Chapter 163: Smooth Arrival in the Northwest

Chapter 163: Smooth Arrival in the Northwest

When Mo Jiuya was exiled from the capital, he felt a sense of loss.

The Mo family had been loyal for generations and had forged a few close friendships.

Yet, when adversity struck the Mo family, not a single friend came forward to see them off.

It turned out that all of this was the doing of Emperor Shunwu.

Mo Jiuya now saw clearly the fickle nature of human relationships and didn't want to dwell on past events.

His greatest wish at present was to leave as soon as possible, settle down in the northwest, and then try to find his elder and second brothers while also helping his sisters-in-law locate the rare hide needed to make an antidote.

"General, with the city gates and docks sealed, we've been stranded here for over half a month. If we continue to delay, we may not reach the northwest even by the new year."

"It's true. Each day will only get colder, making your journey more difficult."

After a moment's contemplation, the old general continued:

"Nephew, go back now and prepare. Tomorrow morning, I'll personally arrange a ship to send you both away from this place."

Mo Jiuya and He Zhiran were overjoyed upon hearing this.

Both of them bowed to the old general, "Thank you, Elder General Jin, for your assistance."

The old general patted Mo Jiuya's shoulder, "It's just a small favor, nephew. You and your wife needn't worry about it. I'll be waiting for you at the dock tomorrow morning."

After expressing their gratitude once more, Mo Jiuya and He Zhiran eagerly rushed back to the yard they were renting to share the good news with everyone.

Upon learning that they could resume their journey the next day, the most delighted were the officials.

If all went smoothly, they would be able to return to the capital city and reunite with their families before the New Year.

In order to allow Tang Mingrui, Liang Hao, and others to leave this place together, Mo Jiuya had no choice but to discuss the matter with Peng Wang.

In fact, Peng Wang had long noticed Liang Hao and the others, but he preferred to stay out of trouble and didn't confront them directly.

As for Tang Mingrui, he had been visiting the large courtyard frequently these days to fetch dolls, and Mo Jiuya had seen him on several occasions.

It was all thanks to Mo Jiuya that they could depart smoothly from this place; Peng Wang naturally wouldn't refuse his assistance. However, he insisted that once they reached Dock City, they should separate from the main group to avoid any unnecessary complications.

After settling matters with Peng Wang, Mo Jiuya promptly informed the others to join them early the next morning on their way to the harbor.

With everything in order, the group arose early the following day, each equipped with their belongings, and set off for the harbor.

True to his word, General Jin was already there with a troop of soldiers, awaiting their arrival.

Though the dock was still guarded, it did not impede Mo Jiuya and his group's departure.

In fact, General Jin had gone out of his way to arrange a passenger boat for them. The crew was already in place, awaiting their passengers.

Mo Jiuya and Peng Wang led the procession, immediately catching General Jin's eye.

The elderly general strode forward with purpose. "Nephew, the vessel is prepared, and I've settled the payment. You may leave here with peace of mind."

As he spoke, the old general withdrew several silver banknotes from his bosom and pressed them into Mo Jiuya's hand.

"Upon your arrival in the Northwest, you'll need to settle down and establish yourselves. This sum of silver should be enough for your family to acquire some assets."

General Jin's mere arrangement for them to leave this place was already greatly appreciated by Mo Jiuya. How could he possibly accept more of the man's money?

Besides, silver was the one thing he and He Zhiran currently had in abundance.

Without any hesitation, Mo Jiuya returned the banknote.

"General Jin, I am deeply touched by your kindness, but I cannot accept this money."

The old general insisted stubbornly.

"I'm aware of the circumstances under which you left the capital. Though it's not much, this is my token of goodwill. You must take it."

A bundle of banknotes was tugged between the two men at the dock for quite some time.

In the end, General Jin couldn't persuade Mo Jiuya and had no choice but to reluctantly take back the money.

Then, he waved his hand toward the soldiers behind him.

Two soldiers approached, each carrying a large bundle.

"Liang Hao, if you don't want the silver notes, that's fine. Here are some provisions I've prepared for your journey."

Mo Jiuya did not decline and, after expressing his gratitude to General Jin once more, led his group onto the boat.

General Jin stood on the dock, watching them depart until the ship's silhouette became diminutive before he finally left with his own men.

The salt lake was tranquil that day, allowing the vessel to sail smoothly.

Well before nightfall, they arrived safely at the Ferry City.

Without waiting for Mo Jiuya's instructions, Liang Hao took a few brothers and hid themselves at the rear of the procession.

Tang Mingrui, also concerned about his family, bid farewell to Mo Jiuya and left the group.

The exile party spent the night in Ferry City to rest.

Before setting off, He Zhiran and Mo Jiuya requested another leave from Peng Wang, planning to purchase a mule-drawn carriage in the city.

Purportedly purchasing an ox cart, it was actually a matter of releasing the oxen from the spatial dimension and coupling them to a new carriage.

The group, accompanied by their single ox cart, once again set off on their journey northwest.

No further troubles beset them along the way, and after half a month, they arrived safely in the northwest.

The gates of City Yun appeared somewhat dilapidated, with the two guards stationed there appearing listless and devoid of vitality.

Ordinarily, travelers entering or exiting the city would not be subject to scrutiny by the soldiers, unless there were exceptional circumstances.

Seeing the officials escorting their charges, the guards were no longer surprised; they merely cast a casual glance before resuming their idle chatter.

Delivering convicts to their destination entailed a specific procedure.

First, the officials would take the prisoners to the local yamen to register their presence, recording each of their names in official records. Subsequently, the local government would issue them new household registration documents.

The registration for exiled convicts was distinctive; their identification papers would bear the word "exile," followed by the stamp of the regional authority.

This type of registration is restricted to movement within City Yun alone. Should anyone attempt to secretly leave the city and be discovered, the authorities would promptly apprehend them based on the two characters marked on their records. After being severely punished with fifty lashes, they would then be sent back to City Yun.

This is one of the ways the imperial court restrains the mobility of those in exile.

Moreover, to prevent exiles from sneaking out, the local officials inspect their homes every half-month.

If someone is found to have escaped, every member of the family, regardless of age or gender, would be subjected to a punishment of twenty heavy blows with a bamboo paddle.

On top of that, the authorities would immediately issue wanted posters to capture the fleeing individual.

In short, unless the Emperor specially decreed otherwise, they would spend their remaining years in this place.

Peng Wang's entrance into City Yun was a familiar journey; he promptly led his group straight to the county office.

However, he was informed by the gatekeeper that the county magistrate had just been transferred, and the new magistrate had yet to arrive.

For the time being, the task of receiving these prisoners was delegated to Cui, the vice-county magistrate.

Upon hearing this, Peng Wang felt a headache coming on.

Familiar with the circumstances, County Councillor Cui was known to be greed-driven and lascivious.

Entrusting the matter of reception to him might bring considerable trouble to the Mo family.