Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!

Chapter 403 - 395: The Mastermind

Zhao Wuling was also very surprised. He knew that his father had sent someone to look for his eldest brother’s child, but he didn’t expect they actually found him.

They even sent someone to safely escort him back.

"You must be Lord Zhao, the Prefectural Governor. I am Yang Bingbing of the Yang Yuan Escort Agency. I was hired to escort the young master back to the mansion. May I ask, you are his..."

Yang Bingbing first introduced herself, then inquired, hoping to receive a definitive answer.

This escort mission had cost Yang Yuan Escort Agency dearly.

Cheng Xiaoxiao: "..."

Wasn’t I supposed to just be part of the scenery?

Sister, do you realize you’ve stolen my lines?

"I am Zhao Chengyi, the Prefectural Governor of Dayan City and also the grandfather of this child."

Governor Zhao, with tears in his eyes, thought of his eldest son, shook his head, sighed softly, and was deeply saddened. It was all a game of fate!

Immediately, Yang Bingbing took out an envelope from her bosom and presented it with both hands.

"These are escort documents and relevant proofs of the child’s identity. I hope Lord Governor will have a look."

Governor Zhao took the envelope from the attendant, opened it, and swiftly scanned its contents.

He quickly finished reading the contents and confirmed the other party’s identity.

He recalled Cheng Xiaoxiao mentioning that they encountered assassins on their way.

He immediately asked with concern, "Who would want to harm my Zhao family? They wouldn’t even spare a child. Miss Yang, do you have any clues?"

Yang Bingbing thought for a moment but answered truthfully, "The other party likely hired top-tier assassins at a high price. We have not been able to trace the employer’s background."

"Outrageous!"

Governor Zhao, with uncontrollable anger, slammed his hand on the desk, making all the tea sets rattle.

In his mind, he cursed all the political enemies and foes he could think of.

Who could be so heartless and insidious, directing their resentment and dissatisfaction towards him would be fine, but to target a young child was truly despicable.

If he found out who did it, he’d tear that person to pieces.

Zhao Wuling, silently listening in the hall, couldn’t help but feel his brow twitch slightly, as a bad premonition arose in his heart.

Meanwhile, in the back courtyard of the Governor Mansion, a beautifully dressed woman sneezed twice, inadvertently.

Her attendant promptly handed her hot tea, urging her to warm up.

Showing care while feigning reproach, she said, "Madam, as the temperature gets colder, perhaps you should rest first. The young master’s clothes are plentiful and don’t need you to sew them personally. If you catch a cold because of this, the young master won’t be comfortable wearing them either."

"Ah, it’s not just that I’m bored lying around, but also because I heard they returned from the rescue, yet Ling’er hasn’t come to look for me."

The elegant lady sighed, exclaiming how grown sons always grow away from their mothers!

"Perhaps he’s still busy. He might come over later."

"You, granny, always know how to speak up for him."

Thinking of her son’s stubborn temperament, she couldn’t help but feel a headache come on.

"When will he learn to care for his mother? To marry a daughter-in-law sooner, so I can be at ease."

The attendant tidied up the sewing kit, putting it back in the box, preventing the madam from continuing her work, while supporting her up, casually replied, "The young master is smart and capable, with such handsome looks. The eligible daughters who want to marry into the Commandery Chief Mansion could line up from one end of the street to the other. How could you worry about finding a daughter-in-law? Rest assured, whether the young master hasn’t awakened to it yet or fate hasn’t arrived, eventually, you’ll get to drink daughter-in-law tea."

"How can I not worry? Look at those lads; at eighteen, if they’re not married, they at least have room attendants around to serve. Look at him, without even a female mosquito around, chased away even the chamber maids arranged for him. I’m truly concerned, concerned..."

While speaking, suddenly she couldn’t go on anymore.

What was that phrase? She truly feared her son might be into something shorter.

If it were really like that, how could she face her husband?

It would truly drive her to madness.

"By the way, is there any news from the Dark Pavilion?"

Upon mentioning this, the elegant woman’s expression suddenly turned extremely peculiar.

No longer the gentle demeanor, her eyes faintly filled with resentment and hatred.

"None yet!"

The attendant answered cautiously.

She knew, that matter was a thorn in the madam’s heart, piercing till there’s no sound place.

Now if that thorn truly spawned mini-thorns which returned to pierce the madam’s heart, how could she not bear a grudge?

"Hmph, it’s been so long and still no news. Are those people who took so much money just decorations?"

"Madam, do lighten up a bit. It’s all in the past. Don’t let the wrong people and matters wreck your health for nothing."

The attendant advised earnestly.

"You go find out exactly what the situation is."

"Yes!"

The conversation in the hall continued, as Governor Zhao clarified the coming party’s identity, his tone softened considerably.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Yang Bingbing for standing firm against numerous objections, saving the child from many pursuing assassins and escorting him safely to Dayan City. As for Yang Yuan Escort Agency’s losses, he expressed he would provide extra compensation to prevent them from doing an unprofitable trade.

He also expressed gratitude for Cheng Xiaoxiao’s assistance, promising any help Cheng Xiaoxiao needed, as long as it’s not murder or arson, the Governor Mansion would lend a hand.

With Yang Bingbing’s careful guidance, the little boy wasn’t as shy and timidly called out to his grandfather, obediently staying by his side.

Governor Zhao beamed with joy, loudly saying "Good" three times.

He had the servants bring in many pastries and tea snacks to nourish them, promising a proper meal to thoroughly entertain them later, fulfilling the host’s duty.

After a serious discussion about Cheng Xiaoxiao’s suggestion to abandon the rescue, everyone finally agreed with her strategy, adopting her approach.

Only sending teams with martial masters for the rescue, aiding those who cried out for help, abandoning the blind search and rescue, and not looking for supplies amidst the ruins.

For commoners lacking martial skills, a forceful recall was executed, ensuring they consumed frost-resistant medicinal soup to prevent organ frostbite. Everyone huddled around the bonfire for warmth, thawing frozen extremities.

At lunchtime, Cheng Xiaoxiao and company dined quite well. Even amidst calamity, the Commandery Chief Mansion still guaranteed satisfactory meals.

Yet, by evening, the downside was evident; many who rested shortly at noon didn’t rise past the hour. When others went to wake them, they collapsed with a push.

Evidently abandoned life quite a while ago.

Among them were also numerous soldiers.

Subsequent examinations by the physicians revealed varying frostbite levels of internal organs.

Frostbite gradually stiffens bodily organs over time, often without significant reactions, causing chest tightness or minor breathlessness. Amidst such harsh weather, coupled with lack of food and clothing, such changes weren’t heeded.

Thus, missing optimal rescue timing.

When individuals finally noticed their bodies were unwell, their organs that failed to function normally quickly deteriorated, rendering limbs rigid, and minds in confusion before passing away unnoticed.

Such frostbite cases remain uncurable by medicine or food.