Chapter 239: Old Acquaintances Again

At his question, the arriving cavalrymen burst into roaring laughter, showing no sign of taking offense. It was the already dismounted Dong Bingfeng who looked rather embarrassed. He hurried forward a few steps, leaned close to Zhao Jin's ear, and said in a low voice, "The able-bodied ones were all pulled back by the Assistant Regional Commander and the Commander for their own use. The current company commanders are all just biding their time until retirement."

"Young master, don't look down on us just because we're old. Our skills haven't faded," the old cavalryman who had first teased them said. Before even dismounting, he drew his bow and nocked an arrow right there on horseback, then let it fly.

With a *thwip*, the arrow lodged firmly in the wooden pole from which a lantern hung. That shot alone was nothing special, but the old cavalryman's hands didn't stop—he loosed two more arrows in quick succession, each one striking the wooden pole, the distance between all three arrows nearly identical. The first could be chalked up to luck, but the three in a row spoke clearly of his accuracy and skill.

"Excellent! Old Deng hasn't lost his touch!" The men around him erupted in cheers.

It was indeed impressive skill, but Zhao Jin also noticed that this old cavalryman surnamed Deng was now breathing heavily. This, however, was not the time to point that out. Zhao Jin waved his hands with a wry smile and said, "Uncles, please, no more arrows. That's my training ground in there—if a shot goes astray, it'll hit someone inside."

The direction of those shots pointed straight into the training ground, where over a hundred men were present. Any miss would inevitably cause an accidental injury.

"This kid actually does take after Big Zhao—cast from the same mold."

"You can see a bit of Second Zhao in his brows and eyes, though."

"But he's far surpassed what his father and uncle ever achieved."

The group of cavalrymen chattered away with their comments as they dismounted. The term "uncle" had originally been a polite courtesy, but hearing this discussion, it turned out that was exactly how he'd have to address them.

"Uncles, please go inside and rest for a while. Have a cup of hot tea," Zhao Jin said with a smile.

The cavalrymen didn't stand on ceremony. They tended to their mounts and walked into the courtyard carrying their weapons. Once they had all entered, a wry smile appeared on Zhao Jin's face as well.

Dong Bingfeng, walking behind, saw Zhao Jin's expression and felt even more ashamed. Before he could offer an explanation, Zhao Jin smiled and said, "We do need people to carry messages on horseback here, and these uncles are actually suitable for that. I'd originally thought I could leverage the strength of these men, but it seems I won't be getting that advantage."

Though these arriving cavalrymen were advanced in years, tasks like relaying messages between the city and He Village were still within their ability. However, counting on them to provide combat support when trouble arose was out of the question.

Zhao Jin found it a bit amusing himself. He had originally planned to have these personal guards and household retainers serve as messengers, but if something happened, they wouldn't just stand by—that would mean an extra source of strength. It was a bit of cleverness on his part. He hadn't expected to encounter a situation like this.

"We're not short on men who can ride, but we are short on men who can ride and whom we can trust. Go find Erhong and give these uncles their first month's pay in advance. Tell them there will be further thanks afterwards," Zhao Jin instructed Dong Bingfeng. Though these men were old and could now only help deliver messages, there was much they could do in the future—at the very least, they could serve as instructors. Their experience was a precious asset.

Zhao Jin took some men and made a trip to the Shi family blacksmith shop. Inside, a dozen or so blacksmiths and over twenty helpers were working at a feverish pitch. Shi Manqiang's father no longer did the manual labor himself but supervised the workers. Seeing Zhao Jin arrive, he hurried forward to greet him.

Even before recruiting this batch of household retainers, Zhao Jin had already arranged for the Shi family blacksmith shop to forge weapons. It was originally meant as a reserve. Once these new recruits were brought in, he urgently increased the order, but time was tight, and they could barely guarantee one weapon per man.

A blacksmith forging weapons was not illegal, but manufacturing them in such large quantities was a serious crime. Fortunately, everyone on the official side in the city knew of the relationship between the Shi family blacksmith shop and Zhao Jin, so they all turned a blind eye and let it pass.

"Uncle Shi, have everything that's been finished loaded onto carts before nightfall and delivered to the freight yard," Zhao Jin instructed before he left. The other party naturally agreed.

After leaving there, Zhao Jin headed to the Black Tiger God of Wealth Temple. He had just reached the outer streets when a lookout thug spotted him and scurried back in a fluster to report. Before long, Chen Ergou came hurrying over with his men to receive him.

