"Since this brother has already figured it out, I won’t hide it. I too have come from the world of Jianghu. Presently, I have an important military order to fulfill. If brother could assist me, I shall reward you greatly in the future, what do you say?" Xue San said with a bow.

"Since you put it that way, I won’t give you any trouble today. May I know the brother’s name?"

"This... we shall meet again if fate permits, I will certainly tell you then." Xue San was somewhat cautious. They were all "wanted criminals" of the empire now, and revealing their identity so easily could expose their whereabouts.

"Alright then, if you don’t wish to say it now, I won’t ask anymore." The leader turned around and waved his hand, "Brothers at the back, make way."

"Thank you." Xue San clasped his fists to show gratitude and signaled for everyone to move forward. Unable to confirm if the others were enemies or friends as a precaution, he instructed the soldiers to closely surround He Linghan’s carriage.

The army advanced slowly, while the gaze of robbers on both sides made Xue San feel very threatened, like being stared at by a pack of Evil Wolves. If not for the two thousand guards under Xue San’s command, he might not have dared to cross directly.

"Brother, please wait a moment." Just as Xue San was passing the leader’s side, he was suddenly stopped. The robbers were less than thirty steps from He Linghan’s carriage, and Xue San instinctively placed his hand on his sword.

"Is there anything else?"

"Recently, there have been many rumors in the county, saying that General Ye from East County has betrayed the empire, and his family is fleeing south. They should be in Nanyang County now. The government offers a reward for their capture. I wonder who is in that carriage..."

"This... is a very important person." A drop of sweat rolled down Xue San’s forehead, and his right hand tightly gripped the sword hilt.

"I see that your men are well-equipped. This should be the General’s guard, right?"

"Attack!" Xue San suddenly shouted, drawing his sword. The soldiers around him assumed a combat stance, and both sides were on the verge of battle.

Ahhhh!

A shriek came from inside the carriage. It was Hehua’s voice as they observed the situation outside.

"All soldiers, protect the lady!" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

Hundreds of guards surrounded the carriage, forming a shield formation, tightly guarding it.

"The remaining soldiers, fight with me."

"Wait a moment." Suddenly, the leader shouted, "Is the one in the carriage Lady Ye from East County?"

"Brother, you ask too many questions." Xue San’s eyes flashed with murder. Had it not been for the persistent questioning about He Linghan in the carriage, Xue San wouldn’t have planned to fight. But since they knew, he needed to act as a precaution, eliminating all threats.

"So it really is Lady Ye." Suddenly, the leader’s actions shocked everyone present.

Thump!

"Lady Ye, please accept my humble obeisance." The leader approached the carriage, knelt on one knee, and bowed respectfully. The murderous intent that had filled Xue San earlier was now replaced with confusion.

"What do you mean by this?" Xue San, worried about a possible trick, remained vigilant, asking coldly.

"I’m Hou Ganxian. My ancestors were from East County. In these chaotic times, I was compelled to lead my brothers into banditry. Recently, I’ve heard of a falling star in East County and the Emperor’s secret order to slaughter nearby civilians. I also heard of General Ye saving the people, leading a rebellion against the court. My brothers and I have long been moved by General Ye’s righteousness, hoping to join him, but never had the chance."

"Just now, I merely wished to confirm Lady Ye’s identity, with no intention to offend. I hope Lady Ye will forgive me." Having finished speaking, Hou Ganxian remained kneeling, and only after a while did He Linghan descend from the carriage.

"You speak the truth?" He Linghan gazed intently, asking lightly.

"What I said is absolutely true. If there’s a single lie, let heaven strike me down. I implore Lady Ye to accept us, my brothers and me."

"Please, Lady Ye, grant us this opportunity."

"Please, Lady Ye, grant us this opportunity."

Hundreds of robbers knelt toward He Linghan, appearing very sincere. Even Xue San was momentarily at a loss on how to proceed. Tasked with ensuring He Linghan’s safety, he dared not make the slightest mistake. Facing a group of unknown bandits offering allegiance, he feared accepting them might bring hidden dangers. Yet, rejecting sincere intentions would be a missed opportunity, especially if they were genuinely admiring Ye Shikai’s righteousness.

"Brother Xue San, it’s up to you to decide on this matter."

"Yes, Lady." Xue San nodded, then turned to Hou Ganxian, "You truly wish to join us?"

"Of course."

"We are imperial rebels now. Joining us means standing against the court."

"It doesn’t matter. I’m willing to risk my life in exchange for the general’s favor, shouldering any consequence."

"Very well, how many men do you have?"

"I have over a thousand brothers under my command. The camp is nearby, and there are many supplies and wealth stored inside."

"Then, since you wish to join us, I have two requests."

"Please speak, General. I will agree to everything."

"Firstly, we’re heading to Chu Territory. If you wish to follow me, you must first burn down the camp and promise never to return to banditry." Xue San raised a finger, "I’ll give you an hour."

"Alright, I agree to this request."

"Secondly, since you follow General Ye, you must remain absolutely loyal. Should you dare harbor any betrayal, without needing the Lord’s personal intervention, I, Xue San, will kill you first without mercy. The same goes for your brothers; betrayal means death."

"Please rest assured, General. I, Hou Ganxian, will never betray you."

"Very well, since you agree, quickly return to the camp and prepare. We are wanted by the court and must reach Chu Territory promptly. I grant you only an hour."

"That’s more than enough; half an hour will do."

...........................

"Old Ye, we’ve traveled over a hundred li. Han Hao probably won’t pursue us anymore." Shangguan Jian, after rescuing Man Cang with the cavalry, hurried to catch up with Ye Shikai ahead.

"Yes, we’re about to leave East County. Han Hao won’t follow, though in the time we’ve delayed, news of our rebellion has likely spread to the surrounding counties." Ye Shikai nodded.

"Don’t worry. Mobilizing troops in the counties will take at least two days. I’ve calculated that with smooth travel, we will reach the mountains in just two days."