Humility Is Not Shame

The Zhu family needed to transport many items, so Jiang Che waited with his men for two days until Madam Zhu informed him they were ready to depart.

Of course, all the provisions during those two days were also provided by the Zhu family. Madam Zhu was a very considerate person, ensuring there was meat at every meal, three times a day.

This made Geng Dabiao and Xu San'er, who hadn't eaten meat in a long time, exclaim with delight.

"Damn, they're really loaded," Xu San'er couldn't help but grumble, his words filled with envy and jealousy, as he looked at the dozen or so carriages belonging to the Zhu family, each packed to the brim.

If even a little bit spilled from any one of those carriages, it would be enough for an ordinary commoner to live on for a year.

"The Commander said we'll have a day like this in the future," Geng Dabiao said. After a few days, he had mostly come to understand Jiang Che's words from that day. If it were him, he might not have acted any differently than Zhu Sheng.

"I believe that," Xu San'er chuckled, his gaze shifting to Jiang Che. Just as he was about to offer some flattery, he noticed Jiang Che's unusually solemn expression, as if he were deep in thought.

"Commander, what's wrong?" Xu San'er rode his horse over to Jiang Che's side.

"Brother Xu, I have a task for you," Jiang Che turned his head and gazed at him.

"Please, Commander, give the order," Xu San'er's expression turned serious.

"Return to the encampment as quickly as possible, meet with Commander Liu Zhi and Captain Zhu, and ask them to quickly send troops for reinforcement. Tell them the Zhu family's convoy is too conspicuous and might attract mountain bandits."

Jiang Che had originally thought Madam Zhu would travel light and gradually move the Zhu family's assets to Yanggu County. But he hadn't expected her to bring such a massive convoy!

A dozen carriages filled with gold and silver treasures were too tempting. Although he had brought twenty soldiers, he still felt it wasn't enough. The Zhu family's guards looked strong, but they were ultimately farmers who had been armed. Their actual combat effectiveness was unknown, so it was better to be cautious just in case. He was here to earn merit, but if anything happened to Madam Zhu, he wouldn't be able to show his face anymore.

"Yes." Seeing Jiang Che's serious expression, Xu San'er didn't dare to be careless. He quickly turned his horse around and galloped towards the Wind Camp.

"Commander Jiang, thank you for your trouble this time," Madam Zhu approached gracefully, her slender figure bowing slightly towards him. A gentle breeze blew past, carrying a fragrant scent that stirred something in Jiang Che's heart.

"It's my duty."

"Then shall we depart?"

"As Madam wishes."

Actually, the safest option now would be to wait for Liu Zhi to send more men for escort. However, that would make him seem too incompetent, and Madam Zhu, while seemingly polite, was keeping her distance. She most likely wouldn't listen to his advice, so he didn't voice his concerns.

Soon, the group began to move. The twenty soldiers spread out around the perimeter to maintain vigilance and provide protection, while the dozen or so Zhu family guards, armed with clubs and swords, closely followed the carriages. Jiang Che was also busy, constantly patrolling on his horse. He needed to show his diligence to Madam Zhu.

"Deputy Commander Jiang," Zhu Qingqing called out to him from the luxurious carriage in the center as he was patrolling.

"Does Miss Zhu need something?" Jiang Che replied with a rather gentle smile.

"Nothing in particular. I'm bored on this journey and wanted someone to talk to. Deputy Commander Jiang isn't busy right now, are you?" Zhu Qingqing asked, her voice sweet and playful as her eyes darted around. Her demeanor was completely different from her usual bossiness of a few days ago.

"If Miss is bored, you could read a book or take a nap," Jiang Che suggested. Zhu Qingqing was not unattractive, but she was only above average. Coupled with her poor first impression, even though Zhu Sheng had hinted at her to him before, he remained indifferent and had no interest in getting involved with her.

Zhu Qingqing pouted, thinking that Jiang Che was playing hard to get. In her mind, with her father's explicit instructions in his letter and Jiang Che's specific escort mission, he must be interested in her. Yet, the reality was that he hadn't made any move to approach her for a full half-day since they set off. He was solely focused on vigilance and patrol, clearly trying to impress her. After waiting for half a day, she couldn't suppress the restlessness in her heart and had called out to him herself. It wasn't that she was particularly fond of Jiang Che; what she had told Madam Zhu that night reflected her true feelings. However, this didn't mean she didn't want a suitor to constantly flatter her. Now, she felt a sense of disappointment.

"Has Deputy Commander Jiang been to Yanggu County before?"

Zhu Qingqing steadied her nerves and asked casually.

"I am from Yanggu County."

"Is there anything fun to do there?"

"The scenery along the Qinglin River is quite nice. You can go see it if you have the chance in the future."

"Qinglin River?" Zhu Qingqing's eyes darted around. Feigning ignorance of Jiang Che's background, she continued, "Since Commander Jiang comes from Yanggu County, your family must be quite prominent, right?"

Jiang Che shook his head, glanced around to confirm they were still safe, and replied casually, "Before joining the army, I was a fisherman. I made a living fishing on the Qinglin River."

"Oh, you made a living fishing? No wonder Deputy Commander Jiang is so familiar with the scenery of the Qinglin River. Sigh. Since you come from humble beginnings, have you ever been bullied? And how did you climb your way up to the position of Deputy Commander?"

Zhu Qingqing widened her eyes, emphasizing the word 'climb' with her tone, eager to see Jiang Che's reaction.

Jiang Che naturally understood her meaning. He turned his head and cast a meaningful glance at her, saying calmly, "Humble beginnings are not a disgrace. A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm. I never dwell on the past; I focus on the future."

After speaking, he tightened his legs around the horse's belly and rode ahead.

Only Zhu Qingqing remained in the carriage, pulling the curtain aside, and murmured to herself, "Humble beginnings are not a disgrace. A true man knows when to yield and when to stand firm."

"Qing'er, stop being so mischievous. What did you say that night? Why are you bringing this up again?" Madam Zhu, who had been listening to their conversation the entire time, had already knitted her brows.

Coming from a scholarly family and having studied extensively since childhood, she strongly disapproved of her daughter's lack of upbringing.

Jiang Che had no enmity with them and served them loyally; how could he speak disparagingly?

She had seen too many instances where 'careless words' caused trouble and led to lingering resentment.

Zhu Qingqing snapped back to reality. Uncharacteristically, she didn't retort to her mother's words. She lowered the curtain and said no more.

"How much longer until we reach Yanggu County town?"

Jiang Che turned his gaze to a soldier and asked.

Although he hailed from Yanggu County, he was unfamiliar with these roads, unlike the soldiers.

"Reporting to Commander, at our current pace, it should be about three more hours."

"Mm."

Jiang Che nodded, his expression calm.

It had been a day and a half since they departed from Zhu Family Fort. If they had traveled light, they could have arrived in less than a day. However, this journey was primarily by carriage, forcing them to stick to the main roads.

He had been very careful and cautious along the way, leaving markers and sending soldiers to scout. However, Xu San'er, who had been sent for reinforcements, had still not returned. It seemed they wouldn't need him now.

The caravan moved slowly. Jiang Che scanned his surroundings, and suddenly, he raised his hand sharply and said in a deep voice, "Halt!"