“Thank you for your good intentions, but I am a criminal now. A criminal should look like a criminal. If someone discovers that you have privately unshackled my handcuffs, it will undoubtedly affect your prospects.”
Zhang Fang knew that the kindness shown by these two officials was due to his father, the minister. Since he was being exiled, he could not rely on his father’s power to live comfortably. He had to rely on his own efforts to turn his life around. This was also part of his game’s objective!
Seeing that he was ungrateful, the two officials felt they could not persuade him further. They had initially thought this young master had a domineering personality, but they were surprised by how clear-headed he was. They couldn’t understand how he had made such a grave mistake, resulting in the death of the queen’s nephew.
Although Zhang Fang did not accept their offer to leverage their power, he was intent on getting along with them, so he started chatting, inquiring about their names, and learning about the journey ahead.
The two officials responsible for escorting Zhang Fang were named Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde. They were in charge of taking Zhang Fang to the border.
With his injuries still fresh, even if Zhang Fang tried to hold on, his body could not withstand it. While chatting with the two officials, he suddenly collapsed, startling them.
Even though Zhang Fang was now a criminal, he was still the son of Minister Zhang. If anything were to happen to him, Minister Zhang would surely be furious!
Thus, the two officials could only carry Zhang Fang to a nearby village for temporary shelter. Fortunately, there was a herbalist in the village who discovered that Zhang Fang had a fever and brewed some medicine for him.
Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde looked worried. They knew this mission was challenging, but they hadn’t expected it to be so difficult. As soon as they left the capital, this young master fainted. They needed him to recover before they could continue their journey. If he couldn’t hold on, he might lose his life! The two prayed for Zhang Fang’s quick recovery.
Fortunately, Zhang Fang’s fever subsided the next day. However, Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde did not dare rush this fragile young master to leave.
Zhang Fang understood that delaying would affect these officials’ future and said, “We should get moving!”
“Master Zhang, as long as we reach the border within two months, it’s fine if we take a few more days on the road.” Hao Zhuang was genuinely afraid that this young master might push himself too hard.
“Will it affect you two?” Zhang Fang asked with concern in his expression.
Both Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde shook their heads in unison. After all, Zhang Fang had been exiled from the capital, where the situation was complicated. Even if they were delayed for a few days, it wouldn’t matter. As long as they could deliver the criminal to the border alive, that would suffice!
Zhang Fang rested for three days before recovering. Minister Zhang had already had a doctor apply a special ointment, and after a few days, his wounds began to scab over.
When they set off again, Zhang Fang felt much better. Taking advantage of the rest, he pulled out pen and paper to write a letter to Minister Zhang. Once they reached the next place, he could ask someone to send the letter back to the capital.
After walking for seven days, they reached Mozhou. Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde informed Zhang Fang, “Ahead, you will be traveling with other criminals who have been exiled at the same time. The group will be larger then, so it would be best for you to avoid them.”
Criminals who had been exiled typically didn’t have the chance to turn their lives around. However, Zhang Fang was different; he had a minister father. As long as Minister Zhang was still standing strong, there might come a day when Zhang Fang could return to the capital! If those criminals learned of Zhang Fang’s identity, they would surely try to get close to him. Thus, they needed to warn Zhang Fang in advance.
“Thank you for the heads-up!” Zhang Fang pondered. Exiled and on his own, he needed to find some allies to band together with, then become a small leader, gaining influence so that he could make a name for himself at the border.
Upon arriving in Mozhou, Zhang Fang received a letter from Minister Zhang. The letter had arrived a while ago, but Zhang Fang had delayed due to his recovery on the road and only received it today.
The letter was filled with Minister Zhang’s care and advice. He did not mention the situation in the capital but reminded Zhang Fang to be wary of those who deliberately approached him.
In addition to the letter, several packages of luggage had been sent by Minister Zhang’s people. Inside were many pastries and foods that Zhang Fang loved. He smiled as he opened a box of pastries and took out a piece to eat, sharing two more pieces with Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde.
“I also have a letter to send back to the capital for my father to let him know I’m safe,” Zhang Fang said, taking out a letter and asking someone to send it back.
Afterward, Zhang Fang, Hao Zhuang, and Shi Houde went to the Mozhou prison, where they would stay for the night, as they were scheduled to travel with the exiled criminals from Mozhou the next day.
“The environment here is rather poor; I apologize to you, Master Zhang,” the prison guard said with a forced smile as he led Zhang Fang into the cell. Although they had cleaned out a room for him, it still had a foul smell.
Zhang Fang walked calmly, saying nothing. Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde remained outside, holding his luggage. Zhang Fang had brought only some food and two books with him, having left everything else behind.
As he passed by other cells, Zhang Fang felt the piercing gazes of the criminals on him, but he maintained his composure and quickened his pace.
Finally arriving at his designated cell, the guard opened the door and nervously asked, “Do you have any requests, Master Zhang?”
Zhang Fang found that although it was a bit smelly, the conditions were far better than in the Dali Temple’s prison. At least there was a clean chamber pot, new bedding, a table, and a chair, and a lamp was even being lit by the guard.
“Thank you.” Zhang Fang took out some pastries he had brought and shared a piece with the guard.
The guard smiled obsequiously and quickly replied, “Thank you, Master Zhang! If you need anything, just let me know! As long as you don’t leave your cell, I’ll do my best to accommodate!”
“Alright.” Zhang Fang’s injuries hadn’t healed yet; he lay on the soft bedding and began to read.
The guard, showing understanding, brought the lamp close to the bed to provide light.
Zhang Fang was already engrossed in his reading. After flipping through two pages, he noticed the guard had not left, so he turned and said, “I will call you if I need anything.”