The Child Emperor

Chapter 111: The Jin Family’s Opportunity

Han Ruzi was tempted, but there was still nothing he could do. Lin Kunshan suggested that he observe quietly, “Your Majesty has already left a deep impression on everyone. Let the people outside draw their own conclusions and make decisions. The Chao family fishing village is frying a big dish. While Your Majesty enjoys the results, I’ll go add some salt to the dishes.”

Han Ruzi sat down, but he had no intention of just waiting to reap the rewards of success. He was well aware that he had fallen into a game of mutual manipulation involving the fate seers, the Cui family, and himself. After one side succeeded, the first thing they would do is eliminate the other two. Acting too early would result in failure, and acting too late would mean being controlled by others.

Just thinking about it made his heart surge, but the more intense the situation got, the more he needed to calm down. So, he sat on the bed-stove and silently practiced the breathing techniques Meng E had taught him. This move really worked as he gradually cast away meaningless fantasies and began to ponder the current situation.

He got off the bed-stove and walked out of the room. It was already dark, and the fragrance of food wafted through the fishing village again. The “heroes” who had come from everywhere were gathered in a courtyard, debating the future around a small bonfire, making a commotion. But it was hard to hear what they were saying.

Lin Kunshan’s suggestion to observe quietly made sense. These people were currently just a scattered force, unable to accept and execute anyone’s orders. It was necessary to wait until they “decided” on their own before discussing the establishment of a force.

Han Ruzi turned into the adjacent room.

In the room, there was a small oil lamp, and the light it emitted was barely visible from outside.

By the light of the lamp, the Jin siblings and the maid Qingting were having dinner. It wasn’t dry rations but chicken, fish, and ham.

Seeing Han Ruzi come in, the three who were enjoying their meal stopped. Qingting was the first to speak, “I wanted to call you just now, but you were sitting there sleeping…”

“I’m awake now, and I’m hungry.” Han Ruzi did not stand on ceremony, sitting down with Jin Chunzhong. He grabbed a piece of roasted meat and ate it; the cooking method was rough, with only salt added. Despite that, it tasted good.

These four were really hungry.

As Han Ruzi sat down, Jin Chuiduo wiped off her hands, retreated to a corner, took out a handkerchief, and wiped her hands and mouth.

“Miss, you’re not eating. Usually…”

“I’m full.” Jin Chuiduo said stiffly.

Qingting did not continue to persuade her. She had been staring at the last chicken leg for a long time. When the Miss was present, she didn’t dare move. But now, she reached out, tore off the chicken leg, and immediately put it in her mouth.

“I now understand that when one is hungry, everything tastes good. Back in the marquis’s manor, we used to have much to eat, but it never tasted as good as tonight,” Qingting said vaguely.

Jin Chunzhong agreed wholeheartedly, nodding in approval. However, his mouth was not idle; he was busy eliminating the last layer of meat from the bones.

Han Ruzi had something on his mind, and he quickly finished eating, with his hands getting oily. If this were in the past, Zhang Youcai or other servants would promptly bring hot water, towels, and the like. But now, he had to handle it himself. Holding up his hands, he thought for a moment. Surprisingly, this turned out to be a difficult problem. He had been kidnapped out of the city and didn’t have anything on him.

Fortunately, there was still a maid, Qingting. Naturally, she pulled out a handkerchief from her bundle and handed it to Han Ruzi.

Jin Chuiduo wanted to stop it, but it was too late. She could only watch as Han Ruzi used the handkerchief.

“I have something to say to you two.” Han Ruzi still held the handkerchief.

Qingting knew her place, so she focused on finishing the leftover meat. Jin Chuiduo remained silent in the corner, while Jin Chunzhong put down the bone in his hand. Perplexed, he asked, “What’s there to talk about?”

“Let’s talk about your future.” Han Ruzi looked at Jin Chuiduo, who was too far from the lamp, leaving only a vague silhouette. “Are you two still going to the steppes?”

Jin Chuiduo remained silent, and Jin Chunzhong had to answer on his behalf, “Of course, now that we’ve come this far, the Chai family won’t let us off.”

“But by going to the steppes like this, what can you gain?”

Jin Chunzhong had no words to respond. His grandfather had surrendered and submitted to the Chu empire. By this generation, all ties with the Xiongnu had been broken. Even Prince Du who was to provide the necessary connections had also died. The Jin family would be completely alone on the steppes.

“We’re going to give you to the Great Chanyu…” Jin Chuiduo finally spoke.

“First, I won’t go with you. Second, the people outside won’t let me go. Finally, the Xiongnu respect the strong and bully the weak. Even if you offer more valuable gifts, you won’t be welcomed.”

“I have a bow and arrows.” Jin Chuiduo said proudly, then realized she only had arrows, not a bow, deflating her pride a bit.

“You have a bow and arrows, but do you have the opportunity to use them?”

“Why not? As long as I have a bow and arrows in hand, I guarantee a hundred percent accuracy.”

Sitting beside Han Ruzi, Jin Chunzhong sighed, “I think what the Weary Marquis means is that the Jin family has been unknown for many years. Even if we make it to the steppes, it’s uncertain whether we can meet the Great Chanyu in person. Getting to shoot arrows in front of the Great Chanyu is even more difficult.”

Jin Chuiduo fell into silence again, and Jin Chunzhong asked, “Lord Marquis, do you have any suggestions?”

Han Ruzi waited for a while before saying, “Marquis Guiyi is unknown and won’t be valued on the grasslands. It’s better to first make a name for yourselves here. When the time comes, the Eastern Chanyu will welcome you, not your gifts.”

