The Empress's No.1 Lackey-Chapter 1208 - 647: Reunion with the "God of Gambling"!
In the wilds outside the city in spring, the "flying boat" dragged by giant birds moved slowly in the sky, casting a shadow on the ground.
The refugees shrouded in its shadow were anxious and uneasy. Some wanted to flee, but were forced back by arrows shot "swoosh" from the flying boat. Others cried out in fear:
"It’s the Liao people..."
"A recruitment team?" Zhao Douan mingled with the crowd, appearing inconspicuous, and curiously glanced at Yu Xiu.
The female Taoist squinted at the flying boat in the sky and explained:
"As far as I know, the Liao Clan has a small population, hence there is a tradition of ’recruitment’ when they go to war.
In the Great Territory, when various tribes have conflicts, they often drive many tusk beasts into small-scale battles to minimize casualties.
In certain historical conflicts with the Yunfu people, it’s said they also liked to drive the border people ahead of the Liao warriors, causing the soldiers of Yu Country to be hampered."
Zhao Douan stroked his chin, suddenly understanding:
"Cannon fodder?" 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖
Cannon fodder? Yu Xiu pondered this unfamiliar word, nodded, and said:
"This description is quite apt. It seems we are not too far from the Liao Clan’s main army, yet not too close either.
These people are likely a small team sent out to recruit, and afterward, they will drive us to merge with the larger force."
After a slight pause, Yu Xiu looked at him, her tone inquiring:
"Should I take action to deal with them? Or capture them alive for interrogation?"
The flying sword in the sleeve of the female Taoist was eager to move...
Zhao Douan, however, shook his head:
"No need for now, let’s see how things develop. I actually suspect that one of their objectives might be to find us.
Ha, that Song Zhi, as long as he’s not too stupid, would surely send someone to bring news of our group to the frontline. If we expose ourselves, we might quickly attract more pursuers."
Tuoba Weizhi, expressionless, said:
"This servant will protect the master from any danger."
Zhao Douan smiled, resisting the urge to rub the girl’s long, straight black hair:
"I’m not afraid of being besieged, I just plan to see the situation first."
With the combat power of a few people, as long as they don’t encounter the main forces of the Liao Clan, they really aren’t afraid of anyone.
At this time, the people on the road crouched down in panic, and Zhao Douan and the others, like the refugees, crouched on the ground as well.
It’s a case of pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger.
Although the four of them had changed into plain outfits along the way, their appearances were still somewhat outstanding.
Fortunately, Yu Xiu had rich experience traveling outside. She personally stepped in and quickly made them look tacky and unattractive.
Besides, with the large number of refugees, as long as they were careful, they could still hide themselves.
Not long after, a group of "mountain bandits" emerged from the distant forest, almost all Yu Country people, with only a few Liao Clan warriors mixed in.
This group of "mountain bandits" was full of spirit, brandishing swords and whips, loudly herding the refugees together for a lecture.
"Are these... Pseudo Army?" Zhao Douan had a strange expression.
Yu Xiu glanced at him and explained:
"It seems they are some traitors who defected to the Liao Clan, but this group does not look like ordinary mountain bandits; they are clearly well-trained."
Ahem... a well-trained Pseudo Army...
In his heart, Zhao Douan silently gave this group a "must-kill" tag.
At this moment, the mountain bandits suddenly parted, and a young man who was obviously the leader of this "Pseudo Army" emerged.
He wore a dusty cloak, with soft armor underneath, indicating a much higher status than the other bandits.
However, the youth was somewhat effeminate, and his dark circles from indulgence in wine and women made him lack a bit of bandit ferocity, instead showing an air of "nobility" from years of pampered living.
The youth, facing the shivering refugees, spoke from a high ground, loudly preaching:
"...I am the Heir of Prince Mu, and without permission, you have left your place of residence, which is a crime! Today, I give you a chance to redeem your crimes by following me to the border city, to escort grain for us..."
At such preaching moments, naturally, they would not honestly state the fact that they intended to use the refugees as cannon fodder, but instead would only say they needed help escorting military provisions, making various promises to soothe the people’s hearts and prevent the refugees from making desperate moves... small measures to ensure cooperation.
And capturing these local people to share the task of escorting provisions would further save the Liao Clan’s manpower... killing multiple birds with one stone.
However, Zhao Douan in the crowd was taken aback:
"The Heir of Prince Mu?!"
He quickly realized that previously, after Zhao Shixiong pacified Yunfu Road, he had sent a detailed memorial letter back to the Capital, detailing his process of quelling the rebellion.
It had mentioned that during his advance into Yunfu, the group of family soldiers and retainers led by the eldest son of the Mu Prince Manor realized things were unfavorable, and withdrew early into the southwestern mountains.
The southwest is mountainous, with many bandits in the mountains, making it difficult for the border army to eradicate them.
And after the Mu Prince Manor remnants "became bandits", it was also difficult to eliminate them quickly.
For this, the Empress did not punish Zhao Shixiong, after all, the Mu Prince Manor had already been completely destroyed, the few remaining remnants, although troublesome, could not pose a significant threat.
In the current situation, with the major enemy at hand, these small roles could not be attended to, and could only be slowly eradicated later.
Unexpectedly, these remnants of the Mu Prince Manor had indeed defected to the Liao Clan, becoming traitorous "Pseudo Army".
And more coincidentally, Xu Jingtang’s eldest son actually appeared here, becoming the leader of this recruitment team.
"The Heir of Prince Mu?"
"Is he the Heir of Prince Mu?"
Upon hearing these words, due to their long-rooted fear of the Mu Prince Manor, the refugees were indeed herded and gathered up, abandoning much of their property, taking only dry rations, and were driven northwards by this group.
