“Has that young one left first?” The guard had no choice but to leave this place.
“Zhu Daqiang! Who was that person just now?” Lin Zheng, the former governor of Mo State who was dismissed for corruption, called out to this guard.
Zhu Daqiang, the guard, paused for a moment, glanced at Lin Zheng with disdain, and said, “I don’t know!”
Lin Zheng didn’t believe him. If the boy had no background, how could he receive such polite treatment from a guard? He knew exactly how his underlings behaved. Even when merchants entered the prison and threw money around, the guards would still show no kindness. Only those with power and connections could expect a courteous reception from the guards after entering and before leaving the prison.
“Who is he, really?” Lin Zheng had never seen Zhang Fang and was very curious about his identity.
“What does it matter who he is! It has nothing to do with you!” Zhu Daqiang rolled his eyes and ignored the former boss, leaving immediately.
Lin Zheng cursed in anger, “The petty man is so proud!”
Zhu Daqiang came back later with dinner that Hao Zhuang and the others had prepared for Zhang Fang.
Although they were far away, Lin Zheng could clearly see that Zhang Fang was enjoying a feast! This sight made the other inmates in the cell envious and resentful!
After spending one night in the cell, the next day Zhang Fang was taken out with the other inmates.
Lin Zheng was astonished. The inmates being taken out today were all to be exiled to the frontier! This young man was actually going into exile with them! But wait! If he had power and influence, how could he still be exiled? However, if this young man had no background, why was Zhu Daqiang so polite to him?
During the roll call, Lin Zheng learned Zhang Fang’s full name. He pondered deeply, certain that Zhang Fang was not a local. His curiosity about Zhang Fang’s identity grew.
Even with his wife and children by his side, Lin Zheng was too preoccupied to pay attention to his family’s situation and focused intently on Zhang Fang.
After the roll call, they prepared to set off. Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde flanked Zhang Fang, preventing anyone from getting close to him. They had already found out the identities of the exiles and communicated the information to Zhang Fang.
“His name is Lin Zheng, the former governor of Mo State. He was sentenced to exile along with his family for corruption, bribery, and oppressing the people. Those exiled are all members of the Lin family. Young Master Zhang, do not engage with them!” Hao Zhuang repeatedly cautioned Zhang Fang. That Lin Zheng was clearly watching him with ill intentions!
Zhang Fang nodded. He had already noticed that someone was watching him, but he pretended not to see. Even if he needed to band together for warmth, Zhang Fang had to choose reliable people, someone he could manage.
Lin Zheng was extremely curious about Zhang Fang’s identity! Yet, he couldn’t find an opportunity to approach Zhang Fang due to the two guards protecting him. He thought of waiting for a break to find a chance to get closer. He glanced over at his two daughters; although they didn’t appear as beautiful as before, they still had good foundations. An idea formed in his mind: he planned to let them get close to Zhang Fang. The road to exile was tough, especially lonely, and he thought it would be easier for his daughters to initiate contact with Zhang Fang!
Thus, Lin Zheng approached his unmarried daughters and whispered to them, “Did you see that young man ahead?”
Lin Qiaoqiao was supporting her mother while Lin Yuetong was holding her brother’s hand. They were focused on taking care of their family and had no energy to pay attention to anything else. Even when their father approached to speak, the sisters appeared numb, clearly ignoring what he said.
Lin Zheng glared discontentedly at his two daughters.
Mrs. Lin, who had her eyes closed, opened them in discomfort and looked at her husband, asking with a hoarse voice, “My lord, what is it?”
Lin Zheng looked at his wife with disdain and instructed his two daughters in a low voice, “When we rest, you two go and get close to that young man. Seduce him!”
This shocked Mrs. Lin and the two daughters. They widened their eyes, staring at Lin Zheng in disbelief.
Despite the Lin family’s current predicament, they were formerly genuine official wives and daughters, adhering to the virtues expected of women. Now their husband was asking their daughters to seduce someone! It was hard for them to accept. What did he take their daughters for?
“What kind of look is that! I don’t care what methods you use, you must win that young man over! He is treated so well by the guards, eating good food. If you can win him over, our family will at least be able to get a hot meal! Qiaoqiao, your mother is not well; don’t you want her to eat something good? And Yuetong, your brother is still growing. If he doesn’t have enough to eat, how will he survive?” Lin Zheng ordered his daughters in a suppressed voice.
Lin Qiaoqiao, the legitimate daughter, cared most about Mrs. Lin’s health. Lin Yuetong, being the second sister, shared a close bond with her brother. Lin Zheng’s words indeed touched them. But the humiliation of having to seduce someone for food was unbearable! Wouldn’t that be a loss of face!
Chapter 6: The Debauchery of a Prime Minister’s Son
While passing a small river, the guards arranged for a brief rest.
Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde took Zhang Fang to the water’s edge to fetch water, deliberately avoiding the Lin family.
“Young Master Zhang, it will take at least four days to reach the next city. We will be in the wilderness for these few days, but along the way, we will pass by some villages and small temples where we can find shelter.”
“Are we going to borrow a place to stay for just the three of us, or for everyone together?” Zhang Fang noticed that these two guards didn’t want him to interact with the other inmates.
Hao Zhuang replied, “Naturally, it will be just the three of us. The other criminals will stay out in the wild.”
Zhang Fang hesitated and said, “Is that really appropriate? We are all criminals; only I am being taken care of. What if someone starts gossiping about this? It could impact both of your futures.”
In truth, he also wanted a chance to approach the Lin family and see if these people could be of use to him. However, Zhang Fang couldn’t show his intentions too openly.
Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde felt Zhang Fang was overly considerate of them and explained, “No one will gossip about it.”
Although there were four guards responsible for escorting the prisoners in Mo State, they wouldn’t dare offend a higher-ranking guard like Hao Zhuang or Shi Houde. Plus, these four guards would be paying attention to the entire Lin family; who would have the time to care about Zhang Fang?
The three were chatting when they suddenly heard footsteps.