Zhang Fang wanted to say that he also carried the burden of human lives, but he did not speak those words. He thought the three young men did not look like bad people and curiously asked, “Was that Jiangnan Inspector they killed a bad person?”
Shi Houde spoke up, “These wandering heroes claim to rob the rich to help the poor and root out evil, opposing the law and disturbing social order. Even if their intentions are good, doing the wrong thing is still wrong. In short, these three criminals are different from the culprits of the Lin family; Young Master Zhang, you must avoid contact with them!”
Zhang Fang thought for a moment but did not respond.
Mao Aniu and the others had changed into clean clothes; after a refreshing bath yesterday, they each looked tidy, waiting at the city gate with their large and small bags for Zhang Fang.
“Master!” Upon seeing Zhang Fang, a group of children rushed forward to greet him.
They looked completely different after being cleaned up that Zhang Fang almost didn’t recognize them. He smiled and said, “I can hardly recognize you!”
Mao Aniu gratefully replied, “Thank you, Young Master, for ensuring we have enough to eat and wear!”
Over the past few days, Zhang Fang had shown no airs and treated people gently, providing them with food and warmth, allowing them to live better lives. Mao Aniu and the others had dispelled their wariness. Even if Zhang Fang was a criminal, he treated them kindly and was willing to support them, which made him their benefactor! For a benefactor, they must repay with loyalty!
“Isn’t it tiring to carry all these things?” Each child was loaded with their own bundle, and Zhang Fang could not tell if these bundles were heavy.
The children shook their heads with bright smiles, and the youngest child excitedly pointed to his new shoes and said, “With these new shoes, walking feels so comfortable! Thank you, Young Master! When I grow up, I can do more things! Young Master, will you keep taking care of us?”
“Of course! You all need to eat well to grow strong and become heroes who protect our homes and country!” Zhang Fang smiled and reached out to pat the child’s head.
Mu Qing, Yuan Quan, and Chang Bao quietly watched, developing a good impression of Zhang Fang. Although they didn’t know Zhang Fang’s relationship with these children, his willingness to be kind to them showed that Zhang Fang was a kind-hearted person!
Mao Aniu and the others were filled with anticipation for the future, as the children chattered around Zhang Fang.
Lin Zheng felt anxious! He had to find an opportunity to remind Zhang Fang that those three young men were insane! Then he needed to urge Zhang Fang to have the officials keep a close watch on those three so they wouldn’t take the opportunity to harm the Lin family!
After crossing two mountain ridges, they arrived near a water source. Zhang Fang asked the children, “Are you tired?”
Hao Zhuang and Shi Houde understood Zhang Fang’s intention upon hearing this. They immediately told the other officers, “Let’s take a break here for a moment!”
The officers from Menzhou and Dou County naturally agreed.
Zhang Fang went to wash his face and hands by the stream.
Mao Aniu and the others took out bamboo tubes to fetch water.
Mu Qing walked toward Zhang Fang, upon seeing which, Lin Zheng felt alarmed and hurried over.
Fortunately, Hao Zhuang intercepted Mu Qing. He said bluntly to Mu Qing, “Go back!”
Turning to the officers from Dou County, Hao Zhuang shouted, “Watch your criminal!”
The two officers from Dou County were bowing their heads, washing their faces and drinking water, and completely unaware that the criminals were moving freely. After being reminded by Hao Zhuang, they felt somewhat embarrassed and displeased. They walked over and raised their whips to strike Mu Qing several times.
Zhang Fang turned to see this scene, wiped the water from his face, and said, “If you beat him to death, you’ll have to find a place to bury him. Don’t you find it troublesome?”
The officers from Dou County were stunned; they hadn’t expected Zhang Fang to get involved in this matter. Suddenly, they found themselves at a loss and awkwardly explained, “Young Master Zhang, this criminal knows martial arts and suddenly approached you. We’re unsure of his intentions.”
Mu Qing despised the corrupt nobles the most. He had suddenly approached Zhang Fang, and who knew if he would act against Zhang Fang? Therefore, the officers had to strike him, ensuring he wouldn’t be reckless.
Zhang Fang waved his hand and said, “Alright, let’s go.”
The officers from Dou County forcefully dragged Mu Qing away.
Seeing Mu Qing taken away, Lin Zheng sighed in relief and squatted beside Zhang Fang, splashing the water with his hands. He lowered his voice and said to Zhang Fang, “Young Master Zhang, those three murderers are not good people. They are all crazy and harbor a deep hatred for nobles. After learning about your identity yesterday, they even discussed in prison how to beat you!”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fang shook the water off his hands and asked curiously, “You have served as an official before; didn’t they want to beat you too? Why only me?”
Zhang Fang had little trust in Lin Zheng.
This remark caught Lin Zheng off guard, and he quickly explained, “They said after beating Young Master Zhang, they would come after me…”
“That sounds outrageous; I need to have a chat with them.” Zhang Fang stood up and said to Mao Aniu and the others, “Have you all washed your hands?”
The children raised their hands, their little hands clean and still wet.
“Go sit over there and wait for the meal!” Zhang Fang pointed to the trees for them to wait over there.
Lin Zheng, anxious, stood up, not caring that his hands were wet. He grabbed Zhang Fang’s hand and urgently advised, “Young Master Zhang, you mustn’t go near them. They are all murderers and are determined to harm you. If you go to them, won’t you fall into their trap?”
Zhang Fang looked down at his sleeves, then lifted his eyes to blandly stare at Lin Zheng.
Lin Zheng awkwardly dropped his hand and hid it behind his back.
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