"Go find Butcher Li and You Zhenrong. Prepare enough dry rations for six hundred men for three days and have them delivered to the freight yard by noon tomorrow," Zhao Jin ordered.

"Master Jin, are we moving?" Chen Ergou asked cautiously.

"We leave the city the day after tomorrow. Get these supplies ready first," Zhao Jin said.

Hearing this, Chen Ergou was stunned for a moment. He hadn't expected the move to be so soon. He quickly recovered and said respectfully, "This humble one must certainly come to see Master Jin off."

Zhao Jin nodded impassively and left with his men. Watching Zhao Jin's figure disappear around the street corner, Chen Ergou immediately ordered his underlings to summon Butcher Li and You Zhenrong. The amount of dry rations for six hundred men for three days wasn't actually that large; split among the three of them, it could be gathered very quickly.

"Leaving in such a hurry..." Chen Ergou scratched his head and muttered. After saying this, he glared at the men around him and said sternly, "Don't any of you go spreading this around. You all know very well how Master Jin operates." His underlings all nodded repeatedly.

But such matters could never be kept secret. Everyone held Zhao Jin in fearful awe, yet each person also harbored a sense of wishful thinking, believing no one would know it was them who talked. As a result, within a single two-hour period, the news that Zhao Jin would be leaving Xuzhou the day after tomorrow had spread through nearly half of the southern city.

By the time Zhao Jin led his men back to the freight yard, Liu Yong had already returned with the shift-changing household retainers and new recruits. Dong Bingfeng was preparing to lead his group out.

The number of household retainers at He Village now stood at one hundred and twenty. For each shift rotation, the retainers and new recruits went to He Village in a set ratio, but only the new recruits returned. He Village could only rely on the household retainers, while in the city, Zhao Jin had many other forces at his disposal—hence this arrangement.

"Uncles, I must trouble you to split into pairs. Every half-hour, one pair will travel from the city to He Village, confirm that all is safe and sound there, then return. Please also help bring back any messages from there. Each man will make two runs per day, starting when the city gates open and ending when they close. Please arrange the order and shifts among yourselves," Zhao Jin explained the rules to the old cavalrymen.

These old cavalrymen had just received their silver and were all in high spirits. Hearing Zhao Jin's instructions, they all cheerfully agreed. As people age, they often care greatly about propriety. Despite Zhao Jin's immense and intimidating reputation, he placed himself in the role of a junior before them, respectful and courteous, which made them feel very pleased.

Concern for propriety wasn't limited to these forty- and fifty-something old cavalrymen. Just after lunch, the owner of Pork Rib Zhang arrived bearing gifts.

"Master Jin has favored my humble establishment with so much business. Now that you are leaving the day after tomorrow, this humble one has prepared some modest gifts and also set a banquet at the shop to bid farewell to Master Jin and all you gentlemen," the owner of Pork Rib Zhang said very sincerely.

Zhao Jin had held many banquets at Pork Rib Zhang. Seeing how Zhao Jin favored this establishment, all sorts of figures came to show their support as well. The allocation of Han Well Famous Liquor also gave them a boost, causing Pork Rib Zhang's business to flourish considerably. The owner was genuinely grateful to Zhao Jin from the bottom of his heart.

"I will accept the gifts, but there's no need to hold a farewell banquet. Whether Zhao is in Xuzhou or not makes no difference. If you encounter any difficulties, come find me," Zhao Jin replied simply.

"Then when Master Jin leaves the city, this humble one must definitely come to see you off," the owner of Pork Rib Zhang said attentively.

Zhao Jin smiled and nodded, saying casually, "The day after tomorrow, at the third quarter of the Hour of the Dragon. Just go directly to the West Gate."

Not long after the owner of Pork Rib Zhang left, another guest arrived at the freight yard bearing gifts, also to discuss farewells and seeing him off. Zhao Jin received them courteously, responded in kind, told them the date of his departure the day after tomorrow, and then saw them out.

As time passed, more and more people came. Some had deep friendships with him, but the majority were there to curry favor. Zhao Jin's fearsome reputation was one aspect, but the soon-to-be-operational He Village distillery was an even more important factor. Doing a favor now would make it easier to buy liquor in the future—anyone could figure that calculation.

Eventually, even the new recruits training in the yard learned that they would be moving out of Xuzhou the day after tomorrow. These young men all felt excited and curious, and they could no longer focus on their training. Chen Sheng had to viciously lash several of them with his scabbard before the training returned to normal.

