C19 Like Jade like Jade

After returning to the stronghold with the items, the steel blades were swiftly distributed among the people. Any surplus blades were stored in the stronghold's stockroom along with the medicinal herbs.

The ten bows, crafted from the horns, tendons, bamboo, and fish glue of wild beasts, were of exceptional quality and workmanship.

Lee Fei intended to form a ten-member archery squad. Unfamiliar with archery himself, he took Black Dog's recommendation for a potential member.

The recommended individual was known as Three-Eyed, renowned for his keen eyesight and a hunter by family trade, skilled in the art of archery.

Before finalizing the selection, Lee Fei wanted to assess Three-Eyed's prowess firsthand.

Lacking a proper target at the stronghold, they improvised by using a pine tree as a makeshift target to witness Three-Eyed's demonstration.

Lee Fei handed Three-Eyed a bow and instructed him to stand thirty paces from the pine tree and take his shot, eager to gauge his talent.

Yun Yan and Jiang Kun stood by Lee Fei's side, aware that a strong performance could secure Three-Eyed a leadership position within White Dragon Fort.

Positioning himself thirty paces from the tree, Three-Eyed steadied himself, drew the bowstring, and nocked an arrow. Moments later, the arrow flew with a swift whoosh and embedded itself in the very center of the pine tree.

Lee Fei's face broke into a smile as he commended, "Three-Eyed, your archery is indeed impressive. From now on, you're the captain of the archery team."

"Thank you for your confidence in me, Head Honcho," Three-Eyed responded gratefully.

"Select nine more people and train them diligently. If you do well, you'll be rewarded with fifty taels of silver," Lee Fei added.

Three-Eyed's eyes sparkled with determination. "I will dedicate myself fully and strive to meet your expectations, Head Honcho."

Just then, Black Bear stepped forward and declared, "Head Honcho, I'd like to give it a shot too."

Lee Fei, recognizing his competitive streak, didn't comment and simply replied, "Very well, then have a try."

The black bear also picked up a bow and easily drew the bowstring. When he released the arrow, it whizzed past the pine tree, narrowly missing its target.

A miss by an inch is as good as a mile, and he had missed by more than just an inch.

The black bear's eyes widened as he stared at his handiwork, incredulous. Undeterred, he tried again, only to miss by an even wider margin.

He had aimed at the tree, but somehow, he kept missing. What was going wrong?

Puzzled but stubborn, the black bear wouldn't give up. Lee Fei chuckled and said, "You're all brawn, perfectly suited for charging into battle. Why obsess over this?"

"Head Honcho, I've always heard the village elders say that the great General Di Qing mastered every martial art and was an expert archer, capable of drawing a 300-pound bow with ease," the black bear scratched his head. "I want to be like General Di Qing, riding and shooting arrows to slay our enemies. Please, let me keep this bow."

Lee Fei rolled his eyes and playfully scolded him, "You think you can compare to General Di Qing? Stop dreaming. Put the bow down. We're short on everything right now. I'll give you one when we can spare it."

Di Qing came from humble beginnings, starting as a cavalryman and becoming a hero in the eyes of the people.

The black bear's face flushed with embarrassment. Who doesn't have an idol they admire? To be like Di Qing would be amazing.

The others caught sight of the black bear's expression and burst into laughter.

The black bear's face darkened as he warned, "What's so funny? Careful, or I'll sew your mouths shut."

Their laughter only grew louder.

Three-Eyed then selected nine people to form the archery squad, generously sharing his knowledge and training them in archery.

With only a few days left, Lee Fei had no illusions of turning them into legendary archers. His main hope was that they wouldn't accidentally shoot their own comrades during battle.

Time marched on, and soon the day arrived for Magistrate Hu to escort the birthday tribute.

To ensure nothing went awry, in addition to the thirty-plus individuals he had dispatched, he also enlisted the services of an armed escort. Each member was a skilled expert, and together with the guards, the group totaled over fifty people.

The birthday gift prepared for Cai Jing was exceedingly lavish, comprising over a thousand taels of gold and three stunning singers. Of course, the crowning jewels of the gift were the three items acquired from Lee Fei.

Magistrate Hu was understandably anxious about sending such valuable items to Jing City.

During this time, his son, Hu Cheng, stepped forward. Officially, he volunteered to alleviate his father's worries, but his true motive was to take in the sights and sounds of Jing City.

Magistrate Hu was delighted with his son's thoughtfulness, yet he couldn't help but worry about youthful indiscretions. Before they set out, he offered Hu Cheng a litany of advice, emphasizing the importance of consulting with Zhang Binchao should any issues arise.

Zhang Binchao, with his distinctive plum blossom mole and the moniker "Peach Blossom Evil," was well-known in the martial arts community. His prowess was respected, and even seasoned warriors would afford him a degree of respect.

