Ninth Imperial Glorious Phoenix Chapter 705

Chapter 705: Reunion

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In the evening, Mingzhu and the others received news of Jing Song’s successful retreat. The lad who resembled a monkey climbed over the wall and delivered the message to Mingzhu and her group. Jing Song had used the method of warm reception from relatives to withdraw. Afterwards, he disposed of the horses and other items and stayed elsewhere.

The lad squatted aside and watched Mingzhu and her group eat, looking eagerly. Seeing that he was skinny, Mingzhu asked Dong Hui to fill a large bowl with rice for him and heap meat and vegetables on top.

The lad thanked them and ate with gusto, sweating profusely. After he finished eating, Mingzhu asked him, “What’s your name?”

The lad felt embarrassed. “He Wenzhong.”

Jiang Zhouzi clapped his hands. “What a good name! It sounds like it’s from a family of scholars.”

The lad blushed even more and grunted, “Not really. My father was just a village school teacher. He didn’t even pass the imperial examination and died early.”

Jiang Zhouzi grinned. “See? I guessed right, didn’t I? Your ancestors must have been literate people, passing down poetry and books, giving you such a good name. Otherwise, you’d be named after some pillar, beam, or dog.”

Mingzhu looked disdainfully at Jiang Zhouzi, indicating that he should stop fooling around.

Jiang Zhouzi didn’t feel anything and continued to chat with He Wenzhong, but He Wenzhong was mature beyond his years. He could chat freely but skillfully avoided key questions. This time, it was Mingzhu’s turn to be proud. The people under her husband’s command were indeed reliable!

Jiang Zhouzi, out of spite, changed his approach. “You look so thin. Life must be hard on ordinary days, right?” implying that Yuwen Chu treated his subordinates poorly.

This time, He Wenzhong shook his head. “No, it’s just how I am naturally. I eat a lot but don’t gain weight. I can’t even move my feet when I see meat. Because of this, my mother didn’t want me anymore, saying she couldn’t afford to support me. She let me come out to fend for myself so I can at least get half full.”

Jiang Zhouzi sneered and probed again, “Do you know who we are?”

He Wenzhong laughed. “I don’t know. It doesn’t matter who you are. I just do what my superiors tell me to do.”

Jiang Zhouzi asked again, “Who is your superior?”

He Wenzhong said cautiously, “My superior is my superior. I’m leaving now. I’ll come to take you out of the pass on the fifteenth. The owner of this courtyard is a notable figure by Huan Wang’s side. Few people will come to search here, so it’s very safe. Don’t worry.” With that, he wiped his mouth, quickly climbed over the wall, and left, his movements nimble.

Mingzhu looked proudly at Jiang Zhouzi, and Jiang Zhouzi waved his sleeve at her. “Humph, you’re not the one who’s amazing. What are you so pleased about?”

Mingzhu patted her belly and smiled, “Our family is truly amazing.” As she spoke, she felt movement inside her belly, followed by a few more kicks. This time, having experience, she immediately recognized it as fetal movement and couldn’t help but smile with her eyes. “Thank you, sir. The baby is growing very well.” 

Jiang Zhouzi, understanding the situation at a glance, glanced at her belly with a pleasant expression and said indifferently, “I’m not helping you; I’m doing this for myself. And also, your husband is too polite.” Polite, indeed, but also ruthless. He had people everywhere, making him not someone to be trifled with. 

The group stayed safely in the courtyard until the fifteenth day. He Wenzhong arrived early to take Mingzhu and the others out. Jiang Zhouzi had made Mingzhu’s face look sallow and yellow, and she was dressed in the most ordinary peasant woman’s clothes. Even with her belly protruding, she could hardly recognize herself in the mirror.

The group continued to pretend to be a family, mingling among the crowd busy crossing the border. He Wenzhong stood far away, watching quietly. Indeed, the inspection was very strict. Not only did they need identity documents, but they also underwent repeated checks, especially young women who were scrutinized intensely. Those who were slightly attractive or dressed better were taken aside for further questioning.

When it was Mingzhu and the others’ turn, everyone was nervous. However, the soldiers on duty just stared at Mingzhu for a moment before asking her to wait aside. A few sturdy women standing nearby reached out to touch Mingzhu’s belly and pinch her cheeks. Mingzhu was furious but had to endure silently, pretending to be in pain as she quietly slipped them some silver coins.

After being touched by the women, they turned to the soldiers and said, “No problem, she’s a real pregnant woman.”

The soldiers waved their hands lazily at Mingzhu and the others.

At this moment, Mingzhu was very grateful for the little baby in her belly. Thanks to this child, she could change her figure to the maximum extent. Otherwise, she might have been trapped here for a long time today. If she spoke, her accent from the capital would be exposed. If they checked more carefully, they might find out her real identity.

He Wenzhong saw them successfully passing the inspection and gestured to them without showing any emotion. Then he turned and prepared to return to the city. Mingzhu and the others continued to move forward among the crowd. Suddenly, more than a dozen soldiers in armor came riding on horses. Everyone quickly made way for them, lowering their heads and avoiding eye contact, afraid of causing trouble.

The group of soldiers stopped in front of them, and their leader dismounted and loudly asked, “Have all of these people been checked?” His voice was as loud as thunder, ringing in everyone’s ears.

Mingzhu couldn’t help but wryly smile. Wasn’t this Yuwen Qiang? What was he doing here? Could it be that she was so unlucky to have attracted his attention?

Seeing Yuwen Qiang listen to the report from the soldiers on duty, he coldly scanned the crowd and sneered, “Who told you that women can only dress as women? Women can also dress as men. Check them again! I’ll be watching here.” After speaking, he sat down on a chair, glaring at everyone.

Mingzhu couldn’t help but feel anxious. It seemed that the information had indeed been leaked, and they were waiting here for them.

Then another person leisurely dismounted and smiled as he walked to Yuwen Qiang’s side, sitting down gracefully and looking at everyone with a smile.

This is bad! It’s actually Yuwen Cong!

Mingzhu’s heart almost reached her throat. Looking at Dong Hui and Jiang Zhouzi, their faces were very solemn. Fortunately, their companions were all very nervous, so they didn’t seem too conspicuous.

Dong Hui whispered, “If I had known earlier, I would have tried to be among the first to leave.” Initially, they thought those who left early and those who left last would be the most strictly inspected, so they deliberately waited until now to pass the inspection. But they didn’t expect to hit the nail on the head.

Jiang Zhouzi sneered, “Do you think they’re stupid? After this, go ask if the person who was first has escaped. The reason they’re only coming now is to catch us off guard and prevent us from seeing the thorough inspection and going back to the city. It’s perfect timing.”

This was indeed Yuwen Cong’s style. Mingzhu whispered, “Let’s act accordingly later. If we’re exposed, run if you can. They need me alive and won’t harm me.”

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