Chapter 98 A mere cold is nothing to worry about.

Chapter 98 A mere cold is nothing to worry about.

Before long, the three escorts stood up and shouted to the fleeing refugees, "Get up! Pack your things and get going!"

But the refugees were already terrified by the attack and refused to move no matter how the escorts shouted.

What's more, some people hadn't returned yet. The escorts, seeing the chaotic scene, were helpless, like shepherds tending sheep whose sheep had scattered in fright, leaving them only to helplessly circle around in circles.

"Stop shouting, let's save it for the morning and set off."

Jiang Yutang stepped forward and suggested, "The bandits are either dead or wounded. Even if they have accomplices, it will take several days for reinforcements to arrive. There's no rush."

She paused, then continued, "But we can't rest here with so many corpses. We need to move to a clean and safe open space."

They're not gravediggers, it's creepy to have them here.

The guards looked at each other and agreed that what she said made sense.

What followed was exactly like a kindergarten teacher taking care of children.

While comforting the weeping woman, Jiang Yutang made funny faces at the stunned child, and then turned to persuade several elderly people who were reluctant to move.

Her tone was gentle, yet it carried a persuasive power, and the initially chaotic refugees gradually calmed down.

Jiang Huaiyu crossed her arms and praised Jiang Yutang's patient and gentle demeanor, saying, "Our Tang'er is easy to raise; only she can keep this group in check."

Cheng Dai'er rolled her eyes when she heard this, looking displeased but not refuting it.

Cheng Lanzhou didn't speak, but just watched the busy figure and silently hummed in her heart.

After moving to a clean, open space, there was only one hour left until dawn.

Cheng Lanzhou sat by the fire, fiddling with the sparks with his fingertips, and suddenly spoke up: "When I was fighting the bandits just now, I sensed that someone was mixed in with them. Their moves and movements were not like those of ordinary bandits, but more like members of the Black Hawk Gang."

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this. Jiang Shengan was the first to ask, "You mean, this attack wasn't a one-sided operation by the bandits, but rather a joint effort by the Black Hawk Gang?"

Cheng Lanzhou nodded: "Most likely."

Jiang Sumin's expression turned serious: "Then wouldn't our whereabouts be constantly leaked? No matter how far we run, they'll always be able to find us?"

“It’s not that bad.” Jiang Yutang picked up a thick towel and wrapped it around himself, and continued, “The bandits have their own territory. As long as we run fast, they won’t chase us to the ends of the earth.”

Cheng Lanzhou nodded in agreement, her tone firm: "The most urgent task is to find the hidden spies in the team as soon as possible, otherwise something bad will happen sooner or later."

Yun asked anxiously, "General Cheng, do you have any clues?"

"Wait for the right opportunity."

Cheng Lanzhou's gaze swept over them: "The secret agents will eventually be exposed. If we act rashly now, we will only alert them. From now on, everyone should pay close attention to the people around them and report any unusual activity immediately."

After working all night, everyone was exhausted and quickly looked for a place to rest.

However, there was a concern that the captured bandits might take the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, so someone had to take turns keeping watch. This task naturally fell to the experienced Cheng Lanzhou and Jiang Huaiyu.

Before the two could speak, Jiang Songzhi waved his hand and said, "You two are already tired enough tonight. Leave the sentry duty to me and Jiuze. You two should get some rest."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huaiyu breathed a sigh of relief. With a cry of "Oh dear," she folded her hands behind her head and lay flat on the grass. Before she could even close her eyes properly, a deafening snoring sound came over in less than five seconds.

Just as Jiang Yutang was about to find a flat spot to lie down, she was startled by the sudden snoring and her eyes widened. She subconsciously looked at her eldest and second eldest brothers opposite her.

Jiang Songzhi put his fist to his mouth, chuckled and shook his head helplessly, raising his hand to signal her to lie down and rest.

Jiang Yutang had been busy treating her wounds all night and was already exhausted. As soon as she closed her eyes, she felt dizzy and her consciousness sank. Even Jiang Huaiyu's snoring sounded like ASMR.

But her sleep was exceptionally short; she had just entered a deep sleep when she was gently shaken awake.

"Little sister, it's dawn." Jiang Songzhi's voice rang in her ears.

Jiang Yutang blinked her sleepy eyes and stared incredulously at the orange-red sky on the horizon.

I slept more hastily than when I was working shifts; I didn't get any rest at all.

She propped herself up and asked in a hoarse voice, "Have all the runaway refugees returned?" As soon as she opened her mouth, she was startled by her own hoarse voice, her throat dry and sore.

Jiang Songzhi asked anxiously, "Why is your throat like this? Are you sick?"

Jiang Yutang shook her head and rubbed her heavy head: "It's nothing, I just didn't get enough rest."

In fact, she knew in her heart that she had probably caught a cold while working last night, her nose was stuffy and she felt slightly dizzy.

As they were talking, the escort in charge of counting heads shouted loudly, "Everyone's here! Get ready and set off immediately!"

The refugees, having recovered their senses, were already impatient; every moment they stayed increased the danger.

Jiang Yutang, wrapped in a thick towel and carrying a bundle on her back, slowly walked forward with her family.

The morning breeze was cool, causing her to sneeze and making her even more dizzy. She muttered to herself, "I really hope I don't fall ill at this critical time, otherwise I'll not only suffer myself, but also cause trouble for my family."

But what people fear most is what often comes to pass.

Jiang Yutang dragged her heavy steps, pretending nothing had happened.

In modern times, a mere cold would be nothing to worry about, but on this ancient road of exile, the suffering is doubled.

Her only wish now is to drink a bowl of piping hot ginger soup and get a good night's sleep.

After lunch break, she took out the last of the oatmeal and handed it to Jiang Songzhi, saying softly, "Brother, please share the oatmeal with everyone. I'm going to rest for a while."

Seeing that she looked unwell, Jiang Songzhi asked worriedly, "Are you alright?"

Jiang Yutang shook his head, his voice low: "Big brother, don't tell our parents and brothers that I'm not feeling well, so they won't worry."

Jiang Songzhi naturally understood her good intentions, and could only pat her head tenderly, instructing her, "Go and rest for a while, and call me immediately if anything happens."

She found a big tree to lean against and sat down, thinking she could fall asleep quickly, but her head was throbbing as if it were about to explode, and her throat was itchy and burning, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

She was in a semi-conscious state and couldn't really fall asleep until the team set off again.

After setting off, Jiang Yutang felt cold and uncomfortable all over, and couldn't help but cough from time to time, her voice hoarse and shrill.

Now, without Jiang Songzhi having to say anything, her family members all realized that she was sick.

Yun held her arm with concern, her brows furrowed: "Have you caught a cold? Do you have any medicine left?"

Jiang Yutang shook her head, her voice hoarse: "Most of the remaining medicine was lost yesterday when the cart was trampled to pieces."

These words immediately alarmed her family. They didn't know when they would reach the next town; what would happen if she continued to be ill?