Chapter 340: 340 pairs holding Chapter 340: 340 pairs holding Dongzi and his party had been waiting for the opportunity to make their move, eager to rob the goods and the silver coin Ye Jiu carried with him. Yet, Ye Jiu was waiting as well!
Although it was already well-known that Dongzi had ulterior motives, he hadn’t acted yet, and if Ye Jiu were to strike first, it would undoubtedly cause Chief Escort Head Lu and his men to feel disheartened.
However, if they made the first move, then it would be different. By responding, one would only be defending passively, not attacking proactively.
At that time, even if he took down Dongzi and his men, Chief Escort Head Lu would not have any complaints but would rather feel guilty towards him, thus being even more conscientious in escorting them to the capital.
The party hitched their horses and set about their tasks, some making fire, others hunting. In the field, everything required compromise; nobody had special privileges.
After the party had finished their game and dried provisions, and Chief Escort Head Lu had arranged the night-watch, it was supposed to be time to rest. Ye Jiu too was already rising, thinking of returning to the carriage, when he was suddenly blocked by Dongzi’s outstretched hand.
Ye Wenzheng’s eyes narrowed at the sight, and he quickly stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Ye Jiu, his voice cautious as he spoke, “What do you want to do?”
“I don’t want to do anything, just want to ask Young Master Dong, you made quite a profit these past few days in Fengyang City, didn’t you?” Dongzi spoke with a ruffian’s air.
Just as Ye Wenzheng was about to speak, he was pulled back by Ye Jiu, who then turned his head and called out, “Chief Escort Head Lu, is this the practice of the Lu Family’s Escort Agency? To casually inquire into the master’s affairs?”
Chief Escort Head Lu, who had been busy arranging the night-watch, had not noticed the situation here until Ye Jiu called out to him. Only then did he become aware of Dongzi blocking Ye Jiu’s way.
Internally cursing the situation, Chief Escort Head Lu hurried over and questioned, “Dongzi, what’s going on? Young Master Dong is about to rest, why aren’t you stepping aside quickly?”
Chief Escort Head Lu’s words were sharp, carrying a strong warning.
Despite that, Dongzi didn’t take it seriously at all, “Chief Escort Head, it’s not easy for the brothers to come out here. We just want to earn some money to spend. It’s okay if you don’t think highly of us, Chief Escort Head, but please stand aside and don’t block our way!”
“Dongzi, don’t forget, we are escort masters, not robbery bandits!” Chief Escort Head Lu’s eyes were filled with sorrow.
Dongzi was clearly uncomfortable with Chief Escort Head Lu’s words, his gaze dodging, unable to meet Chief Escort Head Lu’s eyes directly.
Nevertheless, his words remained firm, “Escort Master? That’s all ancient history. The Lu Family’s Escort Agency has been in decline for many years now.”
The more Dongzi spoke, the more righteous he seemed, “Chief Escort Head, you are a man of your word, willing to do hard labor at the dock to pay off debts, but you can’t expect all the brothers to follow you in this for a lifetime. We risk our lives for the convoy, and how much do we earn in a year? Yet, if we rob this cargo, it’s enough for the brothers to live comfortably for a lifetime, no longer having to desperately risk our lives, and we can provide a comfortable life for our families…”
Amidst the standoff between the two men, the group behind them had already split into two factions, one standing with Dongzi and the other with Chief Escort Head Lu.
However, the number of people on Dongzi’s side was obviously greater.
Seizing the moment, Ye Jiu counted, finding that Dongzi had swayed twelve men to his side. Considering that their party totaled twenty-two people, including Ye Jiu and Ye Wenzheng, it meant that Dongzi had won over more than half of the men with the aim of robbing their cargo.
Dongzi’s words were incendiary, and following that, two more men from Chief Escort Head Lu’s side, with conflicted expressions, joined Dongzi’s faction.