Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 388 - 224: The Passing Peddler

The leader’s words were sharp, expressing his dissatisfaction with Li Si’s overconfidence.

Li Si is nothing but a muscle-bound fool, only capable of brute force without any thinking.

Li Si was reprimanded by his superior, though annoyed, he kept silent.

On Gu Chengyu’s side, they hadn’t figured out a plan yet. The convoy stopped suddenly halfway, and the prolonged halt would surely arouse bandits’ suspicion.

The dart masters from the escort agency were skeptical about the matter, while Ming Mo continued to explain.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping horses came from the other side of the road. Gu Chengyu turned his head to see three horses galloping towards them from the canyon.

Gu Chengyu and Ming Mo tensed up, wary that these people might be bandits given their untimely appearance.

The horses came closer, and before reaching Gu Chengyu, the lead horse slowed down until it stopped completely.

Gu Chengyu glanced at the riders. They were dressed in silk clothes with jade pendants at their waists, appearing quite wealthy.

Chief Wu discreetly placed a hand on the knife hanging from his waist, keeping a steady eye on the three men.

"Gentlemen, I’m passing through with goods, might I ask if this road leads to Tong County?"

The three men were burly, the leader cupped his hand towards Chief Wu, ignoring Gu Chengyu and his group standing aside.

Chief Wu scrutinized the three men before nodding, "Indeed, are you returning after selling your goods, gentlemen?"

The man chuckled and replied, "The goods sold well this time, planning to visit my uncle’s house on the way. Since the road is clear, we’ll part here."

After another gesture, the man addressed his companions, "Let’s go!"

Gu Chengyu watched the three and found the lead man’s words peculiar. If he truly sold goods, why speak of it to strangers? Aren’t they afraid of tempting greed?

The three were richly dressed, likely carrying a lot of silver after selling goods, yet they behaved nonchalantly, which was improbable.

Moreover, the two behind remained silent, supposedly followers but dressed equally well as the leader, subtly giving precedence to him.

Gu Chengyu studied closely, noticing that one of them wore a common cotton robe beneath the silk garments.

Gu Chengyu signaled Ming Mo and others while stepping out of the carriage without the treasure sword, wary of any sudden threat from the three.

After conversing with Chief Wu, the three rode their horses in the opposite direction of Gu Chengyu and his group.

Chief Wu watched their silhouette fading away before relaxing his grip on the knife.

"Hey? I wonder, why would the bandits ignore someone seemingly wealthy like them? Hoping for us instead? I don’t believe it."

Ma Er spoke, now totally unconvinced about the situation Gu Chengyu mentioned earlier.

Chief Wu hesitated too, finding Ma Er’s reasoning credible.

"Those three might be bandits."

Gu Chengyu gazed at the now unseen trio, his words uncertain but spoken with great conviction.

He believed the bandits were targeting the escort agency, even disguising themselves as merchants to lure them into a trap.

If they were ordinary bandits, they would have charged long ago.

"Sir! Why haven’t they come? Our people are all ready."

The leader, growing impatient, wondered what the escort agency was dithering about.

He took a deep breath, "They are a bit far from us, let’s wait for them to get closer before we charge. Don’t call me ’Sir’ later, to avoid complications."

"With no witnesses left, even if known, it wouldn’t matter," a bandit casually remarked.

"Mr. Gu! Bandits wouldn’t use such tricks; if they really wanted to intercept the escort, they’d charge directly."

Chief Wu hesitated, questioning why the bandits hadn’t attacked despite the convoy stopping for nearly an hour. Had it been bandits, they would have rushed already.

Moreover, he trusted the escort agency’s scout, Shi Hou, who had never failed.

However, Mr. Gu’s followers possessed martial arts and claimed to have investigated already. He was puzzled, torn between whom to trust. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Gu Chengyu noticed Chief Wu’s doubt, feeling heavy-hearted. At this point, even departing from the convoy wouldn’t spare them from the bandits. He chose not to waste breath and decided to prepare promptly.

Utilizing inner strength, he flew to Gu Wan’s carriage, "Brother Sun!"

Chief Wu and others were surprised by Gu Chengyu’s skill, realizing not only were his followers skilled, but Mr. Gu was also adept.

Gu Chengyu pulled aside the curtain of Gu Wan’s carriage and entered.

"Xiao Bao! Is something up? Why aren’t we moving?" Gu Wan questioned the entering Gu Chengyu, puzzled.

"Second Sister! Listen, there might be bandits ahead. Here are two daggers for your protection. Whatever happens, don’t come out. With me here, no one will harm you."

After speaking, Gu Chengyu pretended to pull out two daggers from his sleeve and handed them to Sun Xian sitting beside.

Gu Chengyu then proceeded to Ye Zhiqiu’s carriage, planning to gather everyone to Gu Wan’s carriage since he couldn’t protect both if separated.

After explaining the situation to Ye Zhiqiu and his group, he disregarded their surprise and ushered them into Gu Wan’s carriage.

Meanwhile, seeing Gu Chengyu’s skills, Chief Wu decided to halt for preparations, refraining from progressing further. However, lacking any strategy against the enemy’s archers.

Just then, a fat-faced man descended from a carriage, frowning as he shouted to Chief Wu, "Chief Wu, why haven’t we moved yet? It’s been almost half an hour."

Initially, he thought someone needed a restroom break, causing the stop. Whether to have the escort agency accompany Gu Chengyu’s group was his reluctance. But he later considered having more cover would be advantageous; this shipment of silver couldn’t afford any mistake.

Already delayed due to ladies, he grew impatient. Escorting ladies is troublesome, needing lodging before dark due to carrying silver, always on edge, fearing any unforeseen events.

Though aware of the master’s sent companions, he dared not complain, since taking Mr. Gu and his group to the Capital wasn’t his decision.

"Mr. Han, there may be bandits ahead plotting an ambush; we need a plan!" Chief Wu said worriedly to Mr. Han.

"What?" Mr. Han quickly scanned his surroundings before briskly boarding the central carriage.

"Sir! They haven’t come!" Bandits were impatient by now, frustrated by the convoy’s delay.

The leader grit his teeth, lamenting wasting such an advantageous terrain.

"Advance! They’ve surely spotted us by now."