Chapter 2105: What He Was Worried About Was This
“If all else fails, we’ll retreat to Shaoding Village. And if even the village isn’t secure, we’ll find refuge in the mountains for a few years,” Shao Yunduan resolved.
Even if Shao Yunduan were to discover their plans, he wouldn’t begrudge their decision.
After all, their survival took precedence!
Transmigrating into a world in turmoil was a twist she hadn’t anticipated.
Shao Yunduan chuckled, enfolding her in his embrace and tenderly soothing her. “It’s not as dire as you think. We’re not heading to the heart of the Central Plain. We’ll be fine.”
No matter how vehemently the three princes vied for power, they wouldn’t covet rule over a fractured realm. Of this, he was certain.
He harbored no irreconcilable grievances with them. Once one ascended the throne, why would they bother with a minor figure like him?
Assuaged by his reassurances, Qiao Xuan relaxed slightly, smiling. “As long as we’re not in their crosshairs!”
The realm belonged to Great Qin, thus the Princes could vie for it as they pleased.
Shao Yunduan’s smile echoed her sentiment. “Indeed.”
To him, weathering this tumult was all that mattered for his continued safety.
What lay foremost on Shao Yunduan’s mind was the imminent challenge ahead.
His primary concern centered on the provisions stored in several granaries.
These stores weren’t his, nor were they An Zezhou’s; they were intended for Qi and his retinue.
Yet, the distance was vast, and the exchange of letters fraught with uncertainties. Despite their parting from Qi, they managed to glean a rough understanding of each other’s circumstances.
Shao Yunduan knew only that the Northwest lay thousands of miles from Anze Province, and Qi wouldn’t have solicited his aid in procuring provisions upon his return.
Given their prior preparations, their stores would undoubtedly prove invaluable!
Even if he entertained thoughts of resignation, the matter of provisions needed resolution beforehand.
Sensing the urgency, Shao Yunduan dispatched two men to the northwest to ascertain if Qi and pany wished to dispatch the provisions.
Just as he finalized these arrangements, Prefect Liu arrived.
As news spread that Constable Li led the entourage, a sense of foreboding gripped the populace.
Observing Shao Yunduan’s intent to venture outside the city to greet them, Jia Heming interjected. “My lord, why not remain here momentarily? Allow me to assess the situation first, so you can make an informed decision.”
Shao Yunduan shook his head with a smile. “There’s no need. It’s not just officials from the magistrate’s office. I want to demonstrate my sincerity. Besides, since they’re here, I’ll inevitably meet them sooner or later. It’s better to do so sooner!”
It was inevitable for Constable Li to harbor resentment. As a Prefect, Shao Yunduan’s presence could at least mitigate Constable Li’s potential aggression. If only Jia Heming and the others went, they might face severe bullying…
Qiao Xuan felt a twinge of concern. She reminded Ah-Ye to remain at Shao Yunduan’s side without deviation.
Shao Yunduan reassured her before proceeding with the others.
Fearing the possibility of conflict, the scribes opted to stay behind. Only he, Jia Heming, and a few others like Ah-Ye and Zheng Sangge acpanied him.
Unbeknownst to Shao Yunduan, shortly after their departure, Qiao Xuan discreetly slipped out of the state office’s backyard in disguise.
She felt pelled to venture beyond the city’s confines, ready to lend aid if necessary…
After waiting for about a minute, three miles outside the city, Shao Yunduan spotted Constable Li and his retinue approaching in the distance.
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