Chapter 391 - 385_1
Having learned of the potential threat from mountain bandits, everyone fell silent the next day on the road, the usual laughter and chatter replaced by tension and solemnity.
By noon, they arrived in Longmen Town. After discussing with Zhao Erhu, Li Xun decided they should not continue traveling in the afternoon, but rather rest well overnight in Longmen Town, as they would need to be well-rested for passing through Longhu Mountain tomorrow.
"Dear guests, are you looking to stop over or to stay?" Upon arriving at the inn, they were promptly greeted by an attentive innkeeper.
Li Xun and Zhao Erhu, along with their group, settled the goods in the back courtyard and arranged for people to take turns guarding them, while Lin Yue followed the innkeeper to get settled in their room.
After days of continuous travel, today was the first time they could relax, having only traveled half the day. Despite still worrying about mountain bandits, they took the rare opportunity to unwind.
After lunch, Li Xun asked Zhao Erhu and his wife with a smile, "Brother Zhao, sister-in-law, what are your plans for the afternoon? Will you rest in your room, or would you like to go out for a stroll?"
"Big Brother Li, although Longmen Town is just a small town, it looks very bustling, almost like a small county seat. I’m planning to go out and have a look around with my husband," Lin Yue replied. Having spent her days in the carriage, limited to reading books, snacking, or mostly sleeping, she was feeling groggy and naturally refused to rest at the inn. She intended to go out, especially since Longmen Town was so lively, and she wasn’t the only one with that idea.
"Brother Zhao, sister-in-law, what you may not know is that although Longmen Town is small, it’s a hub of north-south traffic and has access to many places. Traveling merchants often stop here, and that makes it much more bustling than ordinary towns. In recent years, there have been even more merchants in Longmen Town. It would be good for you to take a walk in the marketplace—you might find many treasures," Li Xun said meaningfully, seeming to hint at some mystery.
Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue found this curious, "Big Brother Li, that’s quite strange. Isn’t it said that mountain bandits have been rampant in Longhu Mountain in recent years? Everyone should be concerned about safety. Why would there be even more traveling merchants? And even though Longmen Town might be much more bustling than an ordinary town, it’s still just a town. When it comes to good items, it can’t compare to the big cities and towns. By saying this, Big Brother Li, is there something else we don’t know about?"
"Yeah, Big Brother Li, we’re close enough for you not to beat around the bush. Just tell us what’s going on, so we have an idea," urged Zhao Erhu. At first, he only found it odd and didn’t think much of it, but Lin Yue’s words made him consider there might be more to it, so he asked directly.
Li Xun looked around to make sure no one was listening before lowering his voice, "Actually, there’s nothing too strange. Isn’t there a saying, ’Men die for wealth, as birds die for food’? It’s precisely because of the prevalence of bandits in Longhu Mountain that this is happening. Have you ever thought about where these mountain bandits come from? Most are locals who have taken to the mountains, banding together.