Chapter 586 - Chapter 586: Chapter 586: Met Them_1 (1/2)
Chapter 586: Chapter 586: Met Them_1
“Young sir, I advise you not to leave the fort. Our relations with the Jurchen Tribe have worsened in recent years, especially lately. Yesterday, I noticed our stationed soldiers pacing the streets. Judging from my experience, something is off. A skirmish might break out anytime soon.”
The postmaster does not know Wei Ruo’s identity. But if she, being under the protection of King Rui Residence’s guards, is either affluent or noble, and any incident occurring at his post station would certainly be beyond his ability to bear the responsibility.
“Has there been any news from the stationed military recently?” Wei Ruo asked further.
She wanted to know if the news of Brother Xiaoyong’s capture had leaked.
“No significant news as such, but I heard…” The postmaster stopped midway.
“What did you hear?”
“I’m a mere postmaster and I dare not speculate about military affairs,” the postmaster curtly replied.
Upon hearing this, Wei Ruo looked at Yun Zixiu. She saw Yun Zixiu approach the postmaster, showing him a token.
“Uh…This…”
“You need not worry. We are not on anyone’s side, you just need to tell me honestly about any rumors you heard.”
Having deliberated for a while, the postmaster truthfully relayed the information he had received, “My two nephews serve in the military, so I hear a few things. Apparently, our local Guard Commander is not very satisfied with the newly arrived Deputy Guard Commander, leading to a few disputes. I also heard that our Lord Guard Commander belittles the young upstart Deputy as incompetent.”
Following this, the postmaster said, “Although that’s all I heard, it isn’t of significance. Surely a disagreement is not a big deal, right?”
“No, it isn’t.” Wei Ruo said.
A disagreement alone indeed is not a big deal, but if someone purposely sabotages their colleagues due to disagreements, that indeed becomes a grave matter.
On her journey here, Wei Ruo contemplated about the circumstances that led to Xu Zhengyong being taken prisoner as she had heard no major conflicts between the two armies.
No battles were fought, so how could there be prisoners?
Now, upon hearing the postmaster’s gossip, Wei Ruo felt that something was amiss.
Perhaps the Guard Commander intentionally assigned Brother Xiaoyong a solo mission, misleading him with erroneous orders that led him into the enemy’s camp and subsequently being captured.
Yet, this was merely Wei Ruo’s speculation at the moment. Even if it could be confirmed, it wouldn’t be of great help in rescuing Xu Zhengyong.
An investigation into this matter would have to wait until both her brother and Xiaoyong returned safely.
Wei Ruo asked the postmaster about a few more things concerning Ji Town, and then allowed him to leave.
By now, it was late, and the pitch-black darkness outside hindered any possible actions.
Yun Zixiu had food brought for Wei Ruo and Xiumei, but neither of them was in the mood to eat.
Even though they hadn’t eaten properly all the way here, and despite their exhaustion, their hearts were extremely heavy and didn’t dare take a moment’s rest.
Wei Ruo didn’t know how to comfort Xiumei, as she was equally unable to ease her own worries.
This is war, bloody and brutal.
Death may occur at any time, either to others or to those dear to them.
An individual’s strength seemed pitifully insignificant in face of war.
The only thing she could do was pray for the safe return of those she loved.
###
The next morning, Wei Ruo left her room early.
In fact, she hadn’t slept at all during the night.
Wei Ruo walked into the station’s yard and looked up at the sky.
The sky was grey, heavily pressing onto the earth.