TCN: Mei Gongqing

Chapter 18: The Trap on the Other Side

Chapter 18: The Trap on the Other Side

Because they would be crossing the Yellow River the next day to go to Luo'yang, everyone rested for half an hour and then returned to camp.

They set out at daybreak the next morning, reaching their destination in just ten miles. Rolling water called to their ears at the same time a line of moored ships emerged along the river bank.

There were big ones, small ones, old ones, and new ones. The nobility groused upon seeing these ships – their complaints nothing more than why there were so many small and old vessels, for such crudeness and dirtiness were not befitting their status.

"These are the only ships we have," shouted one of the well-known scholars. "Those behind you even need to build temporary ones to cross the water."

Another lad also shouted: "Say no more. Fortunately, we left early. Had we been late, we wouldn't even have a ship to sit on."

The grumbling gradually ceased at the double remarks.

At this time, the guards began to organize the crowd and prepared to board. Larger ships carried the carriages while smaller ones carried guards and servants.

There were not many large ships, however. After assigning places, many members of the nobility had to ride on the smaller ones.

Because Chen Rong was the sole master of the Chen house, and because she had also made good merits on the journey, they were able to board a larger ship with their carriages.

The rowdiness transpired for half a day until noon, at which time all the ships finally started moving.

On the oscillating waves, Chen Rong saw those on the smaller boats praying for a peaceful voyage.

Good luck indeed smiled upon everyone, for they had a very peaceful voyage. It made sense, since the Central Plains were going through a dry-spell presently. Otherwise, it could be very dangerous if they were to encountering stormy weather on the water.

This translation belongs to hamster428.

The long line of vessels meandered its way to the other side.

It felt to be a long time, but also only a brief moment. "We can see the banks! We can see the banks!" These cheers came to Chen Rong while she was sitting in her carriage, spreading far and wide.

After half an hour passed by, a surprised voice abruptly sounded: "Hey, what are those black spots on the other side? Are they people? Or perhaps our clans have sent people waiting for us?"

People at once looked up; their chattering filled the air. Amid the cheers, Chen Rong's face was one of indifference.

When the cheers outside had gradually subsided, Wang Wulang's hasty voice at last called to her: "Ah Rong of the Chen house, Ah Rong of the Chen house, come and take a look. Aren't these people all Hu soldiers?"

In his voice was evident panic.

Chen Rong lifted her curtain.

She had barely poked her head out when everyone on the large ship turned to look at her. There was hope interspersed with dismay and panic in their eyes. Looking at these people's hopeful eyes, Chen Rong smiled wryly and thought to herself: You all can't really be thinking that a woman such as myself will be able to come up with a way out?

Wang Wulang stepped forward and regarded anxiously, asking again: "Ah Rong, what do you think?"

Chen Rong nodded and murmured: "They are indeed soldiers." She did not mention anything about the barbarians.