"Plus, that kid surnamed Chu is powerful. If we anger him, we might bring about our own demise," another bandit suggested.
Li Menghu nodded and sighed, "Alas, forget it. Since that's the case, we'll lie low for now. Once the storm passes, we'll seek revenge!"
"Lord Chu, why have you come?" Zhou Hao asked, looking at Chu Chen.
"I was patrolling nearby and happened to witness them robbing villagers, so I intervened," Chu Chen explained. He had intended to leave but suddenly remembered Zhou Hao, so he turned back.
"Thank you, Lord Chu, for your righteous assistance!" Zhou Hao said gratefully. Without Chu Chen, he would have likely met his end today.
"You're welcome. This is partly my responsibility too; I shouldn't have left you here alone." Chu Chen patted his shoulder and then walked out.
After Chu Chen left, Zhou Hao let out a long sigh of relief, feeling incredibly fortunate and happy, knowing that Chu Chen genuinely cared for him.
The surrounding crowd dispersed, none of them understanding what had just happened, all of them filled with confusion.
Meanwhile, about twenty to thirty li away from Langya Mountain, a group of people was rapidly approaching.
"Young Master, the plan to suppress the bandits this time has failed, and the Clan Leader is displeased. If we cannot take Langya Mountain soon, the Clan Leader might vent his anger on you," a guard reminded him respectfully.
"Hmph! Those fierce bandits on Langya Mountain are not worth mentioning. It would take me mere moments to take the entire Langya Mountain. I simply disdained to do so, lest I dirty my hands," a voice from within a carriage said, laced with arrogance.
"It's a pity Father doesn't allow me to personally participate in the bandit suppression. Otherwise, with my strength, mere bandits would be no match for me," Chu Feng sighed from the carriage.
"Young Master, rest assured, I will handle this matter and guarantee it will be done flawlessly," the guard vowed confidently.
"Then I entrust it to you. Remember, do not expose my identity."
"Please rest assured, Young Master, I will not disappoint you!"
Half a day later, the bandits of Langya Mountain finally departed. Chu Chen and Zhou Hao had successfully emptied the stronghold's treasury, obtaining gold notes worth five hundred taels of silver!
In Chu Chen's room.
"Brother Chu, this money is enough for us to eat and drink for a year!" Zhou Hao grinned, having endured hunger daily for a long time and finally seeing a glimmer of hope.
Chu Chen smiled and asked, "Zhou Hao, have you ever heard of 'Dragon Gate Escort Agency'?"
"Dragon Gate Escort Agency?" Zhou Hao frowned and shook his head, "I've never heard of it. Perhaps it's some small escort service."
"Dragon Gate Escort Agency is quite renowned in the martial world, specializing in transporting escort silver and grain, and is highly respected throughout Nanyang Commandery," Chu Chen said, nodding slowly. "I plan to hire some escorts to travel to the Imperial Capital and deliver a secret letter to my sister, hoping she can send someone to meet me."
"The Dragon Gate Escort Agency's convoys are large and widespread throughout Nanyang Commandery. As long as you pay them enough, Brother Chu, they will surely be willing to help," Zhou Hao replied.
"Money is not an issue. However, do you know anyone reliable who you could introduce me to for hiring escorts?" Chu Chen asked calmly.
"I know many people, but not intimately!" Zhou Hao scratched his head and replied with a wry smile.
"How about this, you recommend some candidates to me, and I'll try. We are doing this for His Majesty, so we must do it well," Chu Chen said.
Zhou Hao nodded and then said, "Then Brother Chu, you rest for a while. I'll go get you something to eat. I suspect you haven't eaten your fill lately."
He smiled and nodded. Zhou Hao left the room. Though frail, he was quite agile in his tasks.
Chu Chen did not take a nap. He sat on a wooden chair by the window, his eyes closed, resting.
"Whoosh..." Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept in, bringing with it rolling sand and stones. Chu Chen's eyes immediately snapped open, and he looked up.
He saw the roof crack open, and a swift, dark figure leaped into the room, landing steadily on the floor.
"Who are you? Trespassing into my home in the dead of night, are you looking to steal?" Chu Chen coldly eyed the intruder.
The person wore a mask and a loose black robe, carrying a greatsword on their back and a cold, gleaming short sword at their waist.
The intruder looked at Chu Chen and then snorted, "My name is Li Yan. I'm ordered to protect you. You don't need to be nervous. I'm just passing through and mean you no harm."
"Protect me?" Chu Chen's brow furrowed.
"Indeed. My master has instructed me to protect you personally and ensure your safe arrival in the capital," Li Yan said. He had been observing Chu Chen for a while and felt the young man harbored no ill intentions.
"Very well, you may leave," Chu Chen said indifferently. He was eager to leave Langya Mountain and had no inclination to deal with this sudden apparition.
"Wait a moment. My master has commanded that unless you agree to become his personal attendant, you are not permitted to leave Langya Mountain without authorization!" Li Yan stated sternly.
"Attendant? Who is your master?" Chu Chen asked, frowning.
"My master is the Prince of Nanyang!" Li Yan declared proudly.
"The Prince of Nanyang?" Chu Chen was slightly surprised, his previously calm expression freezing. The Prince of Nanyang was the current Emperor's younger brother, a royal relative holding the title of Prince, commanding hundreds of thousands of troops, and wielding immense power in court!
"You are from the Prince of Nanyang's retinue?" Chu Chen mused.
"That's right. I've been entrusted by the Prince of Nanyang to ensure your safety!" Li Yan said.
"Heh heh... The Prince of Nanyang's reach is too long, interfering even in my affairs. No wonder he has always opposed my entering the capital," Chu Chen sneered.
"Brother Chu, what are you talking about? I don't understand," Zhou Hao asked, completely bewildered.
Chu Chen waved his hand, signaling Zhou Hao to be patient, and then said to Li Yan, "Alright, since it is the Prince of Nanyang's wish, I will comply."
"That's more like it, Young Master Chu. Stay here with peace of mind. Tell me if you need anything." Li Yan nodded, then turned to leave.
Watching Li Yan depart, Zhou Hao asked, "Brother Chu, what did he mean?"
"The Prince of Nanyang wants to recruit me and make me his attendant. It's utterly laughable!" Chu Chen scoffed dismissively.
Zhou Hao's eyes widened. "Is this Prince of Nanyang mad? Daring to scheme against you, Brother Chu!"
"Heh heh... The Prince of Nanyang may be mad, but the rest of the royal family isn't foolish," Chu Chen said with a cold laugh. "They'd be delighted if I were dead."
Zhou Hao nodded in sudden understanding. "Then what do we do? Are we just going to be trapped here, waiting for the Prince of Nanyang to send people to arrest us?"