Mo Sang – CH 179

Chapter 179. Pleasant Cooperation

Hei Ma and his men took turns keeping watch. Around midnight, they refilled the wine barrels containing Cheng Shan and the other two and set off again.

Along the way, they only rested two or three times in secluded spots to drink water and eat; the rest of the time, they hurried on their way.

By late at night, the group of five, plus four mules, reached the banks of the Han Shui.

By the dim light of the new moon, Chuantiao felt along the bank, found a large rock in the reeds, bent down, and pulled out a rope that was pressed under the rock. He and Datou quickly pulled the rope.

The rope slowly rose from the water, and before it was fully taut, Da Chang emerged from the reeds on the opposite bank, rowing swiftly across.

Chuantiao and Datou on this side pulled hard on the rope, while Da Chang rowed. The boat came across quickly, and Hei Ma and the others first loaded the four wine barrels onto the boat.

The small boat made two trips, carrying the people and mules across the river.

Hei Ma and Xiao Lu, along with several others, led the mules and carried the wine barrels ashore, where they were tied again.

Li Sangrou and Da Chang, together, rowed the boat across the river again.

Meng Yanqing was already waiting on the riverbank, waving. A dozen or so veteran Yunmeng Guards boarded the boat one by one. Li Sangrou beckoned to Meng Yanqing.

Da Chang and several Yunmeng Guards rowed the boat with all their might.

Li Sangrou and Meng Yanqing sat at the stern. Li Sangrou whispered instructions, “We will not enter the city. We will head straight to Pingjing Pass, then go back to Ezhou City to find the Commander. If he asks, tell him whatever you know.

Tell the Commander I am going to cross Pingjing Pass and head north, staying entirely within Northern Qi territory.

There might be places along the way where we need the government’s assistance. Ask him for a document that can mobilize the officials and soldiers along the route; it must be effective.

Afterwards, bring everyone, their weapons, and their horses. I will wait for you at Shunfeng Post Station, or you can wait for us there. Once we arrive, disperse and guard the area as before.”

She paused, then continued, “Their side is a very powerful sect with many capable members.”

“Yes. Do not worry, Boss.” Meng Yanqing listened attentively and nodded in agreement.

The boat docked. Li Sangrou and Da Chang disembarked, while Meng Yanqing rowed back to fetch the remaining old Yunmeng Guards. On the riverbank, Hei Ma and the others were already prepared and waiting. Seeing Li Sangrou and Da Chang approach, they led their mules eastward at a leisurely pace.

As dawn approached, the surrounding fertile fields increased, and not far ahead, two or three villages almost merged into one.

The group stopped in a small grove of trees.

Da Chang lifted the barrel, Hei Ma opened the lid, and Li Sangrou peered in, looking at Song Qiming, whose face was pale and whose lips were chapped.

Song Qiming stared at Li Sangrou, her lips trembling. “I, I need…”

“Thirsty, are you not? Da Chang…” Li Sangrou looked at the chapped lips of Song Qiming.

“No!” Song Qiming interrupted Li Sangrou angrily.

“Oh! To relieve yourself?” Li Sangrou leaned in and sniffed the bucket. “Is it not already…”

“I need to poo…poop…” Overwhelmed with shame and anger by Li Sangrou’s sniff, Song Qiming burst into tears.

“Two days without food or water, and she can still poop? Tsk! Fine, fine, find her something.” Li Sangrou clicked her tongue.

Xiao Lu rummaged through the wine barrels and pulled out a small one. “Boss, this one seems alright.”

Li Sangrou beckoned it over and handed the barrel to Song Qiming. “Move the blanket aside a bit and use it as a chamber pot; it’s about the right size.”

“How can this be…” Song Qiming’s face flushed crimson.

“Even if you come out, you have no clothes, and you’re barefoot.

Look around; there’s nowhere to hide. If you really come out, will everyone watch you poop?

Listen to your sister; it’s better to stay in the barrel.” Li Sangrou patted Song Qiming’s disheveled head.

Song Qiming cried even harder, taking the small barrel between sobs.

“Da Chang, take them both out. Datou, watch them. Make sure they find a place to relieve themselves. Also, give them some water and let them walk around a bit to liven things up.”

Da Chang, who had just started a fire, came over, first pulling Cheng Shan out, then grabbing Luo Qiwen and putting him on the ground.

Cheng Shan was clearly much more sensible. Barefoot, wrapped in a silk quilt, he leaned against a tree, slowly moving his limbs. Once his numb legs felt better, he moved to the side.

Luo Qiwen followed closely behind Cheng Shan, stiffly turning his head away, absolutely refusing to look at Song Qiming, who was sobbing loudly in the wine barrel.

His junior sister was so pitiful! He felt so embarrassed for her that he wanted to bury his head in his neck.

“Boss, it looks like market day!” Mazha, perched on a tall tree and looking around, exclaimed. “It really is market day; people are already here.”

“Alright, let’s eat first. After we eat, Hei Ma and Xiao Lu will go to the market. If they have anything, buy three or four thick cotton quilts and a ‘fertility bucket’ for Little Girl. Buy some toilet paper, too.”

