pappabearbooks Chapter 4 Searching for Guo Jia
Chapter 4 Searching for Guo Jia
Yuan Tan spent a few more days in his room, and soon his subordinates, whom he had sent out to find Guo Jia's whereabouts, brought him news of Guo Jia's seclusion.
Upon receiving the news, Yuan Tan prepared to take action that very night.
The night was as dark as ink.
However, the sounds of string and wind instruments could be heard coming from Yuan Tan's side courtyard in Ye City.
Interspersed occasionally were faint, coquettish laughs from women.
From what I hear from the outside
It was indeed a scene of young noblemen who, even in their illness, did not forget to seek pleasure.
However, under the cover of this noise and sight, a hidden door in the back wall slid open silently.
Dressed in a sharp, dark outfit, Yuan Tan, escorted by Peng An and two trusted bodyguards, quickly blended into the night, avoiding several visible and hidden sentries, and headed straight for the stables.
The bridle of the fast horse, which had been prepared in advance, was bound, and its hooves were wrapped with thick cloth.
"Young master, everything is arranged. Mr. Guo's hermitage is located at the foot of Bailu Mountain, thirty miles north of the city. If we set off now, we can arrive before dawn."
Peng An said in a deep voice.
Yuan Tan nodded and mounted his horse.
The cool night breeze on his face helped to clear his still somewhat sleepy mind.
This trip is extremely risky. If Shen Pei's spies discover that he has left the city without permission to visit an "unknown" scholar, who knows what kind of trouble it will cause.
But now that we know Guo Jia's whereabouts, we can't help but investigate.
"Walk!"
He gave a low shout and charged forward.
Peng An followed closely behind.
They slipped silently through the pre-arranged side door and disappeared into the darkness of the night.
The journey was bumpy, and Yuan Tan was on edge.
I was both looking forward to meeting that legendary genius and worried about missing him, and even more afraid that the sound of pursuing horses' hooves would suddenly sound behind me.
This thrill was something he had never experienced in his previous life, sitting in an office.
As dawn broke, the group finally followed the map and found a clear stream at the foot of Bailu Mountain.
A few simple thatched huts are nestled in the bamboo grove, with fences and ajar gates, creating a tranquil environment that seems to be isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
There was a stone platform and a set of rough pottery tea utensils in the courtyard; other than that, there was nothing else of value.
Yuan Tan felt a sense of awe.
This is the true demeanor of a noble scholar; compared to the extravagance of the Ye City mansion, this place inspires even greater awe.
He straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and gently knocked on the wooden door.
After a short while, the wooden gate creaked open a crack, and an old servant with white hair and beard poked his head out, sleepily eyeing the group of uninvited guests outside.
"Greetings, sir."
Yuan Tan bowed respectfully, his tone humble.
"I am Yuan Xiansi from Yecheng. I have come to pay my respects to Mr. Guo Fengxiao. Please inform him of my arrival."
The old servant rubbed his eyes and shook his head:
"Mr. Guo? He's not here. He said he went out to visit friends and travel a few days ago."
not there?
Yuan Tan's heart skipped a beat. Although he was prepared, he was still inevitably disappointed.
He pressed further:
"Does the old gentleman know where Mr. Guo has gone? When will he return?"
The old servant still shook his head:
"How could I possibly inquire about your whereabouts, sir? That's how he always is; he'll just drift away whenever he feels like it."
He had come up empty-handed. Yuan Tan stood there, momentarily bewildered.
This scene seems a bit familiar!
You can't expect me to be like Liu Bei, making three visits to the thatched cottage, can you?
After a moment of silence, he gestured for Peng An to present the prepared gift.
Those few rare and precious military books, a set of fine writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones, and two jars of aged wine.
"Sir, these are just a small token of my appreciation. When Mr. Guo returns, please convey my regards to him that Yuan Xiansi of Yecheng admires your great talent and has come to pay his respects. He will definitely visit you again to seek your guidance another day."
His attitude became more sincere.
The old servant seemed used to people bringing gifts, so he didn't refuse much. He accepted the gift, gave a vague reply, and then closed the wooden gate again.
