471 His Surname is Yun! (1/2)
”Old Marshal, be careful! This might be one of Han Sanhe's tricks!” Fu Baoguo's concern was evident in his shocked tone.
”There is nothing to worry about.” Qiu Jianhan was unperturbed by the potential danger that lay before him.
With Bai Yixue and Fang Mofei as his personal bodyguards, there were not many men in this world who could lay a finger on him, especially when they had just met. A few teenagers would be of no concern at all.
Based on the current situation, the children had not truly tried to counter the attacks upon them and there was no indication that they were lying either.
Old Marshal Qiu was unlike the other veteran soldiers; what they considered as holes in their story were not holes, since real spies would have traded everything they had to conceal themselves properly. Why would they come together as a group of teenagers and bring along a dozen noble steeds? Even worse, why would they call out their targets' names? It was ridiculous.
”This old man is the Qiu Jianhan you all are looking for.” Old Marshal Qiu looked at the youths with a smile. ”Who made you all come looking for me? Where is the letter?”
It was the barely grown child, who looked like the leader of the rest, who spoke doubtfully, ”You may be Qiu Jianhan, but how would we know that? You are the leader of these evil men, why should we believe you?”
It was a retort which lacked finesse, but it was undoubtedly effective.
Qiu Jianhan was stumped at the accusation. He's right; I can say I'm Qiu Jianhan, but what proof do I have?
Fu Baoguo could not help chuckling as he stepped out and said, ”I am the Fu Baoguo you fellows are looking for. Does this need proof as well?”
The youths looked on with skeptical eyes, ”Of course. Why would you call yourself Fu Baoguo? We just mentioned that we're looking for the two of you, and here you are. How can there be such a coincidence? Do you think we're idiots?”
Fu Baoguo was rendered speechless by the brazen reply.
Qiu Jianhan replied with a note of humor in his voice, ”This old man has been in this world for so many years and never has anyone wanted any evidence when they saw me. My eyes have been opened today…”
At this very moment, the militants that arrived beside them bowed respectfully. ”Old Marshal Qiu! Marshal Fu!”
The teenagers were dumbstruck and began to feel slightly disoriented by the sudden development. ”You – you… This… Uh – Qiu Jianhan is actually a marshal? Fu Baoguo is also a marshal? Is – is Lady Shangguan a marshal as well?I – we… I…”
All twelve of the youths were utterly stunned.
A few of them had turned pale. They still did not know who Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo were, but they knew that a marshal was a highly ranked officer; this officer was the highest authority at the eastern border and the Fortress of Resilience!
”Alright, alright, this old man is even more interested in knowing who your teacher was. We have proved ourselves now. Can the letter be given to us now?” Qiu Jianhan chortled.
Qiu Jianhan had not had the luxury to behave like this for a few days now. These children were a rare bundle of joy, as could be testified by Fu Baoguo, who was undoubtedly feeling tickled as well!
”Err, letter… the letter is here…” The teenager was growing increasingly nervous, untying his jacket and stretching into his undergarments to pat around before finally retrieving a small package that had been wrapped securely in mystical beast leather.
After layer upon layer of hide had been peeled away, a letter lay inside.
Qiu Jianhan's janissary stepped forward to take the letter before turning around to pass it to Qiu Jianhan with the utmost respect. Receiving it, Qiu Jianhan opened it nonchalantly while asking, ”Well, who is your teacher? What's his family name? Why is he so peculiar?”
The teenager answered politely, ”Our teacher says that his surname is Yun…”
Qiu Jianhan's hands that were unfolding the letter halted at once as his gaze turned sharp. ”Where is your teacher now?”
As he asked, an ill premonition surged through him. He stuffed the letter into his robes immediately and urgently issued orders, ”All of you, follow me to the marshal's tent! Bring these children along. Everyone, be on full alert! No one is to act recklessly or they will be subjected to military law!”
He then left with large strides.
Fu Baoguo quivered for a moment before he followed closely, looking absolutely serious without a hint of his previous joviality. The teenagers were taken away by a swarm of officers and generals, arriving at the marshal's tent feeling somewhat lost and in distress.
Qiu Jianhan read the letter with exceptional care; his eyes were glinting as they trained on the teenagers in front of him. ”Other than this letter, what else does your teacher say?”
The letter Old Marshal Qiu held did not disclose any information that he wanted; it was mostly comprised of a request, a favor from both himself and Fu Baoguo to take care of these children for a little longer.
”Teacher asked us to convey the message that he'll arrive in half a month's time, at the very latest.”
The teenager was obviously nervous as he spoke.
Witnessing the grim atmosphere in the marshal's tent and the authoritative generals it contained, it was impossible that they did not know the people their teacher wanted them to look for were significant personnel! The fact that they were able to spit out a reply was already evidence of their psychological abilities!
Half a month at the latest! Hearing this, Qiu Jianhan and Fu Baoguo were flooded with ecstasy as their eyes were bright with hope. They looked upon the teenagers as if they were looking at the most treasured gem in this world.
”Your teacher… how is he now?” asked Qiu Jianhan, after several moments of musing.
”He wasn't doing too well. He had a lot of his bones broken. When we left home, teacher couldn't even stand. I've never seen someone so severely injured before,” murmured the leader among the teenagers after some hesitation.