By nightfall, the entire city of Xuzhou knew that Zhao Jin would be moving out of Xuzhou the day after tomorrow—which was the first day of the third month—and that he would set out around the third quarter of the Hour of the Dragon. The Prefect had his kitchen prepare another banquet and invited several colleagues over to drink and make merry. With different standpoints came different reactions.

"The first of the third month, heading to He Village? Then I'll go back and get ready," Chen Sheng asked before heading home.

"Starting tonight, you need to stay here at the freight yard. There are even more things to prepare here. I'll arrange for household retainers to escort Erhong back," Zhao Jin said. Chen Sheng nodded.

Just as Chen Sheng was heading out, a report came from outside that the carts from the Shi family blacksmith shop had arrived. Zhao Jin went out and gave them a brief inspection. The carts were piled with bundles of spears; there weren't many axes or blades. After all, spears were the cheapest and simplest to make.

The weapons had arrived, but they wouldn't be unloaded from the carts. Zhao Jin directly hired the carters and their carts, telling them to stay at the freight yard for the next few days and transport everything to He Village when they left the city. He offered extra pay, and the carters were naturally happy to oblige. They unhitched their draft animals right there, left the cart frames in place, and went home to eat and take care of things. They would have to come back after eating, though, because Zhao Jin's side didn't provide feed and wouldn't allow the animals to be taken away. For the sake of the silver, everyone just put up with it. Who would dare quibble with Zhao Jin? It was just a few extra trips back and forth, that was all.

The kitchen had long since prepared dinner, but Zhao Jin, Liu Yong, and Ji Xiang were bustling about inside and out without pause—inspecting goods, checking their own carts and draft animals. Some of the older men, seeing this, couldn't help but whisper among themselves, saying that young people just couldn't keep calm. They weren't leaving for several days; was there any need to be this busy?

The most critical area was the silver vault. Gold, silver, and valuables had all been packed into wooden chests, meticulously sealed with paper strips.

"This vault gets moved first. Divide it into ten portions and place them on separate carts. Xiaoyong, you keep a tight watch on this part. The weapons delivered from the blacksmith shop will be escorted by the household retainers. The armor and weapons we captured at He Village are the most critical—Daxiang, you watch over these..." He had just spoken half of this when someone outside shouted loudly, "Zhao Jin, get home quickly! There's urgent business."

It was Chen Sheng, who had just left, doing the shouting. He had only been gone a short while; by any reckoning, there hadn't been enough time to go and come back. Zhao Jin, Liu Yong, and Ji Xiang hurried out of the storehouse. Liu Yong went to lock the storehouse cellar. Chen Sheng had already reached the doorway, and beside him was a household retainer, panting heavily.

Zhao Jin recognized this retainer—he was one of the ten on duty at the Zhao residence today. Could it be something at home?! Before he could even ask, the man said urgently, "Master, two men carrying blades suddenly showed up. They won't say who they are no matter what we ask. The brothers have them surrounded. The Old Master hasn't returned yet. This humble one asks the Master to come back and take a look."

Armed men trying to force their way into his home, and refusing to identify themselves? Zhao Jin's brow furrowed. He strode out in big steps, giving orders as he walked: "Get thirty men to follow—twenty household retainers, ten new recruits. Have the three Qi brothers ride ahead on horseback!"

As he gave the order, Chen Sheng bellowed to relay it. Zhao Jin's pace didn't slow. By the time he exited the freight yard intersection, thirty household retainers carrying spears had already fallen in behind him. Two intersections later, the Qi brothers rode past them on horseback, heading first to the Zhao residence.

"We must learn to ride as quickly as possible!" Zhao Jin said only this one sentence on the road.

They hurried along at top speed. Seeing Zhao Jin and his men's aggressive, menacing demeanor, the pedestrians on the street thought some major incident had occurred, and everyone buzzed with speculation.

When they reached the street in front of his home, they saw the household retainers holding two men at spearpoint against a wall. The three Qi brothers were blocking one end of the intersection. At the other end, three men who were not retainers were loitering. Zhao Jin did not go to the retainers first; instead, he led his men toward those three men. The situation at his doorstep today was indeed peculiar.

Because it was dark, he only recognized them when he got close—the three men were guards from the Wang Zhaojing household. One of them was that Uncle He. Zhao Jin immediately understood: these three had been sent by the Wang family to help. Zhao Jin hurriedly expressed his thanks, but Uncle He waved his hand and said, "Neighbors helping neighbors, there's nothing to thank me for. Young Master Jin, you go attend to your business first."

Before Zhao Jin could turn around, Uncle He added a warning: "Those two are both skilled fighters. Be careful."

