Chapter 461: The First Winter (VIII)

If not for his close friend who stayed by his side to care for him, Wei Ci felt he should have died long ago.

“Is there enough food for the people?”

“When we robbed Tsing Yi army of six carriages worth of items last, we ate sparingly, and we lived through winter without any issues.”

“Where are the clothes to keep warm?” He held back his urge to cough until it was rather uncomfortable.

Zhang Ping replied, “You can be rest assured, no one will freeze to death.”

To face winter, all the people brought as much clothing as they could carry.

If they killed Tsing Yi army’s soldiers, they would have to uncover all their rations, pull apart and take away all their clothes.

His clothes were dirty but it was fine if it could be wrapped around his body and keep him warm.

Wei Ci slowly calmed down and he suddenly recalled something.

He said, “If there’s nothing important, don’t let them stay out in the snow working for an extended time to prevent them from eye infections.”

Zhang Ping nodded in agreement.

That year’s winter was probably the most pathetic state Wei Ci had been that he could remember.

Lacking in medical herbs in the mountains, Wei Ci’s cough did not improve. Moreover, he tended to fear the cold, his face covered by a layer of paleness. When his illness increased in severity, even the upward and downward movement of his chest was almost undetectable, and such a state caused distress to those around.

Dian Yan secretly approached Zhang Ping. “Master Xiheng, if not, please allow me to carry master Zixiao down the mountains to seek treatment.”

Zhang Ping’s outward expression was seemingly composed, yet in his heart he worried for Wei Ci’s ill health.

There was absolutely no medicine beneficial for him there. If the delay were to continue, his mild illness would deteriorate to become severe.

Dian Yan added, “From what some people said, it takes only a day of journey to reach Xiangyang district from here, Dian Yan can travel speedily on foot…”

Zhang Ping replied worriedly, “We have no idea if Tsing Yi army has dispersed, the heavy snow has also blocked the entrance of the mountain. Going down the mountain by yourself is already arduous, let alone carrying Zixiao, a sickly one…”

The more he said, increasingly Zhang Ping lost his confidence and his tone softened gradually.

He could also tell that if he continued to delay, who knew if Wei Ci’s condition would worsen.

Afterwards, Zhang Ping changed his opinion saying, “Then be careful.”

Dian Yan was born sturdy and tall, and just standing alone, he was taller than the average man by more than two heads, and his physique was even more muscular and well-built.

He carried a comatose Wei Ci on his back and meticulously instructed his brothers from his village. While he was away, they were to obey Zhang Ping. If this journey was smooth, Wei Ci would recover, and they would also be able to rally soldiers to their rescue.

Dian Yan followed a person who knew the way down the mountain, and the three of them disappeared into the snow.

In Wei Ci’s unconscious state of mind, a variety of scenes flashed before his eyes. Finally it focused on the scenario in the majestic palace, when the previous Emperor passed on. All the officials bowed down, each with their own thoughts, while he drew his sword to commit suicide… such a scene replayed continuously in his mind.

In the end, Wei Ci couldn’t tell of he was dead or alive, or if he had perhaps died from committing suicide.

He vaguely remembered after he committed suicide, he regained his handsome, youthful form and he got to start all over.

Which of those things was true?

He is already dead, or still alive…

Dian Yan was wrapped in a thick layer of clothing, and the three of them descended the mountain with difficulty. They also had to be constantly wary of the road beneath them as none had knowledge of what they might step on under the accumulated snow. Perhaps they might step on empty space or even slip, causing him to roll down the mountain with Wei Ci.

It was but an hour-long journey on usual days, yet that day they took six hours. It had stopped snowing recently, and the snow floated unsparingly in the air, the chilling wind carried ice-cold snow along, hitting their faces. It felt like small, sharp knives were slowly slashing their flesh.

Dian Yan had a rough demeanour; he got the guide to help him watch over Wei Ci closely whom he carried, and to protect him from the cold wind.

“Older brother Dian, Master has dropped something.”

The young man behind shuddered and squatted, picking up the scented pouch that had dropped.

