Chapter 78: Deeply Trusted

Chu Yun hoped for companions on his journey to his fief, but he didn't want to bring too many people. With a large group, traveling from Chu Family Town to the fief would only invite unnecessary trouble along the way.

Moreover, in the early days of developing his fief, he would have to personally lead and support everyone who followed him. He needed to find a way to feed all those he brought.

Chu Yun realized that many people agreed to go with him not out of loyalty, but out of fear of retaliation from the Witch Doctors’ Sect. They felt Chu Family Town was no longer safe and thus chose to leave. Yet such people, driven by fear for their own lives, would likely flee at the first sign of danger or war, even after reaching his fief.

So he said, “Though we have offended the Witch Doctors’ Sect, there’s no need to be overly concerned. I have a method to ensure they will not harm you.”

His words left the crowd stunned—no one had expected him to say this.

The clan leader approached Chu Yun and whispered, “My lord, it wasn’t easy to convince so many to follow you to your fief. Why say this now?”

Chu Yun smiled faintly, “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

The situation, after all, was no longer the same. Many had already decided to head west with him, which meant they had chosen to put their trust in him. If he now considered their safety, resolving the crisis in Chu Family Town, their trust in him would only deepen, making them even more willing to follow him.

At the same time, this would let the fainthearted and self-serving fall away, leaving only those truly devoted to accompany him into the west.

Chu Yun leaned into the jar and announced, “My solution is simple. When we leave, those who don’t wish to come can take up weapons and pretend to drive us out. As you chase us away, scold us for harming the Witch Doctors’ Sect. This way, the sect will likely not hold you responsible.”

“Furthermore, after we leave, much of the land in Chu Family Town will lie idle. Those who stay can farm better plots and live more comfortably.”

“So before making your choice, consider carefully whether you want to come with me.”

“Tomorrow I will gather my things and depart for my fief. Those willing to follow, set out with me then.”

With that, he leapt down from the table and turned to leave.

As soon as he was gone, the crowd broke into heated discussion.

Some praised Chu Yun, saying he was a good lord for resolving their troubles before departing and considering their well-being. They declared their willingness to follow him.

Others argued that with the danger averted, there was no longer any need to fear the Witch Doctors’ Sect’s revenge. Now that Chu Family Town was safe again, there was no need to go with Chu Yun.

After all, it would take more than half a month to reach his fief on foot, with dangers lurking along the way. Even upon arrival, there was the threat of mountain bandits or being swept into war, where a single misstep could mean death.

There were also those who had lived their whole lives in Chu Family Town, seeing it as their home. They had only considered leaving out of sudden fear of the Witch Doctors’ Sect.

Chu Yun paid no mind to their debates, nor did he care about the meddling of people from the Ten Mile Inn, the Festive Pavilion, the Lucky Casino, the Red Orchid House, or the Wu Family Apothecary.

He had done all that could be done; what tomorrow would bring was beyond his concern.

For those who chose not to follow, the loss would be theirs.

Chu Yun returned to Chen Ping’s home, led his horse from the back courtyard, and rode straight to the home of Ye Zhelan.

There had been too many people earlier for him to notice if Ye Zhelan was present, but since he had promised to inform her before leaving, he felt compelled to keep his word.

Yet, when he arrived, neither Ye Liang nor Ye Zhelan was there.

Chu Yun vaulted over the courtyard wall and looked around the house. There were no signs of struggle or anything suspicious, so he was certain they were safe.

He took out a bronze dagger and carved a message onto one of their pillars: “I leave for the west tomorrow.”

Not long after Chu Yun left, Ye Zhelan and Ye Liang returned, leading their horse.

They had attended Chu Yun’s banquet in town, but seeing him preoccupied, had not gone to greet him. Thus, they already knew of his impending departure.

Now, as Ye Zhelan saw his message carved into the pillar, she was overjoyed.

She knew that she held a place in Chu Yun’s heart—he had not only announced his plans to everyone but had come in person to inform her, fulfilling his promise.

At the thought, Ye Zhelan’s cheeks flushed red.

Ye Liang, seeing this, sighed, “Ah, when a daughter grows up, you simply can’t keep her.”

“Father, what nonsense are you talking about?” Ye Zhelan retorted with a huff, her face growing even redder.

Though Ye Liang was not her real father, she had always called him so to conceal her identity. After so many years, it had become second nature. And Ye Liang had treated her with a father’s kindness all the same.

...

After returning to town, Chu Yun went to the grain shop.

The shopkeeper, recognizing such an important customer, greeted him warmly, “Doctor Chu—no, I should call you Lord Count now. Are you here to buy grain? The soft leavened cakes, fried dough sticks, soy milk, tofu pudding, and tofu are all delicious. Thank you so much!”

Chu Yun waved off the thanks, “No need. I’ll be heading out to my fief tomorrow, not just with my family but also many friends who have chosen to follow me. We’ll need plenty of provisions. How much grain can you sell me?”

The shopkeeper replied, “I can sell you eighty percent of my stock. The remaining twenty percent will be enough for Chu Family Town until I can replenish supplies from elsewhere.”

He paused, then continued, “But, Lord Count, you don’t need to buy too much grain. Let me map out a route for you to the west. Along this road, you’ll pass through many villages and towns with abundant harvests. You can buy grain as you go. As long as you have money, you needn’t worry about provisions on that route.”

He fetched a piece of white hemp cloth and, using a brush, traced a path from Chu Family Town to Chu Yun’s fief, marking the villages and towns along the way.

When he finished, he added, “Of course, this route will take more time, so it’s up to you to decide, Lord Count.”

Chu Yun glanced at the map with interest. “Are there really so many grain-rich villages and towns along the way?”

The shopkeeper smiled. “My lord, the further west you go, the more fertile the land becomes, and the better the harvests. I’d follow you myself if not for my elderly mother, my daughter-in-law who just gave birth, and this shop of mine. Otherwise, I’d be on my way west with you.”

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