A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1112: Emerging from the Pass

Xia Ruqing didn't voice any further objections, and Zhao Junyao made no move to stop her.

Just half a month later, the Crown Prince Zhao Qichen, accompanied by Marquis Zhongyong Xia Tingfeng, led an contingent of ten thousand elite soldiers on their journey towards the Northwest.

Their passage was undertaken incognito.

The two commanded over a dozen carts laden with goods, masquerading as a merchant caravan, with fewer than a hundred men in their immediate escort.

The bulk of the ten thousand strong force secretly shadowed them, utilizing a less-traveled route.

The merchant caravan proceeded at a deliberate, unhurried pace.

Each time the ten thousand soldiers reached a city, they were compelled to establish a temporary garrison for several days.

While this arrangement proved inconvenient, no better alternative presented itself!

Transporting such a substantial quantity of merchandise rendered them an obvious target in the Northwest.

The enemy would not hesitate to plunder the meager possessions of impoverished commoners, let alone such a vast accumulation of wealth!

There was always the possibility of them disguising themselves as bandits, emerging from an unforeseen location.

Engaging in a brutal spree of destruction, slaughter, and pillage.

Their strategy was to capture the ringleader swiftly, striking at the heart of the threat! Success in a single strike was paramount!

...

The 'merchant convoy' had been traveling for more than fifteen days and was on the cusp of entering the Northwestern territories.

As dusk settled on that particular day, they approached an inn situated by the roadside.

Xia Tingfeng, with a commanding gesture, gave his order.

"We've been on the road for countless days; let everyone take their rest here for the night and resume our journey tomorrow!"

An eager chorus of agreement arose from his men.

All the cargo was unloaded from the carriages, with individuals taking shifts to stand guard.

The horses were entrusted to the innkeeper, to be led to the stables for water and feed.

Given the considerable size of their group.

Xia Tingfeng, adopting the persona of an affluent merchant hailing from the southern and northern regions, arranged to book the entire inn.

The innkeeper, who had experienced a dearth of customers for several days, was ecstatic at the sudden influx of patrons.

His smile stretched wide, and he attended to their needs with utmost diligence.

Upon entering their respective rooms.

He was exceptionally attentive, fetching water, sweeping floors, dusting surfaces, and wiping down tables, as if greeting a revered elder.

"Welcome, honored sir! Please come in!"

Xia Tingfeng was quite pleased with the service; after a brief inspection of his room, he settled into a chair.

Opening the window, he observed the desolate surroundings where the merchants were staying, a sense of bewilderment washing over him.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"This place used to be quite lively; why does it appear as if a ghost has passed through today!"

Merchants, as is known, tend to speak their minds plainly.

Having spent considerable time among those of less reputable backgrounds, Xia Tingfeng was adept at understanding the nature of such individuals. He conversed with an appropriate lack of refinement.

His language was coarse, interspersed with regional dialects from both the north and the south.

The innkeeper offered a cup of tea, responding with a pained expression.

"Ah, honored sir, please do not bring it up!"

"A few days ago, a group of ruthless bandits from the north descended upon us!"

"They are situated merely thirty miles to the north, at a place called Black Cloud Stronghold!"

"It is said they control the mountain pass, engaging in murder and robbery, leaving no travelers unharmed, and seizing every last coin!"

"The plight of the townsfolk here has become dire!"

"What was once a vital trade route has been ruined; now, everyone opts for a longer, circuitous path to avoid this area!"

"It is a true calamity!"

The innkeeper continued his lament for a while longer, then suddenly recalled something and quickly offered a warning.

"Honored sir, where are you journeying to? Have you not heard?!"

"If you intend to proceed further, you must take the extended route, around the far side of Mount Black Cloud; it is considerably safer there!"

Merchants, driven by profit, conduct their affairs with a sense of camaraderie.

As long as the compensation was adequate, they treated their clients with utmost care.

They were eager to assist whenever possible, sharing all the information they possessed!

Xia Tingfeng feigned a slight display of apprehension, though not outright panic, and produced a silver ingot from his pouch.

