He Da and Yu Er walked to the side. They were still somewhat nervous in their hearts.

The two analyzed in low voices—

The scholar surnamed Wen would likely not refuse; this person looked easy to talk to. As for that County Lieutenant Zhou and that Daoist Priest, it was unclear if they would agree.

On this side, Qingyi Daozhang remained in his usual indifferent posture; if he had to say, he was inclined to take in more people so that there would be someone to help him with chores later.

Xiao Liu and Tietou both listened to Wen Gu.

County Lieutenant Zhou was somewhat hesitant; he had been betrayed before and had a strong sense of wariness. However, after Wen Gu analyzed a few points, he agreed.

First, it is easier to get things done with more people. The journey is perilous now, and having more people in the group is indeed safer.

Second, he still had two young children who had been frightened, as well as a twelve or thirteen-year-old nephew. Perhaps having two more children in the group could improve their mental state.

The human heart is a difficult thing to judge. But one truly cannot refuse to let anyone near just because one has encountered betrayal.

Although he agreed, Zhou Shan still couldn't help but remind Wen Gu, "In these chaotic times, human nature is complex; do not be overly benevolent."

"Many thanks for the reminder, County Lieutenant Zhou." Wen Gu bowed slightly.

He stood under the morning sun, his whole person seemingly plated with a layer of golden light, his gaze toward the distant mountains clear and firm:

"When I was on my Study Tour, I once heard a saying: 'Travel alone to go fast, travel together to go far.'

"The world is perilous now, far worse than the disasters recorded in history books; if we do not huddle together for warmth, it will be hard to survive. If a hundred people are of one mind, they will have the strength of a hundred. If we cross the river in the same boat, we shall share the same perils. With everyone working together, we will surely reach our goal!"

Zhou Shan opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

He certainly knew the benefits of sticking together; he just wanted to correct Wen Gu's approach of being benevolent to everyone.

However, it seemed now that the scholar's ideas were firm and would not change anytime soon. But such a person was also not easily backstabbed.

Forget it, forget it; with him by his side keeping a constant watch, surely nothing major would happen.

Having settled the internal matter, Wen Gu came over to inform He Da and Yu Er of the result.

Upon learning they had been successfully accepted, the two also showed joy. At the same time, they thought to themselves: As expected, one must approach the scholar surnamed Wen!

However, having spent much time in the marketplace, their vigilance was high; next time they would bring their families over. They carried a heavy responsibility and still needed to inquire and learn more.

He Da's eyes darted, and he expressed gratitude on his face: "Thank you so much! Our status is humble; we were looked down upon in the county and were guarded against in everything we did... You all are good people!"

Wen Gu's gaze was clear, and he smiled with a scholarly air: "The heart of right and wrong is the beginning of wisdom. I can tell that you are not treacherous or evil people."

He Da then spoke very emotionally about the tragic disaster his family had suffered. At a time like this, playing the victim in front of such a kind-hearted scholar could also help him secure more benefits for his younger brother in the future.

After listening, Wen Gu's expression was melancholy. He sighed and briefly mentioned his own background: his family had suffered a tragic disaster, and only the two brothers were left, heading north to rely on relatives.

"Although it is difficult, precisely because of this, the more we must persevere; we will eventually see the dawn. No matter the time, both scholars and warriors have opportunities to realize their own value. Having read the books of sages for so many years, once I reach Beidi, I will also make something of myself.

"After the Evil Plague subsides, we brothers will return home in glory. Before, we only buried the remains hastily; when we return, we will replace them with fine coffins, invite a master to perform rites and move the graves, and find a place with good feng shui. We will also build an imposing ancestral hall so that those who have passed can enjoy the incense of their descendants..."

He Da had originally intended to act, but as he listened, his vision blurred, and tears shimmered in his eyes.

Unconsciously, he followed Wen Gu's words and fantasized, his breathing becoming heavy. He also cared deeply about matters of life and death.

It is true!

People, the more difficult the times, the more one must climb upward!

Otherwise, one will be completely trampled into the mud!

He, too, would make something of himself in Beidi, and when he returned, he would move the graves, repair the tombs, build an ancestral hall for the He family, and burn offerings so that his father, mother, and second sister could live in a big house in the afterlife with servants to wait on them!

Yu Er, beside him, felt a bit of empathy, but not much; he was more focused on the immediate difficulties.

He cupped his hands in a salute, interrupting the atmosphere, and asked: "There is one more matter. My eldest brother cannot let go of it. He is the only blacksmith in the city and has not taken any apprentices. The County Town needs people to forge weapons for defense, and he is worried that after he leaves..."

"Blacksmith Yu is a man of sentiment and righteousness!" Wen Gu sighed and pondered for a moment. "I heard from He Da that some people in the city used to work as guards at your house? I wonder if they learned a trick or two?"

Yu Er: Oh?

That's right, there were those guards who had secretly learned the craft!

That group of people hadn't opened a blacksmith shop before, not because they didn't want to.

They had certainly learned some of the craft, but was being a blacksmith that easy? Blacksmithing was a government-regulated industry; not everyone had the conditions to set up a shop!

But now no one was in charge; after their family left, the shop would be left to the County Town. The furnace and bellows were all there, and even without the shop, the government had such places; Tan County Magistrate and his people couldn't take those large items away.

Even if those former guards' skills weren't as good, as long as the tools could be used to forge things, they would get better with more practice.

Having solved his eldest brother's worry, Yu Er was very happy: "Many thanks!"

He then thought, the scholar surnamed Wen has a sharp mind; could he be harboring some evil intent?

Yu Er asked as if casually: "You scholars, are you all this kind to others?"

Wen Gu's eyes held tolerance and sincerity as he replied, "I do not know how others are."

"But the sages once said, 'Those who give love receive love; those who send forth blessings receive blessings.' To me, you are all my blessings."

(End of chapter)