Chapter 125: Appointing the Palace Master (1/2)
Guan Yue seemed to have expected Bai Luochu’s question and had already prepared an answer. As these routes were marked out with his grandfather’s many years of experience as a transport envoy, Guan Yue felt rather proud of it. He who was originally indifferent and unfriendly started to explain himself.
Before giving his reason, he asked Bai Luochu a question of his own, “According to Divine Physician Bai’s wise opinion, what do these routes emphasize?”
Bai Luochu was rather astonished when faced with a question from Guan Yue, but she quickly regained her composure and replied, “Safety, comfort, speed.”
These three words that came out in succession were the exact ones in Guan Yue’s mind. Guan Yue didn’t keep everyone in suspense and immediately explained, “What Divine Physician Bai said is correct and that’s the exact reason I chose the two paths. The main path is constructed by the imperial court and is both smooth and spacious. Be it for horses, carriages, or foot, that is the most comfortable way to travel. Of course, that path is guarded by soldiers and that ensures the safety of all travelers. Furthermore, The main path is used when military secrets and important resources are transported. This path passes through the least cities and is the shortest possible route we can take.”
“As such, there will be a lot of people traveling along the main path. It won’t fulfill our requirements at all. We need to use alternative routes.”
“Safety is our top priority. Before this, I eliminated the hidden dangers on the map based on my memory. Other paths should be safe for us to travel on. Only three of the five routes are left and most of them will cause us to pass through huge cities. These are the only paths left leading to the Falling Cloud Mountain Range. For those people who don’t choose the main path, they will definitely choose one of these three paths.”
“Out of the two left, one of them will cause us to take a detour to the back of the Falling Cloud Mountain Range before we can ascend the mountain. Furthermore, it will lead us on a winding path that passes through random towns on the way there. As for the last route, it’s a small path hacked out by people carrying out shameful businesses. It’s narrow and regular carriages will not be able to pass through. The road is uneven and those so-called outstanding individuals will definitely not choose this path.”
“No one other than those involved in those shady businesses should know of that path. Why is it on the map?” Bai Luochu already knew the answer in her heart. She was simply asking to confirm her thoughts.
Bai Luochu looked at Ying Lan who nodded in response as an indication that Guan Yue was speaking the truth.
“But, Young Master Guan pointed out that this path is used by people who are involved in some shameless business. It is hard to say if these people are fugitives or not. If we are to recklessly take this path, won’t it be dangerous?”
Hearing the doubt in everyone’s mind, Guan Yue took the initiative and replied, “Everyone doesn’t need to worry about this. These people are simply trying to secure their livelihood and hope that no one sees them along the way. As long as we don’t stir up any trouble, there will not be any danger. After the reformation of the authorities’ governance, it’s really difficult to smuggle items in and out of cities. With the even harsher conditions right now, those who use that path will definitely have their own concerns. Everyone can be at ease.”