Chapter 472 - 472. Filial Daughter-in-Law

Chapter 472: Chapter 472. Filial Daughter-in-Law

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Luan Hong couldn’t bear the thought of Zhang Lin leaving. Though current circumstances kept them apart, she could still catch glimpses of him if he remained near the government office. If he went to Luo City, she wouldn’t be able to see him at all.

However, Zhang Jinglin’s lifelong dream was to become a general in Luo City. He aspired to serve under Xiao Zeyu, making significant contributions and eventually becoming a pillar of the nation.

Luan Hong knew she couldn’t stand in his way. Ignoring the rules, she ran to see him the day before he left, handing him several embroidered pouches she had made overnight.

For the time being, Zhang Jinglin’s mother remained at Jingshi Road. Her health was frail, particularly in the winter, and she couldn’t endure a long journey. Luan Hong became a dutiful daughter-in-law, caring for the older woman as if she were her mother.

Yang Rubing and Luan Qingshan also cared for their in-laws, alleviating Zhang Jinglin’s concerns.

The convoy traveled for two days, but no one came to rescue Ghostmother. Considering their hideout was in Yun City, it was likely too far away for a rescue.

Their plan to use Ghostmother to lure out the five ghosts had failed, but the team arrived safely in Mo City. Ghostmother was taken to the water prison there. She had been hoping that the Chief would come to save her, but she was left waiting, alone.

Xiao Zeyu had just reached Mo City when he learned of Auntie Qiu’s death. The news left him slightly downcast, but he steeled himself. After all, they had crossed a line by involving Su Qing; he owed them no favors. Trace the roots of this material to novelb!n•

After resting for a day in Mo City, he set out for Luo City. En route, he detoured to Jin City to conduct an inspection. The new Zhizhou, Chen Qjngzhou, was competent and had managed Jin City effectively.

This was a personal success for Xiao Zeyu. After spending a night in Jin City, he resumed his journey to Luo City.

“Ah, that’s a sorry state of affairs,” the boss lamented. “In the past, even if the Great Zhou Emperor was somewhat inept, he wasn’t so ruthless. Now, the new emperor executes whole families without a second thought; he treats killing like a trivial matter.”

“The Wan Family Army used to be the reason other countries wouldn’t dare invade us. Now, multiple nations are attacking. If they can’t take the capital, they’re raiding smaller cities, looting, burning, and killing. The common people are the ones who suffer the most.”

“What’s worse is that the Wan Family Army doesn’t protect the populace. Instead, they impose additional burdens. Merchants are required to pay military fees on top of already excessive taxes. If they can’t pay, their businesses are shuttered. There’s no way to make a living in these conditions.”

Xiao Zeyu’s expression darkened as he listened. The mismanagement and corruption were even worse than he’d feared, and the populace was paying the price. It was clear to him that the Wan Family’s reign was a blight on the land, and something needed to be done to end their tyranny.

Repairing the city walls and fortifications fell to able-bodied men, who received neither payment nor kindness. Instead, they were often beaten to death. The recruitment of such men intensified with plans to construct an imperial tomb for the late emperor.

Upon hearing this news from the innkeeper, Su Qing and Xiao Zeyu exchanged glances. If they could disrupt the dragon vein of the previous emperor, they could similarly disrupt the Wan family’s dragon vein. The Imperial Mausoleum would undoubtedly house numerous valuable funerary objects. Using Old Thief Wan’s resources to arm their forces before attacking the Wan Family Army seemed like an excellent plan.

“Qing ‘Er, let’s retreat to our room,” Xiao Zeyu suggested. He felt they had gathered enough information from the innkeeper.

Before they could move, however, three soldiers from the Imperial Court burst into the relay station. Upon spotting Xiao Zeyu and his bodyguards, they prepared to make arrests.

“Where are your travel passes?” one of the soldiers demanded.

“Here, Officer,” Xiao Zeyu responded quickly, producing the travel passes and the bodyguard agency’s documentation. He also offered three taels of silver, adding, “A little something for tea, esteemed officials.”

Upon seeing the silver taels, the soldiers from the Imperial Court raised their eyebrows, their eyes lighting up with pleasure. However, they appeared somewhat displeased with the modest amount. The group leader put on a stern expression and said to Xiao Zeyu, “There seems to be an issue with your document. You’ll have to come with us.”

“Officer, don’t frighten me. How could there be a problem with these documents? They were all issued by the government,” Xiao Zeyu responded calmly, smiling.

Just as the leader contemplated how to extract more money from Xiao Zeyu, he noticed Ghostmother being carried in by two people.. Realizing that the old man was winking at him, he pointed at Ghostmother and asked, “What’s the matter with him?”