The next day’s lunch was indeed at Sun Lianren’s place. Of course, only Zheng Fan and Sun Lianren ate, as Siniang was on the side, using silver threads to test for poison on Zheng Fan’s behalf. Nevertheless, Lord Zheng didn’t eat much, just enough to signify his presence.
Sun Lianren was exceedingly hospitable, even offering his concubine to accompany Lord Zheng for an afternoon nap.
Lord Zheng naturally declined and continued on the journey.
Along the way, it was clear to see the Fan family’s influence and control over the area from the Lian River to Mong Mountain.
Daring to smuggle obviously required official backing, or else they would sooner or later be captured and executed as an example.
Within this network, from boatn to water fortresses to the squad leaders, squad leaders, centurions, and commanders of each fortress, most were standing in line to take a share of the smuggling profit with the Fan family.
Shared blood doesn’t necessarily an brotherhood;
But those with vested interests often demonstrate loyalty and sincerity.
It’s very absurd yet very real,
For Lord Zheng, as the commanding general and earl of Yan State, to bring a troop into Chu State, being treated as an honored guest.
The journey continued for another two days. Due to the rugged mountain roads, many areas were simply impossible for horse riding, so the marching speed was naturally slow.
Zheng Fan also considered the idea of deploying troops from here, but it was just a thought. Just like why the King of the Wild People initially chose to attack the Snow Sea Pass head-on instead of taking the path through Shengle City?
While it’s possible to move, the logistics and support required for large-scale military operations, along with efficiency considerations, all ant that this route could not be chosen as the main attack direction.
Even Zheng Fan’s troop of a thousand sotis found it difficult to advance, let alone a larger army. If the main force were to co, not to ntion other complications, a well-placed elite Chu force could easily block the entire army, leaving no room for advance or retreat.
"My lord, once we pass Mong Mountain, we’ll reach Xiayong, where our Fan family is based."
"Hearing what you say, are you inviting to visit the Fan family?"
"Since my lord has co, how could we not extend our hospitality? Our family head has actually long awaited your arrival."
"Hehe."
This Fan family is quite daring; an ordinary rchant family might make superficial pleasantries, but to invest this much shows a certain boldness.
From the Chu people’s perspective, such collaboration could be seen as treasonous, but from Zheng Fan’s standpoint, the Fan family was quite endearing.
When such an obliging "dog" presents itself, it would be embarrassing not to throw it a bone, even sparing so at on the bone.
Tonight’s campsite was set within a horse farm, indeed, a mountain horse farm.
This location, a valley between two mountains, is one of the rare plains in the mountain, and there weren’t many horses in the farm because it’s a transit point for the Fan family’s trade routes in the Mong Mountain area, making it quite convenient.
Although there were Fan family mbers around, the Snow Sea Pass soldiers under Jin Shuke’s command set up camp as usual.
Periter security, with guards surrounding the command tent, all was executed with precision.
Zheng Fan, as usual, sat inside the tent, as Siniang prepared noodles.
The scene was much like a future man returning ho to slump on the sofa while his wife busied herself with cooking.
The experience of entering Chu these days was vastly different from what was initially imagined. Yet once they reached the Xiayong area and visited the Fan family, the journey’s arduous terrain would be left behind, allowing for unrestrained horse riding.
A Ming lifted the tent flap and entered.
Like an addict, he yawned, looking extrely weary.
"My lord, San’er sent a ssage earlier, saying there are no signs of military movent in Xiayong."
Zheng Fan nodded, indicating he understood.
Siniang looked at A Ming and said, "The horse farm offered so blood sausage. Would you like to cook so for you after my lord finishes his noodles?"
A Ming chuckled,
about to speak,
when suddenly,
he and Siniang both focused their gaze,
at the sa ti,
the Mo Wan inside Zheng Fan’s chest began to tremble.
"Buzz!"
"My lord, be careful!"
Siniang spread her hands, the threads quickly extending toward the top of the tent, just as a giant arrow pierced through the tent, heading straight down.
Siniang’s threads managed to stop the arrow—likely intended for use with a ballista during sieges—but it was wrapped in sothing. The threads were sharp, naturally slicing it open, and with it ca a spray of foul-slling liquid.
"Fire oil!"
Zheng Fan imdiately shouted, "Retreat!"
Then,
with a push from his legs, the Mo Wan in his chest exerted force, and together they propelled backward.
The tent wasn’t sturdy and was easily broken open by Zheng Fan as they tumbled out.
Back there, A Ming unhesitatingly shielded Siniang, who severed her connection with the threads and quickly retreated.
"Boom!"
The fire oil encountered the charcoal fire inside the tent, igniting instantly, setting the entire tent ablaze.
Fortunately, Siniang’s early warning had delayed the arrow, coupled with the Mo Wan’s assistance, allowing Zheng Fan to escape the "fire scene" in ti.
Siniang, under A Ming’s protection, also escaped unhard, though his back’s clothing had already caught fire.
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