By the well at the village entrance, Fang Yuan happened upon two villagers drawing water, their faces clouded with sorrow as they spoke in low voices:
"...Have you heard? Steward Chen's family is leaving too..."
"Ah, how could I not? They're looking for people in the village, hiring guards at a high price to accompany their family convoy to the county seat..."
"Even Steward Chen is leaving. This village really can't be stayed in anymore..."
"Exactly, but where can people like us even go..."
Hearing this, Fang Yuan's heart stirred.
Steward Chen's family was going to the county seat too? And they were hiring guards?
He immediately realized that this was a perfect opportunity!
Traveling alone with Wanwan and Little Bean Sprout was far too risky. A hundred li of mountain roads, ice and snow everywhere, bandits, routed soldiers,
and even villagers turned highway robbers—the hardships of the journey were easy to imagine.
If he could follow a convoy, there would be strength in numbers. Ordinary bandits and vagrants would never dare casually attack a caravan that clearly had guards.
Their safety would be greatly improved.
Moreover, by blending in behind such an obvious target, he and his family would become less conspicuous instead, making it easier to conceal their tracks.
"That settles it." Fang Yuan made his decision in an instant.
He would follow the Chen Family convoy from afar. He would not attach himself to them, yet he could borrow their momentum and ensure Wanwan and Little Bean Sprout's safety along the way.
This was far more realistic and dependable than setting out alone or seeking out some illusory merchant caravan.
After packing up, Fang Yuan prepared to find Steward Chen's family and discuss traveling together.
He had barely gone any distance from his home when, at the