The atmosphere became much more somber on the way back.
Yuan Tan remained silent; the tension and anticipation he had felt upon arrival had turned into disappointment and doubt.
Was Guo Jia truly absent, or did he simply not want to see this "trouble" of his?
If it is the latter, then the path to recruitment will likely be more difficult than imagined.
……
Early morning, at the residence of Shen Pei in Ye City.
Shen Pei yawned as he listened to his subordinates' report.
"The music from the side courtyard had not yet ceased, and the spies on night watch confirmed that Yuan Tan himself had not been seen entering or leaving the main gate."
However, near the western stable, there was a brief disturbance around midnight; although no one was clearly seen, the sound of horses' hooves seemed unusual.
Shen Pei squinted:
"His nightly revelry is probably just a smokescreen; he's really sneaking away. Where has he gone?"
He pondered for a moment, then asked himself and answered:
"His secret departure from the city at this time must be to seek external assistance. Ju Shou? Cui Yan? Tian Feng? Is he trying to bypass Ye City and directly gain the support of these important officials? I underestimate his intentions."
Although Shen Pei still didn't think Yuan Tan could cause any major trouble, this feeling of being out of control made him very uncomfortable.
He immediately gave the order:
"Send more men to surround his side courtyard tightly, keep a close watch on it for twelve hours a day, I need to know even if a fly flies in or out!"
Furthermore, immediately send men to keep watch near the residences of Ju Shou, Cui Yan, and other high-ranking officials, and see if there are any unusual movements!
……
Shortly after dawn, Yuan Tan, taking advantage of the morning mist, slipped back to his residence unnoticed.
He had just changed out of his night clothes when Qiqi brought in hot water. Seeing his furrowed brows, she asked softly:
"Young master, things aren't going well?"
Yuan Tan sighed and briefly explained that he had come to an empty house.
Qiqi didn't know any grand principles, she just said softly:
"If I can't see him once, I'll try twice. Sincerity can move mountains. If you're sincere, Mr. Guo will eventually find out."
Just then, Peng An strode in with a grave expression and whispered:
"Young master, something's not right. There are at least twice as many people watching outside as there were yesterday! And quite a few of them are unfamiliar faces."
Yuan Tan was startled and walked to the window, peering out through the crack.
Sure enough, the spies who had previously been only vaguely visible now openly surrounded the side courtyard.
The appointment has raised suspicions!
That old bastard is getting more and more outrageous!
However, having already decided to defy fate, one cannot simply sit idly by and wait for death.
He couldn't possibly stop doing his job just because Shen Pei added a few more people to monitor him.
"Qiqi, spread the word for me that I, Young Master Yuan, am recruiting dancers. Bring as many as possible to the manor to choose from, and make the scene as grand as possible!"
Yuan Tan suddenly spoke up.
Qiqi was also taken aback when she heard this. Was the young master giving up on himself?
She quickly advised, "Young master, you are still not fully recovered. If you continue to overwork yourself, it may damage your health!"
Yuan Tan was immediately displeased and glared angrily, saying:
"How dare you! I've fought wars my whole life, can't I even enjoy myself?"
Qiqi was immediately too frightened to speak.
Peng An, being quick-witted, immediately understood Yuan Tan's meaning.
But he still said with great concern:
"Young master, if you do this, I'm afraid your reputation will be damaged, and no one will follow you in the future."
"Rumors stop with the wise!"
Yuan Tan waved his hand and said,
"What use are these empty titles if you don't have the strength?"
"Peng An, tell our people outside to be alert, but don't make any unusual movements. Pretend they know nothing."
Yuan Tan's voice was unusually calm.
"Zhang He and Guo Jia, I'm going to take them both! I'll leave Ye City sooner or later, but not like a stray dog being driven away!"
He walked to the table and unfolded the simple map once again.
Under the lamplight, his gaze was fixed on the direction of Bailu Mountain.
If you don't see me once, then twice. Three times!
Before Shen Pei completely breaks off relations, he must accumulate enough strength as soon as possible.
Next time, no matter what, I must see Guo Jia!