"I am grateful for your counsel, innkeeper!"

The innkeeper accepted the silver with evident pleasure, making a show of polite refusal as he slipped the coin into his sleeve.

"You are too generous, sir!"

Xia Tingfeng dismissed his thanks with a smile.

"On the road, more acquaintances invariably lead to greater opportunities!"

"I have just returned with merchandise from the south and was intending to transport it to the north!"

"Who would have anticipated the emergence of bandits during this half-year interval!"

"Had it not been for your kind warning, this consignment of goods... would it still be secure?"

The innkeeper, observing such a shrewd merchant, whose words and actions demonstrated the expertise of an seasoned trader, was more than willing to elaborate further.

"Oh!"

"You are heading north, and I hear that bandits are now rampant in that region!"

"You have narrowly avoided peril this time, but be exceedingly cautious on your future travels!"

Xia Tingfeng's expression gradually adopted a more serious demeanor.

"Is the situation truly that dire?"

As he spoke, he motioned for the innkeeper to sit, personally pouring him a fresh cup of tea.

"Please, enlighten me further!"

Fueled by the silver and the timely exchange of information, the two quickly established a rapport.

From the shopkeeper, Xia Tingfeng managed to glean a significant amount of information.

Firstly, the northern regions are currently plagued by widespread banditry. These bandits are reportedly exceptionally avaricious, unlike others who might be selective in their targets; they extort from both the wealthy and the poor, exhibiting a complete lack of shame!

Secondly, these bandits have surged in numbers over the past three months, and whispers suggest that the various mountain gangs are coordinating their efforts!

On one occasion, someone witnessed their ill-gotten gains being transported to another location, leading to speculation that the bandits move their loot elsewhere after collection.

However, their precise destinations remain unknown, as their movements are shrouded in mystery!

Thirdly, this further underscores the bandits’ utter brazenness.

They not only seize wealth but also abduct women and children. The women are spirited away, the children are taken, and any elderly or infirm individuals left behind, deemed useless, are all put to death, with all the money thoroughly looted.

"It's unbelievably outrageous!"

The innkeeper's voice grew more agitated with each word, his teeth gritted in anger!

Having absorbed all this, Xia Tingfeng shared in the indignation, finding a kinship with the innkeeper as if they were close friends.

Zhao Qichen observed the scene with astonishment.

Even though he had been watching the entire exchange unfold.

He still couldn't fully grasp his uncle's masterful strategies!

It was no wonder his father had insisted he venture out to gain practical experience. Turns out, there are countless lessons to be learned beyond the confines of books!

By remaining content within the palace walls, he now realized how truly limited his perspective had been!

Like a frog in a well, ignorant of the vastness of the world outside!

"Is this... your son?" the innkeeper inquired.

Xia Tingfeng affirmed with a nod.

"My son is ten years old; he has never ventured outside before. I brought him along to broaden his horizons, which will undoubtedly assist him when he eventually takes over my business!"

"Remarkable! Your son possesses a fine demeanor, brimming with potential, and is surely destined to surpass his father in the future!"

"Hahaha!"

Xia Tingfeng let out a hearty laugh.

"Express your gratitude to the elder now!"

Zhao Qichen promptly cupped his fists in a gesture of respect.

"Thank you for your kind words, elder!"

The innkeeper smiled, nodded, offered a few more words of commendation, and then departed the room.

...

Dinner was a simple affair.

Following the meal, everyone retired to rest.

Zhao Qichen, unable to fall asleep, found the moonlight pleasant, so he decided to study the map by the window, illuminated by a lamp.

Xia Tingfeng pushed open the door and entered.

When traveling outside, formalities were unnecessary, so he casually took a seat on a nearby chair.

"Uncle!"

Xia Tingfeng, feeling a slight unease but maintaining a composed facade, inquired.

"What are you examining?"

Zhao Qichen presented the map to him.

"The Northwest region is characterized by numerous mountainous and desolate areas, particularly once we pass beyond the frontier. We must proceed with utmost caution!"