If even Uncle He gave such an assessment, then those two truly couldn't be underestimated. Zhao Jin turned his head and exchanged a look with his companions, then strode over in that direction. Chen Sheng's hand had already moved to his saber hilt. Ji Xiang and Liu Yong positioned themselves directly on the flanks. When it came to facing combat, the few of them had long since developed an unspoken understanding.

Seeing Zhao Jin approach, the household servants hurriedly saluted, calling him "Master." Just then, one of the two men cornered against the wall spoke up: "My surname is Mu."

Hearing this voice, Zhao Jin was first startled, then quickly realized — this was Mu Shulan's second uncle. The servants, of course, had never seen him before. Mu Shulan's second uncle held a special status and naturally would not casually reveal his name or identity. As it happened, his father Zhao Zhentang was returning late tonight, which had led to this misunderstanding.

Looking over by the lantern light, it was indeed Mu Shulan's second uncle, Mu Wuzhen. The other man was a tough, wiry fellow, gripping his knife handle in reverse, tense and on guard as he faced outward.

What were they here for? Zhao Jin pondered a moment, then spoke: "Uncle Mu, come with me. This man stays outside."

The wiry man's face immediately flushed with indignation at Zhao Jin's words. He took a step forward — and the moment he moved, the spear points instantly pressed closer toward him.

"Wait outside. Don't do anything rash." Mu Shulan's second uncle was direct and decisive. As soon as he spoke, the wiry man quieted down at once.

"They're relatives of my family. A misunderstanding. Everyone head back to work for now — I'll come over shortly. Aside from the night watch, ten more men will be enough." Zhao Jin spoke out.

Hearing the surname "Mu," Chen Sheng, Ji Xiang, and Liu Yong could more or less guess the situation. But the Mu family's identity truly could not be stated openly, so everyone simply nodded and dispersed.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Zhao San standing there trembling, a firewood cleaver clutched in his hand. He must have known about the commotion outside, but according to the rules set beforehand, unless the outside was declared safe, those inside could not go out.

"Nothing for you to worry about now. Go prepare dinner!" Zhao Jin said with a smile. Only then did Zhao San let out a long breath and hurry off to the kitchen to get busy.

"Just a two-courtyard residence like this, yet the defenses are so tight. Aren't you making a mountain out of a molehill?" Uncle Mu said leisurely.

His tone was leisurely, but there was resentment and dissatisfaction beneath it. Zhao Jin could certainly tell — anyone held at spear-point for so long would hardly be calm and collected.

"The Smelling Incense Sect is recklessly bold. One can't be too careful." Zhao Jin countered pointedly.

The lamps in the room had already been lit. He Cuihua let out a relieved breath when she saw Zhao Jin return, but the moment she spotted Mu Wuzhen, her expression turned cold. In the past, because of Mu Shulan, the two sides could be considered relatives, not outsiders. But after He Weiyuan of the Smelling Incense Sect plotted against Zhao Jin, and someone had set a fire at the Zhao residence, He Cuihua's impression of the Smelling Incense Sect had soured greatly. Naturally, she had no pleasant face to show Mu Shulan's second uncle.

"Let's wait for my father to return and eat together," Zhao Jin said to his mother He Cuihua. She nodded and went into her room.

Once the two were seated, Zhao Jin came straight to the point: "What business brings Uncle Mu here?"

Mu Shulan's second uncle's expression was rather grim. Putting aside He Cuihua's attitude, he held a high position in the Smelling Incense Sect. Although he had to move in secrecy, he was always treated with deference wherever he went. Zhao Jin's attitude — equal, even condescending — made him very uncomfortable. Yet this attitude was no bluff; it was backed by real substance.

Looking at Zhao Jin, Mu Wuzhen was inwardly stunned. In less than a year, how had this young man grown to such a level!

Faced with Zhao Jin's question, Uncle Mu's expression turned into a wry smile. Shaking his head, he said: "With the way you've turned Xuzhou upside down, how could I not come to set things in order?"

"I received word that the various Smelling Incense Sect evangelists outside the city have been stirring. Is that because of your arrival, Uncle Mu?" Zhao Jin asked. He suddenly recalled the report Zheng Quan had delivered and immediately connected it to the present situation.

A meaningful smile appeared on Mu Wuzhen's face. He said slowly: "The evangelists inside the city are no longer devout. Those outside are still somewhat reliable."

"He Weiyuan was the one behind the plot to murder Little Lan's father. You already know this, don't you, Uncle Mu?" Zhao Jin did not follow up on that, but instead shifted the topic directly.