Li Sangrou gave these instructions while taking a flask from the bamboo basket Da Chang had brought, pouring a cup of warm water, and handing it to Song Qiming, who was drinking from a wine barrel. “Drink some water; otherwise, you will be too thirsty and will not be able to relieve yourself.”

Song Qiming wanted to knock the water over or splash it on Li Sangrou’s face, but instead, she took the cup and, while crying, drank it all in a few gulps.

She was incredibly thirsty.

Li Sangrou poured her another cup, then another, watching with a smile as she drank four or five cups in a row.

After relieving themselves, Cheng Shan and Luo Qiwen strolled around the grove a couple of times, wrapped themselves in silk quilts, and sat down by the fire, drinking cup after cup of water.

Song Qiming’s sobs subsided slightly, and she reached up to pat the bucket.

Li Sangrou came over and leaned over. “It’s ready; hand it to me.”

“No, toilet paper!” Song Qiming did not want to see Li Sangrou at all.

“No, just grab a piece of silk to wipe yourself,” Li Sangrou said, pointing.

“!” Song Qiming burst into tears again, but could only clutch the silk tightly.

Li Sangrou waited a while, then took the bucket, handed it to Datou, and looked at Song Qiming, asking, “Would you like to come out and sit for a while? Senior Brother and Uncle-Master are sitting over there.”

Song Qiming wiped away her tears, peeked out halfway, looked at the fire, hesitated for a moment, and nodded.

Da Chang came over, grabbed Song Qiming, and lifted her to sit next to Cheng Shan.

Song Qiming clutched the silk quilt tightly, sitting with her head down. She glanced sideways at her uncle’s quilt, noticing a large yellow stain on the core, paused, and quickly turned her head away.

Cheng Shan looked haggard and listless. Luo Qiwen sat on Cheng Shan’s other side, not daring to look at Song Qiming.

Da Chang cooked a large pot of salted meat porridge, took out a jar of pickled radishes and cabbage, and toasted several large meat buns until they were golden brown and tempting.

Da Chang ladled out some porridge, added a few pieces of pickled radishes and cabbage, and handed them to Cheng Shan and Luo Qiwen.

Li Sangrou leaned forward, reached out and touched Song Qiming’s arm, drew her narrow sword, and cut two gashes on the quilt for Song Qiming’s hand, gesturing for her to extend her hand. She then handed her a bowl of salted porridge.

The three of them ate in silence, heads down.

After finishing their meal, Hei Ma and Xiao Lu led their mule, heading excitedly to the market.

Mazha and Chuantiao, carrying leather bags, drove the lead mule to the nearest village to fetch clean well water. Da Chang devoured the remaining porridge and steamed buns and washed the pots and pans.

Li Sangrou hung the copper kettle full of water over the fire, took out a rather large copper teapot, put in her special tea bag, brewed a large pot of tea, poured three cups, and handed them to Cheng Shan and the other two.

“We are already within the borders of Great Qi. We are all defenseless. Could you give us our clothes?” Cheng Shan, having eaten his fill and regained his strength, asked Li Sangrou.

“Not now,” Li Sangrou said with a smile. “This is Great Qi territory, but it’s the border. We will talk about it after we cross Pingjing Pass.”

“Where are you taking us?” Luo Qiwen asked, suppressing his anger.

“Nanzhao,” Li Sangrou answered readily.

Cheng Shan was alright, but Luo Qiwen’s eyes widened, and Song Qiming simply exclaimed, “Ah!”

“I told you the day before yesterday that I have a karmic connection with your sect and would like to meet your leader and offer to escort you back along the way,” Li Sangrou said with a smile, sipping her tea.

“What is your surname, young lady?” Cheng Shan asked, looking at Li Sangrou.

“My surname is Li.”

“Is there a General Sang?” Cheng Shan glanced at Da Chang, having heard that General Sang was accompanied by a giant of iron.

“That’s me; my surname is Li, and my name is Sangrou,” Li Sangrou replied cheerfully.

“That crossbow!” Song Qiming exclaimed, blurting out half a sentence before quickly shutting her mouth.

“Young lady, no, you should be called General…”

“They all call me Boss,” Li Sangrou interrupted Cheng Shan.

“Boss, was that crossbow made by Yisheng?” Cheng Shan asked, looking at Li Sangrou.

“Who is Yisheng?” Li Sangrou asked casually.

“Mi Liang, courtesy name Yisheng.”

“Do not know him.” Li Sangrou shook her head simply.

“Then who made that crossbow for the boss?” Cheng Shan frowned.

“A friend. What’s wrong? What’s wrong with that crossbow? Is it anything special?” Li Sangrou asked curiously.

“That is…” Song Qiming’s words were cut off by a glare from Cheng Shan.

“How did the boss know we were in Jiangling City?” Cheng Shan continued.

“I did not know, so I searched everywhere and found it in Jiangling City.” Li Sangrou smiled.

Seriously speaking, she could not really say she knew; she was just speculating.