Dian Yan glanced over, speaking, “I will hold this, please take care of Master.”

The three of them descended the mountains with difficulty, the only thing worth rejoicing was that Tsing Yi army which had surrounded them had departed.

“Stop! Don’t move!” As the young man took his first step in leading the way, Dian Yan pulled him aside, “There’s someone!”

Finding a hideout, the young man had a doubtful face. He couldn’t imagine who would go out in that weather.

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Except, not long after, the sound of horse hooves drifted nearer from afar. The young man gave Dian Yan a look of admiration.

Don’t be fooled by this rough and frightening man, his abilities are not inferior.

The people seemed to enter the mountains to hunt, a group of twenty men. All of them wore hunting attire, carried a bow, and on their waists hung a bag of arrows.

The young man wanted to ask for help but Dian Yan disapproved. Instead he stubbornly held on to him, a pair of copper coin-like eyes narrowed, after which, he focused his eyes on their leader.

That is a youth wearing a garment akin to the colour of water, and on her back she adorned a thick, warm coat, her face hidden amidst the wind and snow such that it could not be seen.

Dian Yan stayed still, that group of people also didn’t move, the youth who was the leader sat on the horse and seemingly smiled, as with cautious eyes she looked in his direction.

Had they been discovered?

Dian Yan’s heart beat faster, his nervousness causing his palms to continually sweat.

“What’s wrong, my lord?”

The hunter who led the way noticed Jiang Pengji had stopped moving, and he was confused. There was no prey around.

Jiang Pengji played with her horsewhip, showcasing her intention. “If you refuse to move, I will remain here. Let’s see who makes the first move.”

Today Liyun accompanied Jiang Pengji to hunt in the wilderness.

Truthfully, a gathering to barbecue and feast on roasted meat was as addictive as knitting.

They had eaten just two days ago, yet today the masters at the government office made their wishes to eat known, and were craving it again.

It was time to let the lord have a go at hunting, and the meat they hunted would enable them to continue their gathering to feast on roasted meat.

Naturally, Liyun had also realised there were people hiding around, and he briefly rode his horse forward and asked Jiang Pengji with his eyes.

She remarked, “Let’s wait.”

After a while, it was Dian Yan’s side who gave in.

On his back he carried a sickly man, and they didn’t wear clothes warm enough to insulate against the winter. How could it be comparable to one who wore full-fledged warm clothes?

“Hiding like that is not a good idea.”

Dian Yan felt his hands and feet go numb, and finally he sighed and slowly made his way out of his hiding place.

He stepped out and immediately ten bows were aimed directly at him.

“An ambush?” Liyun frowned.

Seeing this fearless, tall and sturdy man, then the youth who spoke incessantly by his side, it was such a unique combination.

Jiang Pengji said plainly, “No, it’s probably someone who lost their way.”

Her attention glanced past a certain area; her brows knitted tightly together.

That scented pouch…

Inhaling a deep breath, just as Dian Yan was about to speak, Jiang Pengji raised her hands to order them to put down their bows.

“Who is this man on your back?” Jiang Pengji urged White to move forward a few steps, and she said gently, “I am the magistrate of Xiangyang district.”

What?

Dian Yan was startled. His round eyes were wide open, and he couldn’t believe his eyes as he assessed the person before him again. It didn’t appear like it.

His lips quivered, shortly after he spoke a sentence, “A master from some household is ill, he urgently needs medical attention.”

Jiang Pengji leapt off her horse and stepped forward, “Is your master…is his surname Wei?”

Dian Yan was dumbfounded and replied, “His surname is Wei indeed.”

She asked Dian Yan to let Wei Ci down from his back. “Let me have a look, I am acquainted with your master.”

Upon close examination, it was indeed that familiar face, yet he appeared more shrunken compared to what she remembered. His pale face had no hint of blood.

Dian Yan used his body to shield the wind, and his teeth chattered as he said, “The wind, wind is strong…”

She furrowed her brows, and without thinking she removed her cloak and wrapped Wei Ci in it. Then she carried him and leapt back onto White..

“Han Mei, bring them back to the city, I will head there first.”