RWNEFE -Chapter 27 In Chaotic Times, People Are Scarier Than Wolves!

Shen Lanxi raised an eyebrow at the scholarly-looking young man. She remembered him from the inn—he had been the loudest one, shouting that whoever grabbed a shoe sole got to keep it!

“You are an exiled prisoner; I am a merchant. Our paths don’t cross!” she said.

The young man clasped his fists respectfully: “Before my exile, I had just been promoted in the Ministry of Revenue, serving as a Langzhong. I was once fortunate enough to visit Lord Shen’s residence and witness the young master’s elegance!”

This man had recognized her!

“What is your name?” she asked, lowering her gaze.

Liu Yanhui bowed respectfully: “My surname is Liu. My given name is Yanhui—Liu Yanhui.”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes flickered with sharp intelligence as she looked at Liu Yanhui.

“I’ve taken note of you. Go back and await news.”

Liu Yanhui didn’t rush to plead for himself. He bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Shen Lanxi then sent Qiushuang to her father to inquire about the situation.

“Master, Your Father says that Liu Yanhui has only been in his new post at the Ministry of Revenue for six months. Previously, he sat on the sidelines, managing archival documents. It so happens that the military grain records for the Northwestern Wei troops, which he was responsible for, went missing. Your Father says he’s also been implicated because of the Shen family!”

Clearly, Liu Yanhui had come to pledge his loyalty. If he truly had been implicated, he should have hated the Shen family—yet he didn’t.

He was clever. The smarter someone is, the harder they are to control. She couldn’t allow anyone who might pose a threat to linger near her; Liu Yanhui had to be handled with care.

Once the supply runners returned, they immediately set off.

On the way to Jinmen, the terrain became steep and rugged. Some of the more famous rocky peaks, though sparsely vegetated, were home to wolf packs—and more importantly, bandits. No one would venture into these mountains unless forced. Locals preferred to detour hundreds of miles, taking ten days or more, rather than risk the shortcut.

Yet Shen Lanxi deliberately chose this dangerous path and gave Liu Laohu a heavy, persuasive reason: “Brother Liu, in chaotic times, people are scarier than wolves!”

Liu Laohu immediately took the lead, whip in hand, clearing the path while shouting: “Anyone unwilling to take this route, dig a hole and bury yourself now! Don’t get in the way and become food for the exiles!”

The exiled prisoners who had been bold before shrank down, not daring to speak another word.

The rocky path was harsh on both shoes and feet. Those who had laughed at women stripping dead men’s clothes and shoes were now forced to take off ill-fitting boots, stuffing clothes inside to make them fit. Not a single smile remained on their faces.

Grimacing, they endured the blisters forming on their soles, gritting their teeth as they moved forward.

Compared to the other prisoners, the Shen family was most comfortable. They had new layered shoes on their feet, fresh clothing, and straw hats to block the sun. If it weren’t for the constables, they might have seemed like they were on a spring outing!

And yet, some were still dissatisfied.

Shen Conglian approached his elder brother Shen Congwen: “Big brother, when Lanxi sends things again, tell her to let Father and Mother ride. Taking turns carrying them is impossible!” He couldn’t carry them himself.

Shen Congwen bluntly refused: “No. Others haven’t held a grudge against the Shen family yet. You want to invite hatred again? Imagine being beaten while trying to use the restroom!”

Big brother really knew how to bring up the worst moments—Shen Conglian still felt the pain from the last time he’d been attacked in the restroom.

“Big brother, I think Lanxi’s relationship with Liu Laohu is good. No one would dare harm us now. Even though Father and Mother have us to carry them, riding is much more comfortable. They’ve been eating little and drinking little; if this goes on too long, they won’t endure!”

Shen Congwen sighed at the thought of their parents’ age but didn’t refuse in the end.

At noon, Nanny Li delivered lunch and faithfully relayed Shen Conglian’s words.

Shen Lanxi, unwilling to indulge them, personally went to Liu Laohu and the next day stopped the Shen family from eating at all.

Shen Congyi immediately confronted Shen Congwen: “Big brother, why hasn’t anyone brought food for us?”

Shen Congwen’s face darkened with anger: “It’s because yesterday’s suggestion about letting Father and Mother ride annoyed the constables. That’s why Lanxi isn’t bringing food today. If it weren’t for your bad ideas, would this happen? And now you dare question me?”

Shen Congyi’s eyes flickered with panic. Could it be the constables would never allow Lanxi to deliver food again? That would be disastrous!

“I didn’t insist on Father and Mother riding. Even if you’re unhappy, you shouldn’t take it out on me!”

Shen Congwen coldly glared at his fourth brother: “Wasn’t it you who suggested it, pushing me into this?”

Shen Congyi hadn’t expected his brother to know. He avoided eye contact, stumbling over excuses: “It was clearly said by the third brother’s son, not me. Even if you’re upset, don’t vent on me!” Then he stormed off.

The temperature rose steadily. People weren’t the only ones thirsty; the horses pulling the carriage also needed water. One horse could consume as much as a dozen people, and the water in the carriage dwindled quickly.

Shen Lanxi decided to ride ahead to scout for water.

Her departure made the Shen family nervous.

Could Lanxi have left them behind?

They suddenly remembered—they were the ones being exiled. The imperial decree didn’t mention her exile. Each anxiously watched her departure, hoping she would return soon.

Shen Lanxi rode a short distance, then drew a bucket of water from her space to feed the horses. She also grabbed a bottle of vitamin C drink and an energy bar for herself.

“Nu Bai, scout ahead!”

“Yes, master!”

“Within five kilometers, there’s nothing. Beyond this rocky peak, at the foot of the mountain is a nearly dry water pond, with animal tracks nearby. Beyond that is outside your detection range.”

Shen Lanxi asked: “Any tails following us?”

During the night, she had already dealt with several tails. Just now, when Liu Laohu went to Yongcheng to check faces, someone was surely following behind!

Nu Bai replied: “Yes, they just entered the detection range. Master, shall we deal with them?”

Shen Lanxi smirked: “Do I even need to say?~” She had chosen this route specifically to bury any tails on the rocky mountain.

Nu Bai locked on the positions as Shen Lanxi spurred her horse forward.

An hour later, she found Liu Laohu.

“Beyond the rocky mountain, at the foot is a nearly dry pond—the only water source nearby!”

Liu Laohu exhaled in relief. Water meant safety. Moreover, they hadn’t encountered any vagrants along the way—excellent!

“Quick, set off. We need to cross this rocky mountain before nightfall. There’s water at the base.”

Hearing about water, everyone felt reinvigorated. Liu Laohu even untied the ropes restraining the exiles. In the wilderness, anyone attempting to escape would die.

Without the ropes, they moved even faster.

Shen Lanxi suggested transporting the elderly, weak, women, and children in batches using the carriage. Liu Laohu agreed.

With the carriage aiding them, progress accelerated. Before nightfall, everyone had reached the small pond at the foot of the mountain.