“How did she know about our sect’s secret code?” Song Qiming’s question was tinged with grievance.

“Did I not say I have a good connection with your sect? Since we have a connection, of course, I know,” Li Sangrou replied with a puzzled look.

“The Boss wants to see our master. What does she want to say? What’s the matter?” Cheng Shan asked Li Sangrou after a moment of silence.

“I have not thought about it yet. Let’s see what your master has to say when we meet,” Li Sangrou replied casually.

Cheng Shan fell silent. Luo Qiwen kept glancing at Song Qiming’s exposed toes, which were turning purple from the cold.

“Did you not say that after we crossed the Han Shui, they would let us take a carriage?” Luo Qiwen could not help but ask, glancing sideways at Li Sangrou, his heart aching for her.

“Oh, I did say that, but you cannot buy a carriage here. Keep walking; there’s a town ahead where we should be able to buy one.”

Li Sangrou looked at Luo Qiwen, then her gaze fell on Song Qiming’s constantly shifting feet. After a moment, she bent down and picked up a thick, hot branch from near the fire, placing it by Song Qiming’s feet. “Step on this; it will keep you warm.”

Hei Ma and Xiao Lu returned quickly, having indeed bought several thick quilts and a bright red lacquered tub with floral patterns.

Da Chang poured hot water from the copper kettle into the flask.

Song Qiming stared intently at the row of four or five bamboo flasks that Da Chang had brought out.

Li Sangrou patted Song Qiming on the head. “I am a general, after all. I have several bamboo flasks. No need to glare at me like that.”

Song Qiming gave Li Sangrou a disgusted look, leaning back to avoid her pat. Li Sangrou leaned forward and patted her twice more.

Da Chang poured hot water and carried the three of them into the wine barrel.

Li Sangrou came over with a thick cotton quilt, leaning against the barrel, and gestured to Song Qiming. “Throw out the dirty quilt, and wrap yourself in this.”

“I do not have any clothes!” Song Qiming glared angrily at Li Sangrou.

“It’s in the barrel; no one can see it. Throw it out or not, if you do not, I will not care.” Li Sangrou made a move to leave.

“!” Song Qiming’s tears welled up again. She lowered her head, loosened the silk quilt, and with her back to Li Sangrou, slowly draped the quilt over the edge of the barrel.

Li Sangrou watched as Song Qiming draped the silk quilt filling, smiling as she gently placed the cotton quilt she was carrying inside.

Song Qiming burst into tears again, sobbing as she wrapped herself in the quilt.

Li Sangrou retrieved a red copper hand warmer and a basket of high-quality charcoal from the pile of belongings Da Chang had brought. Using the embers in the fire, she heated the charcoal, filled the hand warmer, and handed it to Song Qiming.

“Just one hand warmer, but luckily it’s just a little girl. Take it.”

“For Martial Uncle,” Song Qiming choked out.

“Uncle-Master is an old man, tough as nails; he does not need it.”

Li Sangrou laughed as she shoved the hand warmer into Song Qiming’s arms. Turning to Cheng Shan and Luo Qiwen, she smiled and said, “Listen, all three of you. I said we should treat each other like friends, with sincerity.

If you get thirsty or need to relieve yourself along the way, just say so.

But if you use this as an excuse to cause trouble or give me a hard time, then I will put you in this barrel, feed you well, let you out every five days so I can change your blankets, and if we make it to an inn, let you take a bath; if not, no bath.”

“Do not worry, Boss,” Cheng Shan said, his face ashen.

Song Qiming was stunned. After thinking for a moment, her face turned pale.

The group finished packing up, cleaned up any traces of their stop, and Xiao Lu and the others led the mules towards Pingjing Pass.

……………………

Inside Jiangling City.

By evening, Cheng Shan’s senior and junior disciples had been waiting and waiting, but he had not returned. They searched everywhere but could not find him. Then they discovered that Luo Qiwen and Song Qiming were also missing.

Within their sect, it was common for people to lock themselves in their rooms for three to five days at a time when they were busy, and they hated being disturbed.

Since they could not find the three immediately, no one was too worried.

By the next morning, the three still had not returned, and they still could not find them anywhere. This time, the head of the sect, Master Cao, became a little anxious. He sent all the fellow disciples to search and also contacted General Huang, the garrison commander of Jiangling. General Huang quickly dispatched a hundred-man squad to search the area.

The sign opposite the garrison commander’s residence led them to the vicinity of the prefectural school. But the area around the prefectural school had dozens of streets. They searched street by street until they reached the empty prefectural school. By the time they found a pile of clothes in an empty house not far from the back gate, it was already close to evening.

The pile of clothes—three sets, from innermost to outermost, from hairpins to shoes—even Cheng Shan’s ever-present set of calipers tied to his belt—nothing was missing.

Master Cao and General Huang both turned pale.

General Huang hurriedly dispatched men to search all the waterways with nets, both inside and outside the city, for the unidentified corpse.

Master Cao hurriedly sent someone back to the sect to report the matter and detained the remaining disciples, forbidding them from going out alone again.