Chapter 10, Escape

"Do not fear, Ding Li's life belongs to the lord." Ding Li declared loudly

I?" Ding Li pointed at himself in confusion

Guan Hai's complexion darkened, yet he found himself unable to refute. In recent days, Ye Zhao had achieved consecutive victories, with a large number of Taiping Sect followers mobilized, yet they had not managed to lay a finger on him. He even brazenly appeared right under the noses of the Taiping Sect, taking two days to rest. Although the number of people gathered by the Taiping Sect was considerable, they were manipulated like puppets in Ye Zhao's hands. By now, they might even become tools in Ye Zhao's grasp. Just thinking about it made Guan Hai feel a chill in his heart. Had he known this would be the case, he should not have sought trouble with these people that day.

From time to time, one can encounter the troops of the Taiping Sect searching for their traces on the mountain. The main paths leading down from Luchang Mountain have also been guarded by Zhang Jiao's men. However, this posed no difficulty for Ye Zhao. After changing into a set of refugee clothing and burying his equipment in a concealed location, he knocked Guan Hai unconscious and swaggered down the mountain.

"My lord, how should we deal with this?" Ding Li, looking exhausted, approached Ye Zhao, his eyes bloodshot. He glanced at Guan Hai, who was lying beside Ye Zhao, and said in a hoarse voice, "A large number of Taiping cult followers have been discovered at the foot of the mountain. I fear that if we continue to fight, we will be completely surrounded soon."

My lord, is this really happening? After walking for more than ten miles, Ding Li and the others were still somewhat bewildered. They had expected a fierce pursuit, yet who could have imagined that they could so easily emerge right under the noses of those Taiping followers, striding out with such confidence, feeling as if it were all a dream

"No, the most dangerous place is actually the safest place. Moreover, Zhang Jiao's attention is focused here now; he would never expect us to be so bold as to run right under his nose," Ye Zhao shook his head and said with a smile.

My lord, something is wrong! On the morning of the third day, two guards responsible for gathering intelligence returned.

"I do not understand, sir." Ding Li shook his head in confusion

The lord is correct. On my way back, I have already seen many people in the surrounding villages holding his portrait and inquiring about him. Once captured, it matters not whether they live or die. My lord, it seems this place may not be safe anymore. We should leave as soon as possible

Well, you go find Gao Sheng and tell him that the officials and soldiers will arrive soon. First, he should prepare in advance, and second, when they arrive, he should leave behind clues. I need enough evidence to imprison Wei Xian.

"We are under the command of Deng Mao, step aside quickly. My brother is injured, can't you see?" Ye Zhao glared, showing no signs of guilt, and shouted angrily.

Here!" Ding Lihong said loudly with red eyes

How did the lord come to know?" the two guards exclaimed in astonishment

Seven days later, Guan Hai sat weakly on the ground, gazing at the stronghold that had been consumed by the flames. He knew that it was all over for him. The leaders of so many strongholds firmly believed that he had betrayed the Yellow Turbans. No matter how much Zhang Jiao trusted him, he could no longer be of use to him. In fact, as Ye Zhao had said, Zhang Jiao would likely send someone to hunt him down.

Hmph! The bystander Guan Hai sneered, "Aren't you afraid that your people might not return? That Gao Sheng is a petty person."

"How is it? Have those Taiping believers been found?" Ye Zhao said with a cold smile

"You don't need to worry. First, take a rest and prepare some food. Even if the sky falls, we must fill our stomachs first." Ye Zhao smiled and led everyone to travel through the night, finding a village near Jixian to rest. After seven consecutive days of trekking in the mountains, everyone was at their limit both mentally and physically. This time, they rested for a full seven days before Ye Zhao and the others finally regained their strength

"Do not die, stay alive, and then get the job done for me," Ye Zhao said in a deep voice

"How would I know? I was just attacked as soon as I went up there. More than three hundred brothers were thrown into disarray in an instant." Ye Zhao let out a muffled grunt. There were more than twenty of them, having spent seven days navigating through the mountains. At this moment, dressed in tattered clothes resembling those of refugees, they looked no different from actual refugees, except for being somewhat more formidable. The leader guarding the passage, seeing the unfriendly expressions on their faces, dared not obstruct them and allowed the group to swagger away.

In seven days, they successfully breached six strongholds, with twenty-six individuals suffering no casualties. The total number of defeated bandits has nearly reached two thousand. The confidence of these individuals has gradually been established, and at the same time, they have developed a blind admiration for Ye Zhao. Nowadays, even if Ye Zhao were to propose an attack on Jixian, they would not furrow their brows in the slightest.

"Who do you serve?" the leader of the Taiping sect asked with a frown

This time, without the cumbersome military equipment, they set out lightly. The distance from Jixian to Ye City is merely over 130 li. By the evening of the same day, Ye Zhao arrived in Jixian with his men and found the governor's office of Wang Fen, presenting a letter of greeting.

