Chapter 1637: Chaos in the Changjin Prefecture (Patreon)

Chapter 1637: Chaos in the Changjin Prefecture

Meng Yunzheng wasn't surprised when he received the letter. He knew his father's character and could only write a letter asking him to protect himself.

Fortunately, the Meng family was in Chenggu County, which was a distance away from the city. If chaos erupted in the city, Chenggu County would have time to prepare for evacuation.

However, no one expected chaos to break out so quickly, and it happened to start in Chenggu County first.

According to the information from Prefect Magistrate Fei, there was a group of bandits near Chenggu County. Taking advantage of the absence of the county magistrate, they suddenly attacked the county, causing destruction, looting, and kidnapping wealthy households. They then demanded ransom for the hostages.

Though the Meng family wasn't considered a large household, they still had some wealth, and Meng Yunzheng was concerned if something happened to them.

Upon receiving this news, Meng Yunzheng's face turned grim.

Prefect Magistrate Fei said, "The situation in the capital is also tense. Although nothing major has happened yet, the Changjin Prefecture has taken action. They most likely want to use this chaos as a diversion. It is reported that troops from the Changjin Prefecture were sent to exterminate the bandits but returned empty-handed. Instead, they angered the bandits and several hostages were killed."

"It's only natural they returned empty-handed. The Changjin Prefecture is already under the control of the Third Prince and his faction. Those bandits might even be disguised soldiers of the Changjin Prefecture. It's a farce, and they are trying to deceive others," Meng Yunzheng replied coldly.

Prefect Magistrate Fei nodded, "Indeed, the prefect Magistrate of the Changjin Prefecture reported that the bandits were well-trained and not ordinary people. They have requested reinforcements from the emperor. The emperor has sent General Huang with troops secretly to the Changjin Prefecture."

"General Huang?"

"Yes, the emperor used a clever move. General Huang is skilled in deploying troops and will head to the Changjin Prefecture to suppress the rebellion. By doing so, he will effectively eliminate one obstacle on the Third Prince's path. The Third Prince will most likely take action in the capital."

Meng Yunzheng was well aware of the situation in the capital. With the emperor present, he wasn't too worried about the situation there. What worried him most was the situation in the Meng family.

After returning from the prefectural yamen, Meng Yunzheng immediately sought out Shu Yu, "I need to go back to the Changjin Prefecture."

After Shu Yu heard about the situation with the Meng family, she realized the urgency of the matter and promptly prepared things for him.

Meng Yunzheng decided to leave Xia Yan behind as the household had some servants but he wasn't entirely at ease leaving them alone. Therefore, Xia Yan was sent to the Lu family that evening.

Zhao Xi wanted to follow him, but Meng Yunzheng stopped him.

The situation there was too dangerous, and Zhao Xi had just become a father. He shouldn't take any unnecessary risks.

That night, Zhao Xi prepared numerous medical supplies and gave them to Meng Yunzheng to take along.

Early the next morning, Meng Yunzheng, accompanied by Xia Yan, prepared their belongings and set off on horseback.

When they reached the city gate, they were surprised to find two people waiting there.

Meng Yunzheng was taken aback and quickly dismounted. He walked over hurriedly, "Why did you come here?"

Shu Yu patted the white horse beside her, "Of course, I'm coming with you. I'm worried about Uncle Meng and Ah Han as well. Now that you're leaving, I can't just wait at home for news; it's unbearable."

Meng Yunzheng smiled wryly, "But what about your affairs here..."

"Luji has Wei Ronghua, the estate has Da Niu, and the workshop has a few capable managers. They can handle things and consult with each other. It's okay for me to leave temporarily. Besides, I've finished the most important tasks in hand, and it won't matter if I'm not here for a while."

Meng Yunzheng felt his eyes slightly moist. He held Shu Yu's hand, "Alright, then let's go."