Chapter 553: Preparing to Rejoin the Exile Group (Patreon)

Chapter 553: Preparing to Rejoin the Exile Group

Zhao Xi arrived at the post station much later than the others. After waiting for a long time, he was lucky enough to encounter a caravan that brought him there.

Upon reaching the post station, he inquired about the condition of the leading official.

At that time, the leading official had just regained consciousness and had been vomiting for quite a while.

When no one was paying attention, Zhao Xi secretly went to see him, re-diagnosed his condition, and prescribed medicine for him. He asked someone to fetch the medicine and also inquired about the situation.

He learned that after the incident where the post soldiers collided with the mule cart, they didn't even bother to stop. They just cursed at them and continued riding on their horses.

While the soldiers moved on, chaos ensued among the exile group.

Hou Shi and her daughter were injured, but fortunately, it wasn't serious. The leading official was unconscious but managed to survive. The critical issue was Shu Yu. She was taken away by the frantic mule and no one knew where she had gone. It seemed that her fate was uncertain.

Several soldiers searched the vicinity but couldn't find her.

The group suffered heavy losses, but the rest of the Shu family was unharmed. This time, they finally had the upper hand and enjoyed a bit of schadenfreude.

Zhao Xi came to find them this morning, following the traces from yesterday, and eventually spotted the signals left by Meng Yunzheng. The journey had exhausted him for most of the day.

He sat on a stool, poured himself a glass of water, and said while drinking, "Although the leading official was injured, they didn't dare delay the journey. In fact, they have to speed up now because they lost half a day yesterday. They left early this morning, with the leading official placed on a cart, and Hou Shi and her daughter have to walk."

Glancing at Meng Yunzheng, he asked Shu Yu, "And what about you? What's your plan?"

"I'll focus on recovering first," Shu Yu replied. "Once I'm feeling better, I'll return to the post station and have them send a message to the escorting official."

Zhao Xi smirked, "That works too."

So, they decided to stay temporarily in this small town. With Zhao Xi's assistance, Shu Yu's injuries improved rapidly.

In just two days, the scratches on her body had almost healed.

The only thing they needed to be cautious about was her right hand. Although it had been set, they had to be careful to ensure she could regain full function in the future.

After staying in the small town for three days, Shu Yu made up her mind to catch up with the exile group. She didn't want to lag behind while her family was already on their way to the southwest.

Meng Yunzheng thought it was a bit rushed, but seeing her determination, he didn't say much. The three of them packed their belongings and headed for the nearest post station.

Shu Yu changed back into prisoner's clothes and put on handcuffs and leg irons before appearing at the entrance of the post station.

They paid a small fee, and the post station dispatched someone to catch up with the exile group ahead.

After a pursuit and return journey, it took another two days for Shu Yu to settle back at the post station and continue her recovery.

Two days later, one of the escorting officials returned.

However, it wasn't the leading official. It was said that although his injuries weren't serious anymore, it wasn't suitable for him to travel at such a fast pace.

Instead, the person who came back was an official with some connection to Hou Shi.

He was quite surprised to see Shu Yu and remarked, "I heard you were still alive, but I didn't quite believe it. I didn't expect you to look so fine. Your hand is broken?"

Shu Yu forced a bitter smile and nodded, "It was also due to good luck. The mule went crazy and charged into the mountains. The prisoner cart broke, and I rolled out from inside, tumbling down the hill. I passed out on the spot. Unexpectedly, I met a doctor who was gathering herbs in the mountains, and he saved me."

Chapter 554: The Speed of Changing Faces