Wen Boyuan called, "Zhao Zhihe!"
"Here, sir!" A warrior in black leather armor appeared to Wen Boyuan's right.
Wen Boyuan asked calmly, "What lies ahead?"
Zhao Zhihe replied, "Ten li ahead is the Black Pine Forest, within the Mountain Plain Realm. Bandits often operate there. They belong to Bullhead Stockade on Crouching Ox Mountain, led by Zhang Tan, who has more than two hundred men under him. They use their familiarity with the local terrain to make a living robbing travelers in this area."
When Zhao Zhihe finished, Wen Boyuan smiled at Hu Xiaotian. "Thank you for the warning, Eunuch Hu."
Hu Xiaotian cursed inwardly. I warned you out of kindness, and you pull this on me? Trying to tell me you have everything under control? He nodded, turned his horse, and rode away. Fine, I was sticking my nose where it wasn't wanted.
A surge of vengeful satisfaction rose in Wen Boyuan's heart. He announced, "Zhao Zhihe, Liao Gang, take ten warriors and scout the Black Pine Forest ahead. If you find anything unusual, send word to me immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
Twelve riders shot off into the distance like a bolt of black lightning to scout the route.
Wen Boyuan called again, "Zhan Peng!"
"Here, sir!"
"Take twenty archers and guard both sides of the princess's carriage. If you spot anything unusual, shoot to kill on the spot."
"Yes, sir!"
As Hu Xiaotian passed Wu Jingshan's carriage, Wu Jingshan lifted the curtain and called loudly, "Eunuch Hu! Eunuch Hu!"
Hu Xiaotian reined in his horse and looked down with a smile. "What are your instructions, Lord Wu?"
Wu Jingshan asked, "What happened? Have we encountered bandits?"
Hu Xiaotian shook his head. "We've merely reached a place where bandits often appear. I went to remind General Wen to be careful."