"Rest assured, I won't take your life." Ye Zhao looked at Guan Hai and smiled, saying, "Sometimes, a petty person is more useful than a gentleman. He is a petty person, yet he is also a clever one. He may lack great wisdom, but he understands better how to keep himself safe. As long as I do not intervene, he will know that since I have the ability to protect him, I also have the ability to bring him to utter ruin."

Stop! When they were at the foot of the mountain, they were obstructed by the Taiping believers stationed there. The leader at the forefront frowned as he scrutinized the group, and Ding Li's gaze tightened, causing him to unconsciously grip the rake in his hand more firmly

Are you afraid?" Ye Zhao looked at Ding Li and asked with a smile

"My lord, rest assured, even if it means death, I will never let you down," Ding Li said, his heart warming as he stood tall and spoke loudly.

"Others prepare to leave with me, Ding Li, you stay behind." Ye Zhao stood up and addressed the crowd

"My lord, will the situation in Jixian now..." Ding Li looked at Ye Zhao in surprise after hearing this

Ye Zhao nodded, realizing that not all within the Yellow Turbans were brutes. At this moment, it was evident that they had sensed something. However, this was not the time to confront the enemy; it was imperative to leave before they had completely sealed off the area. The enemy had only sent people to search but had not dispatched anyone to conduct a thorough search, which could be attributed to two reasons. The first was that they were still uncertain whether the targets were in this vicinity. The second was that the Taiping Sect was not as omnipotent as imagined and still had its reservations. Nevertheless, even so, given the Taiping Sect's reputation and authority among the populace, this place was no longer safe. It was essential to leave before the enemy had fully sealed off the area.

However... Ding Li hesitated and looked at Ye Zhao: "My lord, we only have these more than twenty brothers. No matter how capable we are in battle, we cannot kill many, can we?"

"Among the group of guards, Ali, you have been with me the longest and are the one I trust the most. Whether we can bring down Wei Xian now mainly depends on you," Ye Zhao said solemnly as he patted Ding Li's shoulder. His subordinates, including Ding Li, were all rough men, and choosing Ding Li was a reluctant decision, akin to finding a tall person among a group of short ones. Ding Li did possess some mobility, and most importantly, the opponent was not strong.

Ye Zhao originally did not intend to confront the Taiping Sect. The aristocratic families have their own rules; unless absolutely necessary, they would not take extreme measures, leaving themselves a way out. This is also the reason why Ye Zhao felt at ease leaving Uncle Liang, Xin'er, and the families of the guards behind. However, it now appears that this matter is too complicated, and by a twist of fate, he has been drawn into the center of it. Not to mention other aspects, but Wei Xian is a person of insufficient ability yet possesses an audacious spirit. Ye Zhao trusts the Wei family, but does not trust Wei Xian. He must find a way to expose this matter; at the very least, Wei Xian cannot continue to hold the position of Governor of He'nan.

Humph! Guan Hai, upon hearing this, let out a muffled grunt and did not respond

"What are you killing?" Ye Zhao shot him an annoyed glance and shook his head, saying, "To accomplish a task, one must use a knife. The Governor of Jizhou, Wang Fen, should not be involved in this matter. This place is not far from Ye City; we can only find a way from there.

Let us go! Ye Zhao said no more, and after confirming that Ding Li would stay behind, he took the others and left with Guan Hai.

"So it turns out to be under the command of Leader Deng." Upon hearing this, the other party's expression changed, and they quickly cleared the way: "Brothers, you have been attacked by those official bandits. Where are they now?"

Do not be afraid! Ding Li said proudly, puffing out his chest

"Yes!" Ding Li responded, and immediately, along with a group of guards, he escorted Guan Hai and followed Ye Zhao down the mountain.

Are you scared?" Ye Zhao looked at Ding Li and said with a smile

I am afraid. Ye Zhao glanced at the group of guards who were cleaning up the aftermath and shook his head, saying: "The brothers have not had much sleep for seven consecutive days. If this continues, even if they are not killed, they will exhaust themselves. Tell the brothers to tidy up and prepare to leave Deer Intestine Mountain. Tonight we will descend the mountain and find a village near Ji County to rest for the night. We will set off early tomorrow morning."

Having been unable to find our traces for two consecutive days, it is only natural to seek us out again. However, the efficiency of the Taiping Sect is indeed quite slow. " Ye Zhao turned to look at Guan Hai and said, " It seems that Zhang Jiao still places great importance on you.

Otherwise?" Glancing at the unconscious Guan Hai, Ye Zhao said: "Find a larger village nearby, let the brothers rest for a night. These Taiping cultists are too rampant; we need to teach them a lesson. And that Wei Xian, I won't feel at ease until he is brought down a peg!"