Magistrate Hu had hoped his nephew, Hu Ren, with his martial arts training and experience in the warrior's world, would accompany them for additional support. However, Hu Ren had been secluded for days, claiming to be under the weather and unable to travel, leaving Magistrate Hu no choice but to proceed without him.

Once outside the city, Hu Cheng, brimming with enthusiasm, mounted his horse and led the procession with a buoyant spirit, reminiscent of a monkey freed from its confines.

Two hours into their journey, the autumn sun was mild, and a cool breeze provided relief. The travelers felt no discomfort from the heat as they pressed on.

Up ahead, a modest straw shelter revealed itself to be a tea stall. With its open sides and a few worn tables, it offered a welcome respite for weary travelers to enjoy a cup of tea and a moment's rest.

At the tea stall, two patrons were already seated. One was a short man whose plain features suggested a simple, honest character.

The woman seated next to the man was strikingly beautiful and alluring, with cherry lips, arched eyebrows, and a shapely figure—a true beauty indeed.

They were surrounded by bags of all sizes, seemingly in preparation for a move to a new location.

It's a common trait among men; the sight of a beautiful woman can stop them in their tracks, and Hu Cheng was no exception.

As such, Hu Cheng appraised the woman from his horse and suddenly exclaimed, "Isn't that Pan Jinlian?"

Back in Wreah County, he had indeed encountered Pan Jinlian. However, her reputation was less than stellar, and her flamboyant presence was a concern for Magistrate Hu, who advised against any interaction with her to protect the Hu family's good name.

Zhang Binchao, catching Hu Cheng's look, easily guessed his thoughts and cautioned him, "Young Master Hu, best not to stir up any trouble."

"I'm well aware, I wouldn't jeopardize anything important," Hu Cheng replied. "I'm merely curious. Pan Jinlian appears to be moving, but I wonder where she's headed."

Zhang Binchao thought to himself that her moving plans were none of Hu Cheng's business.

Sparse travelers dotted the main road, some driving ox carts, most hurrying along.

The caravan paused briefly as the guards and armed escorts stopped for tea at a roadside stall before setting off again.

Meanwhile, Pan Jinlian, frustrated by Wu Dalang's lack of ambition, suggested, "Dalang, let's follow this group. They're numerous and likely won't face any dangers."

Wu Dalang, typically indecisive, agreed with whatever his wife proposed and nodded in agreement.

He quickly rose to pack their belongings onto a cart, allowing Pan Jinlian to sit atop it as he pushed it along, trailing at a distance behind Hu Cheng and his companions.

For Wu Dalang, leaving his hometown was a reluctant but necessary choice to escape the constant gossip of the neighbors and to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

Before long, as the group passed through a forest, Hu Cheng, with his keen hearing, picked up on a distant call for help and halted.

"Shall we check out what's happening in the woods?"

Upon hearing this, an armed escort dismounted and swiftly made his way into the nearby forest. It wasn't long before he emerged, supporting a woman.

She was strikingly beautiful, with fine eyebrows and lovely eyes, clad in only a short top that left much of her skin exposed, pale and delicate as white jade. It appeared she had injured her feet and was having difficulty walking.

Hu Cheng's gaze fixed on her, and he mused, "Is it possible that today my luck has turned, and I've encountered another beauty? Fortune truly smiles upon me."

Before he could utter a word, Zhang Binchao cautioned, "Young Master, this woman's origins are unclear. It could be a ruse, so it might be best to leave her here and not get involved."

Out here in the wilderness, rescuing a stranger, particularly an enchanting woman, could be perilous, especially when she's alone.

"Zhang Binchao, I disagree," Hu Cheng said with a smile. "She doesn't strike me as a villain. Besides, she's by herself; she's unlikely to stir up any trouble."

Zhang Binchao persisted, "Young Master, it's not wise. If she has accomplices, it could lead to serious trouble."

Hu Cheng gestured dismissively, "I've made my decision. We'll let her stay to heal, and once she's better, we can send her on her way. My mind is made up; let's leave it at that."

With that, he eagerly dismounted and approached the woman, gently lifting her chin with a smile. "What's your name?"

"My name is Zhao Ruyu. Thank you for your kindness, Young Master," she replied, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"Ruyu, truly as exquisite as your name," Hu Cheng said as he brushed past the obstructing figure to support the beauty himself, heading toward the carriage.

Though the carriage was not far, he walked with deliberate slowness, his heart captivated by the woman in his arms.

The carriage was occupied by three songstresses, intended as presents for Cai Jing. He wouldn't dare entertain any untoward thoughts regarding them. Since Miss Zhao Ruyu had no engagements that evening, it would be the perfect opportunity to take them out for some leisure.