The paramount leader briefly explained the external situation to them, urging them to stay far away and live under assumed identities. Everyone nodded reluctantly, though they longed for a peaceful life, they couldn't bear to part with their brothers from the stronghold. Those with close bonds vowed to settle in the same area so they could support each other in the future.
The paramount leader, who couldn't control or bothered to manage these arrangements, divided the assets clearly. Then, he led everyone through winding mountain paths. They walked for three days and nights before emerging from the mountains. He informed them of their current location and bade them farewell.
The paramount leader and the second-in-command watched the people depart in silence. Then, they exchanged a glance. "What are your plans?"
The second-in-command was momentarily flustered. For so many years, he had only followed his elder brother's orders. Suddenly being asked what he should do next, he felt a pang of panic. "I don't know."
"If you truly have nowhere to go, head to the capital. Since you and I must begin anew, let's go to the wealthiest place in the realm. If possible, operate in the eastern part of the city. If I come to the capital, I will certainly find you, and we brothers can reunite." Seeing his bewildered expression, the paramount leader offered him advice. He was also somewhat reluctant to part with him. He could leave others without a second thought, but the second-in-command was like family. It was difficult for him to be without him.
"Can't Big Brother go with us?" the second-in-command asked, looking at him with a hint of grievance.
"I still have some matters to attend to. Once I'm done, I will naturally find you. Also, remember to shave your beard clean. The greater the difference from your usual appearance, the better. This way, even if there's a warrant for your arrest, you can pass through without trouble."
Upon hearing this, the second-in-command quickly gave a thumbs-up. Only then did he understand why his elder brother had so strongly urged him to neglect his appearance and let his beard grow unchecked. He had already considered today's situation, which filled him with admiration.
Soon, the two parted ways. Fortunately, they left quickly. By this time, the great general had arrived with his men at the cave where they had previously lived. The signs in the cave clearly indicated that a large group of people had resided there, but it was evident they had long since departed. He refused to believe that these people could vanish into thin air.
Indeed, after leaving the mountains and returning to the county town, the great general thought it over and over, feeling he couldn't concede defeat so easily. He immediately contacted the nearest military unit and personally went to persuade them. The military leader was initially unwilling to give him face, but considering the influential family behind the great general, and lacking superiors to answer to himself, he reluctantly agreed.
They entered the mountains through the secret passage smoothly and began searching like headless flies. Later, they inadvertently discovered traces left by the people and followed them to the large cave.
Everyone continued to follow the remaining clues. After about a day and a night of searching, they didn't find the group but encountered two men dressed as bandits, who seemed to be traveling together.
Without a word, everyone rushed forward and subdued the two. Upon seeing their attire, the men understood immediately and cried out in injustice. "We are with you! The traces on the road were left by us. We want to see the great general."
Upon hearing this, everyone quickly brought them before the great general. Eagerly, the great general asked, "Where are they now?"
The two men caught their breath before speaking with some trepidation, "They have dispersed to the four corners of the world. It's impossible to find them."
The great general was stunned. Understanding what he meant, he kicked him to the ground in anger. "What do you mean it's impossible to find them?"
No one dared to speak. They also understood that these bandits, having broken apart, were like a drop of water in the ocean. Finding them would be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Even if they started from their household registration, the bandit leaders had purchased registrations in different counties, and even in different regions.
They hadn't been allowed to examine them then, and furthermore, these two had arrived more recently and were not fully aligned with everyone. They were all wary, and some specific details were indeed unknown to them.
Despite his reluctance to admit it, the great general knew that this time they had not only returned empty-handed but also lost over two thousand soldiers. He stamped his foot in frustration and had no choice but to retreat.
Upon returning, he felt increasingly uneasy. He quickly found a portrait artist and, based on everyone's descriptions, had them draw portraits of the paramount leader and the second-in-command. These were then posted at every city gate, with strict orders to find them.
Meanwhile, the second-in-command had already shaved his beard, revealing a refined face. He had changed his attire and now presented the image of a cultured scholar. Accompanied by his wife, he swaggered into the city, passing right under his own wanted poster.
And beside Huang Shijie, there was a new handsome personal bodyguard. The bodyguard kept his head down daily, diligently following him, rarely speaking to anyone. This person was none other than the missing paramount leader.
No one expected that he would not only remain in the county but become a bodyguard for the Huang family. He walked openly on the street, and when he saw his wanted poster, he even stopped to examine it carefully, shaking his head. The likeness was too poor. With this, they expected to catch him? How naive.
Meanwhile, the county magistrate and Li Zixin had been having a difficult time. Chests of gold and silver jewelry were being moved into the great general's residence. Yet, even then, the great general treated them with disdain.
As he was about to leave, the county magistrate couldn't help but step forward to plead, "Great General, this situation is not what anyone wanted. Given the vast amount of gold and silver I've presented to you, could you show leniency and plead my case before His Majesty?"
The great general snorted, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, leaving the county magistrate bewildered. What did he mean? Seeing the great general mount his horse and prepare to depart, he stepped forward again to emphasize, "I implore the great general to spare me."
Watching the great general and his men leave in a formidable manner, Li Zixin couldn't help but anxiously ask, "What should we do now? What does he mean? Did he take the money but not do anything?"
The county magistrate fell silent. He couldn't be sure. If it weren't for the crowd at the entrance, he would have cried. He had initially believed they would capture that group in one fell swoop. Instead, they gained no merit and ended up in trouble.
As expected, not long after, an imperial envoy arrived from the capital. Everyone immediately knelt in reverence. After the envoy finished reading the imperial decree, the county magistrate remained kneeling on the ground, unable to recover for a long time. He never imagined that after years of diligent effort, he would be reduced to this.
Seeing his dazed state, the envoy grew impatient. "What, do you intend to resist?"
The county magistrate trembled all over and quickly stepped forward to accept the decree, expressing his gratitude.
"For your dereliction of duty, His Majesty has merely removed you from office. This is truly unheard of. You can inquire about the fate of others who made the same mistake as you," the envoy said disdainfully, seeing his dejected appearance.