The Dragonwalk Mountains
Jiang Yimian didn’t listen anymore, and besides worrying about Jiang Dazhuang, she had one more person on her mind.
There was no news from Jiang Qingyuan at all, and it seemed likely that something serious had really happened.
Countless people were killed and injured on the battlefield, and headless corpses were not uncommon. Soldiers who could return to their hometown were ultimately a minority; many soldiers were buried on the spot or their remains were never found for various reasons.
If they could successfully bring Jiang Dazhuang back this time, Wang Fengqin should be happy. Even knowing that Jiang Qingyuan was dead, having Jiang Dazhuang by her side would still make her feel better.
Just as she was thinking this, Lu Cijian handed her a cup of hot tea and said warmly, “It’s cold at night. Drink some hot tea to warm yourself.”
Jiang Yimian responded and took the teacup, taking a sip. Then she heard Lu Cijian say, “My men have already gone to the Border, but the situation there is somewhat chaotic, with frequent wars, making it difficult to find people.
Your brother’s whereabouts are already being investigated.
Although there hasn’t been any good news, there’s also been no bad news. It’s possible he’s hiding for various reasons and hasn’t been able to return.”
After saying this, he pursed his lips, his expression somewhat nervous.
He himself didn’t quite believe what he said, but he didn’t know what else to say to comfort her.
Jiang Yimian chuckled, though she knew it was a comforting remark, her heart still felt warm, just like the tea in her hand.
It was rare to hear the man in front of her say so much. Smiling, she said, “Don’t worry. I’m not that fragile. Whatever the outcome, I can accept it.”
Lu Cijian finally breathed a sigh of relief and hummed in response.
The shop assistant also brought the meals at this time.
For several days, several people hadn’t eaten a warm meal. When the meals were served, they started eating silently without a word.
Jiang Yimian also put those emotions aside and silently ate her meal.
After they finished eating and washing up, it was an hour later when they went to bed.
Perhaps because they had been rough living for the past few days, they were extremely tired, and Jiang Yimian fell asleep immediately as soon as her head hit the pillow.
The next day, when Jiang Yimian woke up, it was already bright outside. After a simple wash, she went straight downstairs.
She had slept very well, feeling her spirits lifted considerably.
These past few days of riding horses had made her feel like her body was falling apart.
Fortunately, since she had arrived, she had exercised whenever she had time, which prevented her from collapsing halfway.
The main hall on the first floor was already filled with many people. Besides the guests staying at the inn, there were also customers who came to eat. Various sounds mixed together, creating a lively atmosphere.
Lu Cijian and Song Er were already sitting in their seats from yesterday, and upon seeing her, they quickly waved to her.
As soon as Jiang Yimian sat down, noticing the absence of two others, she curiously asked, “Where did Wang San and the others go?”
She hadn’t seen them all morning. Surely they weren’t still asleep.
Lu Cijian handed her a clean pair of chopsticks and said calmly, “They went ahead to scout the Dragon Mountain Range, and we will go later.”
Jiang Yimian was delighted and immediately lowered her voice, “Are you sure it’s the Dragon Mountain Range?”
She thought they would have to stay in Pingjiang County for a few days before knowing the exact location, but she hadn’t expected it to be so quick.
On the way here, Song Xiaowu hadn’t sent any news, and she thought it would take some time to find out.
Lu Cijian nodded and continued, “The news arrived early this morning. It’s an hour’s journey from here. Eat first, don’t rush.”
Jiang Yimian couldn’t help but feel anxious. After a quick meal, she and Lu Cijian rode their horses towards the Dragon Mountain Range.
The Dragon Mountain Range is located at the border between Pingjiang County and Yushui County. Although it’s still within Pingjiang County, almost no one considers this mountain range part of Pingjiang County.
Many people only mention that the Dragon Mountain Range is a mountain range with many wild beasts; some people don’t even know where this mountain range is.
Jiang Yimian and the others dismounted before reaching the Dragon Mountain Range, gazing at the lush green mountains from afar, momentarily at a loss.
Although this mountain wasn’t as large as the one behind Qing Stone Village, it still consisted of several hilltops. Just the few of them going in rashly would easily make them get lost.
And it would be extremely easy for them to be discovered by people in the mountains.
Song Er frowned, “Young Master, Miss Jiang, I think this mountain is difficult to enter. As Liu Changsong said, there are certainly people watching the situation at the foot of the mountain. If we go up directly, we will definitely be discovered.”
Moreover, this place is remote, basically no one comes here. Once they are discovered, those people will not believe their quibbles, and will surely shoot them directly with their bows.
While they could run away, it would be even more difficult to go in and rescue people then.
They were in the open, while those people were in hiding; the situation was too unfavorable for them.
Jiang Yimian and Lu Cijian had obviously also thought of this, staring at the mountain range in a daze.
After a long silence, Lu Cijian said, “Let’s wait for Wang San and the others to return.”
Song Er responded, but didn’t speak again.
They didn’t wait long before Wang San and the other person ran over from a distance, followed by several unfamiliar faces who were likely Lu Cijian’s men.
The group was hurried and serious, looking like something had happened.
When they got closer, Lu Cijian asked, “How is it? Are there many people on the mountain?”
Wang San was silent for a while before saying, “Young Master, we haven’t even reached the mountain yet. There are people blocking the mountain path and won’t let us pass.”
They didn’t dare to show themselves for fear of alarming them, and returned directly.
Lu Cijian frowned, “Why are there people blocking the mountain path?”
Wang San shook his head, “Not sure. Xiao Wu only said that we can’t enter this mountain range, that someone is watching, but didn’t say why the road is blocked.
They looked like the thugs of a wealthy family. I suspect there is someone’s estate inside.”
They couldn’t even walk on the mountain path; let alone going up the mountain, they couldn’t even get close to the Dragon Mountain Range.
If Jiang Yimian was still uncertain before, now she can be sure that the mine must be here.
The people who ordered the mining knew that this could not be known, so they even blocked the mountain path, preventing people from approaching the mountain.
After thinking for a while, Jiang Yimian said, “When I came here earlier, I saw a desolate village over there. I don’t know if there’s anyone still there. Let’s go take a look.”
That place was some distance from this mountain, with a few isolated houses standing there. If she hadn’t looked closely, she wouldn’t have realized it was a village.
Lu Cijian also noticed the village and didn’t object, simply nodding.
The group turned their horses towards the village.
A quarter hour later, they stopped in front of the village.
Calling it a village, it was already dilapidated. Various collapsed adobe houses and thatched huts were everywhere, in complete disarray; it didn’t look like anyone was still living there.
Jiang Yimian looked at the few relatively intact adobe houses at the edge of the village and went to knock on the door.