Chapter 139: Chapter 123: Bloodbath at the County Office (Part 2)

However, the county magistrate Hao Chong was of a fierce disposition, rather die than comply, fighting valiantly with the prairie marauders just like the governor Qi Jinshan, and perished in battle.

As for these Yanzhou refugees, they could only continue fleeing south, just like the people of Yiyang County, escaping the war.

It’s a pity about the manor in Taiyin Mountain, Du Chengfeng actually found it quite a pleasant place to live.

"So, it’s about me again, isn’t it?"

At the edge of Yiyang County, on a southbound horse carriage, Liu Bolun let out a long sigh.

"Alright then, I’ll go remind everyone to be careful. Anyway, that night was chaotic, many people still don’t know what really happened. This explanation sounds feasible... But why is it always me doing the work? Can’t you let someone else do it?"

"Hey, you know the saying ’those capable do more work,’ just bear with it." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Du Chengfeng gestured an apology toward Liu Bolun.

This wasn’t just pleasantries; at least in his eyes, Liu Bolun was indeed capable — this was evident already back in Yanzhou, where Du Chengfeng could hardly believe that Liu Bolun actually managed to evacuate one hundred thousand residents in five days, leaving behind an empty city for him to fight.

Is this really something a person can do?

One must know, killing a hundred thousand people is already an extremely difficult task, yet Liu Bolun managed to facilitate an orderly evacuation of these hundred thousand people within five days—though this was inevitably aided by a cohort of clerks, along with spontaneous cooperation from the people. But to accomplish such a feat with merely a group of clerks, and with people willing to abandon their homes, Liu Bolun’s capabilities are undoubtedly remarkable.

Similarly marked by the elder Ruan among those placed in the northern lands, Liu Bolun was unlike the useless Wang Gaoceng, this person could indeed shoulder responsibilities at critical moments.

If one were to point out a flaw, it would be that although Liu Bolun was capable, he often chose not to use his skills.

Liu Bolun preferred drinking over utilizing his talents.

Just like now.

"Ai..."

Another long sigh, Liu Bolun hasn’t begun the work yet, but he already picked up the liquor jar.

"What, you’re starting again?"

Seeing Liu Bolun about to drink after just sobering up for a bit, Du Chengfeng shook his head continually.

"Drink less, it’s bad for your health, too much will damage your brain and lead to an early death."

"I know the rationale, but... Ai."

Holding the liquor jar in his arms, Liu Bolun sighed again.

"I just can’t fathom it, how a mere county magistrate of Southern Mountain Dao can be so vicious, not only condoning the Mountain God Temple’s slaughter of civilians, yet still attempting to fabricate charges afterward to wrongfully convict his superior, this is simply... Ai."

Saying this, Liu Bolun straightforwardly broke the mud seal and gulped down a mouthful of liquor.

"...don’t bother trying to persuade me, I just need to drink a bit before dealing with this matter to gather some courage. After all, knowing the truth is so filthy, yet having to tell people some pretty lies is incredibly trying..."

"If it’s unbearable then don’t force yourself, I’ll handle it if necessary."

At this point, even Du Chengfeng could barely stand it.

But Liu Bolun shook his head.

"You can’t manage, you’re not drunk, and nobody would believe what you say. I’m different, when I’m drunk, they believe that my babble is the truth."

Saying so, Liu Bolun jumped off the carriage, heading towards the refugee queue behind.

Having barely rested for a few days, they’re fleeing again, which made the entire team seem a bit stifled. The villagers from Yangjiabao were somewhat better, having been on the run since the start in Jibei, life on the road was almost second nature for them now — the real hardship lay with the new refugees from Yanzhou, forced from their homes by warfare, finally reaching Southern Mountain Dao, even encountering an opportunity for immortal fate, who could have foreseen those seemingly kind-faced cultivators would commit such acts?

They’d even prefer the prairie people, at least those prairie folks genuinely fought to protect them, facing the sharp magic swords directly.

With the hope of settling once reaching Southern Mountain Dao, who knew such remnants of hope would be shattered, who would think the hoped-for savior cultivators would aim to kill them, while former enemies, the prairie people, were protecting them... Within mere days, these Yanzhou refugees had gone through so much, now once more on the road south, many lost whatever wishes they held inside, leaving only confusion.

Who’s really the enemy? Who’s kin? Where can they truly settle down and return to the life they once had?

The world is vast, where should they go?

"Why ruminate over all that! Drink, drink!"

At this moment, Liu Bolun came by with the liquor jar.

"This is my own brewed fine liquor, were it not for me being in a good mood today, you’d likely never get to taste such good stuff... come on, everyone! Take two gulps! There’s more if not enough! There are plenty on the carriage!"

"In a good mood?"

Seeing Liu Bolun’s free-spirited demeanor, many refugees darkened their faces.

"Everyone’s escaping, you’re actually in a good mood?"

"Of course, I’m in a good mood, you do not know what actually happened."

Saying this, Liu Bolun dragged those troubled-faced refugees closer, lowered his voice.

"Let me tell you, we’re fortunate to have run fast, otherwise, that puny county town in Yiyang..."

Next ensued a string of even more secretive dialogues that even refugees slightly further could hardly make out, only the few near Liu Bolun could barely catch his words.

Then, these few shouted out in alarm.

"What? The prairie people fought so swiftly..."

"Keep it quiet! You trying to scare everyone out of their wits!"

Liu Bolun slapped the head of the closest refugee.

"Anyway, the county town’s indeed unsafe, we must head to the major cities, to the state capital... None of what just happened should you mention to others, after all, I haven’t seen those prairie folks myself, these are but conjectures..."

"Got your implication."

The few refugees nodded repeatedly, assuring Liu Bolun they would keep it secret.

Following this, Liu Bolun carried the liquor jar making rounds around the refugee queue for a while, until dusk fell and they began to camp and rest, returning then to the leading large cart.

"Well done."

Seeing Liu Bolun’s cart laden with empty jars, even the last jar in his arms was empty, Du Chengfeng pondered a moment and unhooked a gourd from his waist, handing it to Liu Bolun.

When first given, this liquor gourd was a gift from Liu Bolun to him, now this last gourd of liquor was back in Liu Bolun’s possession.

"Forget it, only a bit left, one drink less one drink."

Merely uncovering the scent, Liu Bolun hooked the gourd back to his waist.

"No idea when I’ll brew liquor next time... Ai, big Chen."

"Once reaching Yizhou will be okay right? As you said, after all it’s the state capital."

Saying this, Du Chengfeng couldn’t help looking southeast.

That points to the direction of Yizhou.

Despite a brief stay in Yiyang County, it gave him a general understanding of Southern Chen’s handling capabilities for refugees. A mere Mountain God Temple could attract thousands, arriving at Yizhou, these refugees should all find a place to shelter, right?

"Let’s see once we get there, perhaps I can settle down in this Yizhou as well."

This thought passed through Du Chengfeng’s mind.

Meanwhile, the chaos in Yiyang County had swiftly been reported by fast horse, reaching Yizhou City.