“How can we make a name for ourselves here?” Jin Chunzhong asked in surprise. “We’re on the run, unable to return home…”

Coldly, Jin Chuiduo in the corner said, “Silly brother, the Weary Marquis is advising us to pledge allegiance to him.”

Jin Chunzhong was stunned, turning to scrutinize the Weary Marquis. On the opposite side, Qingting had finally finished eating. Licking her fingers, she smiled, “Interesting. Just a moment ago, he was a captive, and now he wants to be the master. Miss, as long as you give the order, I’ll teach him a lesson.”

Jin Chuiduo snorted. Although she didn’t admit it verbally, she knew in her heart that she was also a captive.

After waiting for a while, Jin Chunzhong cautiously said, “You are a deposed emperor; what could you…”

Jin Chuiduo interrupted, “Second brother, don’t be fooled. Just ignore him.”

“Oh.” Jin Chunzhong closed his mouth, occasionally glancing at the Weary Marquis out of the corner of his eye.

Han Ruzi laughed, “The Chu empire has been stable for over a hundred and twenty years. Even if there is turmoil in the world, those who will achieve merit are the powerful ministers and nobles. Marquis Guiyi has almost no chance. That’s right, I am a deposed emperor, but it’s also an opportunity for your Jin family. If the powerful ministers and nobles are not working for me, I can only seek help elsewhere. Although the three to four hundred people outside are not many, when gathered, they can still be a force. There will be more people gathering in the future. However, they are a motley crew, and I need people like you.”

Jin Chunzhong remained silent, while Qingting had a finger in her mouth, her gaze shifting back and forth between the Weary Marquis and the young lady.

“You wish to regain the throne with such a small group of people?” Jin Chuiduo spoke again, her voice full of disdain.

“When the Founding Emperor rebelled, he didn’t have this many people around him. If I were sure of victory, why would I need your help? I believe that there is one thing common to both the Chu empire and the Xiongnu: nothing is gained without taking risks. Even if your archery skills are divine, you need an opportunity to showcase them.”

Han Ruzi stood up. According to the standards of the fate seers, he had already said too much. “Consider it,” he said as he left.

As soon as Han Ruzi left, Jin Chunzhong immediately whispered, “The Weary Marquis makes some sense.”

“He’s two or three years younger than you! How can you believe a child!” Jin Chuiduo said discontentedly.

“Miss is the younger sister, and Second Young Master often listens to her words.” Qingting pointed out a fact but immediately felt a chill coming from the corner. She hurriedly changed her tone, “But the Weary Marquis is different; he is a stranger. Knowing him for only… two days. My goodness, it’s only been two days, but it feels like half a month has passed! What should we do? We’ve killed people, taken all our belongings, and we haven’t even approached the steppes. And now we’re stuck in the south of the Capital, even farther from the grasslands…”

“Don’t worry; when there’s a will, there’s a way,” Jin Chuiduo reassured and thought for a moment. “These people’s target is the deposed emperor, which has nothing to do with the Jin family. When they settle down, we’ll take our leave and head straight to the steppes. We can even join the military, start as foot soldiers. With the two countries at war, it’s a good opportunity to achieve merit.”

“Father and brother…”

“They’ve already gone their separate ways. Why think so much? The deposed emperor is a little scammer, but he’s right about one thing – the steppes may not welcome us any more than here. It’s equally dangerous.”

“The Weary Marquis’s suggestion is worth considering. With the support of the common people, maybe…”

“We are determined to return to the steppes. Why should we sell our lives for the Han family? And… shh, someone is coming.”

The noise outside grew louder, and Jin Chuiduo sealed her lips.

Han Ruzi in the next room also heard the sound, thinking that these people were quick to discuss matters. The previous loud arguments might not have been disagreements after all.

The old fisherman, Chao Yongsi, entered the room and bowed, “Your Majesty, we need you to move.”

Han Ruzi walked out of the room.

The small courtyard of the Chao family was crowded with people holding torches, casting shadows that made the figures appear more numerous.

As soon as they saw the emperor coming out, everyone continued to kneel. Some shouted “long live,” some called “Your Majesty,” some referred to him as the emperor, and there were even those who directly called him the true dragon. In short, it was a cacophony, lacking the majestic atmosphere of shouting “long live” together, which was the proper decorum practised by those in the imperial palace and imperial court.

But Han Ruzi wasn’t disappointed. He believed that over a hundred years ago, when the Founding Emperor was still Han Fu, the first group to gather wouldn’t have been more organized than the present one.

“Heroes, please rise,” Han Ruzi couldn’t find a better title. Everyone stood up, looking pleased. They all liked the term “heroes.”

However, they were not just heroes; they were also a group of audacious fugitives. Even though there were natural disasters, those willing to rebel first were unlikely to be honest individuals.

The stout and short man who was known as “Donkey Kid” stood at the forefront, raising his arm and loudly declaring, “We are heroes, forming an army of righteousness, undertaking righteous deeds. In the future, noble titles and official appointments will be ours!”

The crowd enthusiastically cheered. Han Ruzi didn’t have such aspirations, but there was no need to refute. These people weren’t fighting for the emperor; they were fighting for their own dreams. He would go along with them, and must absolutely not shatter their dreams.

Encouraged, Donkey Kid became more excited, shouting even louder, “We not only have an emperor but also an empress! Bring out the empress and let’s celebrate together!”

The crowd cheered once again.

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