Chapter 356: 356 Farmhouse Stay Chapter 356: 356 Farmhouse Stay Then, Ye Wenzheng was sent to inquire about the recent events. Fortunately, the head escort Lu felt a sense of guilt over Dongzi’s matters, so he did not hide the information about the road from Ye Wenzheng.

It was then they found out that bandits also chose their victims wisely, robbing only those who were passing by occasionally, while regular travelers had their own particular ways of making contact. As long as they paid protection money, they could pass safely.

However, there was also reason in this approach. If the bandits robbed too often, and no one traveled that road anymore, they, too, would starve. Nowadays, by following the unwritten rules–one side seeking money, the other safety–it was considered a win-win situation!

After a whole six or seven days, passing through several towns, Ye Jiu and Ye Wenzheng continued to sell their goods while seeking news of Ye Gaosheng.

The goods sold smoothly; every wealthy household needed a few quality pelts for winter, and the items they brought were exceptional and not easy to come by. Those who could afford it naturally prepared to buy when available.

However, the search for Ye Gaosheng was not going so well.

The world was vast, and finding a person was like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially in an era with such underdeveloped information networks. It was indeed very difficult.

As dusk approached, the group returned to the inn.

Ye Wenzheng asked Ye Jiu, “Little aunt, the pelts have all been sold out, and the jade raw materials have each been sold off piecemeal along the way. But we have heard no news of Uncle Gaosheng yet, what shall we do?”

Ye Jiu pondered briefly, “We’ll continue towards the capital city. As for these extra carts, go to a carriage depot and deal with them, but keep the horses. If that’s not enough, buy a couple more. We should proceed faster on horseback for the upcoming journey.”

Originally planning to look for people slowly along the way, after witnessing the ferocity of the outside world, Ye Jiu grew even more worried about Ye Gaosheng.

Fourth Brother was inherently simple-minded, stubbornly adhering to his principles, and his straightforward nature indeed made it quite possible that he could be exploited and still unknowingly count out the silver for his swindlers!

…

Twilight was vast, and the sky turned dark.

Even the moon in the sky was obscured by dark clouds.

Head escort Lu came over and, separated by the cart, said to Ye Jiu, “Young master, judging by the weather, it looks like it’s going to rain. There’s a village not far ahead. Shall we seek shelter there for a bit?”

“Mm, let’s do just that,” Ye Jiu replied.

Head escort Lu, accompanied by Ye Wenzheng, went ahead to negotiate, and Ye Wenzheng gave two taels of silver for lodging and food expenses.

No sooner had Ye Jiu alighted from the carriage than head escort Lu approached again, “Young master, the household here has only an elderly couple with their grandson living in it. The rooms are limited and given the weather, it looks like it might rain later. The brothers will have to find shelter in other villagers’ homes. What do you think… ”
“In that case, head escort Lu, please go and make arrangements before it starts raining. Wenzheng and I will stay here,” Ye Jiu said.

“If that’s the case, young master and brother Wenzheng, please take care. Erniu and I will lodge in the neighboring house. If anything comes up, just call out,” head escort Lu said.

“Okay,” Ye Jiu nodded.

The horses were tied to a tree in the yard, and the arrangements with the family inside had been made. As Ye Jiu and Ye Wenzheng entered, an old woman about the same age as He Shi came forward with a bowl of water, “I apologize for the shabby state of our home. Please, don’t disdain it. Drink some water, and I will go and prepare the meal right away.”

Ye Jiu hurriedly took the coarse porcelain bowl filled with clear water, “Please, take your time, ma’am,” he said.

The old woman looked visibly startled.

Given her age, it would not have been inappropriate for Ye Jiu to address her as grandmother, but the young master instead called her ‘ma’am’, making her appear younger, which was quite flattering yet embarrassing at her years.