The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 123 They will spread rumors
After learning more about Zhuojia, Wen Gu still has a pretty good opinion of them.

They are all people with real talent and ability.

In chaotic times, military generals have their role, and scholars also have their uses.

The Zhuo family is a family of officials. Not only have high-ranking officials been produced in every generation, but many family members have also served as local officials, with rich experience in governance and a good reputation.

However, since Lao Zhao is investigating the Zhuo family, Wen Gu will refrain from making a move for the time being.

Follow me first.

After discussing the Zhuo family's affairs, Madam Shen glanced at Wen Gu several times. Seeing that Wen Gu's mind was focused on these matters, she couldn't help but remind him:

"Recently, quite a few families from the north have arrived, and there might be some unrest lately. Please keep a close eye on things. For example, you might run into certain people when you go out..."

Although Madam Shen had been staying at the Zhao residence, she was well-informed and had heard about the young ladies Wen Gu had encountered on his journey, as well as knowing that he had also met Princess Guangning. In the past two days, she had received new information.

"Trouble might be brewing. There are always some people with crooked minds who are always trying to cause trouble!" Mrs. Shen said.

Because she only sensed some movement and had no concrete evidence, Madam Shen only gave a warning without naming names.

Wen Gu replied, "Okay, I will make more preparations."

Inner monologue: Let me see who's next!
Seeing the solemn expression on Wen Gu's face, Madam Shen knew that he had taken her words to heart and would treat the matter with caution. Reassured, she gave Wen Gu some additional living allowance.

Recently, several family groups have arrived, bringing many gifts. Given her status in Xinzhou, she enjoys top-notch food, clothing, and daily necessities. She specially asked the warehouse to select a gift for Wen Gu.

Madam Shen was very generous with her nephew, whom she was grooming, and she put much more care into choosing items for him than she would for her own nephew.

It's rare for our family to produce such a talented person, so we mustn't let him be lured away by a little bit of benefit from others.

Wen Gu had a meal with Madam Shen. His uncle and cousin were busy with official business, so he didn't stay long. As he left the Zhao residence, he deliberately slowed down his pace.

But there was no "chance encounter".

However, just as he was about to get into the carriage after leaving the mansion, someone called out to him.

However, she wasn't a young lady from some family, but a military officer who had just come to report to Boss Zhao.

When the other party saw Wen Gu as he was leaving the mansion, he quickly chased after him.

Wen Gu stopped and turned around, his gaze naturally sweeping over the other person.

This person may have just happened to be here by chance, rather than waiting here on purpose.

He gave a polite greeting with a friendly gaze: "Commander Mu."

The newcomer didn't look particularly robust, but he was actually a very capable fighter. Among the military generals of Xinzhou today, he was considered one of the more influential ones.

Mu De, the current head of the Mu family, was formerly a high-ranking military officer of the Imperial Guard stationed in the local area, and is now the commander of the city defense army of Xinzhou City.

They belong to the group of people with the highest authority outside of the core direct descendants of the Zhao family.

The Mu family has ancestors who were marquises, making them descendants of truly meritorious officials and famous generals.

However, as their family's influence grew, their presence diminished. In the past, when the world was peaceful, the imperial court emphasized civil affairs and suppressed military affairs, which severely limited the development of their family's talents.

Later, when the world fell into chaos and he learned that the core of government affairs in the capital had collapsed, Mu De led his troops to surrender to Xinzhou.

The Mu family was originally a family from the north, and most famous generals from the north were tall and strong, but this Commander Mu was not as robust as many generals from the north.

But according to my cousin, this guy is quite capable. He made great contributions in defending the city last year and secured the position of commander of Xinzhou based on his merits. Although he is not yet among the core members of the Zhao family, as long as he does not harbor any disloyalty, he will definitely be brought to Zhao Laoda's side in the future as he accumulates merits.

Wen Gu searched for information about this person. He just didn't know why this powerful figure in Xinzhou City was looking for him. Mu De was just coincidentally there today to report to his boss. Everything went smoothly and he was in a good mood. He happened to see Wen Gu when he was leaving the mansion. Thinking of the things that had been on his mind recently, he hurriedly stopped this Wen Gu, who had some connections.

In terms of real power, his current leadership is indeed higher than that of Wen Gu's former head of the neighborhood, but Mu De returned the salute with a proper military gesture to show respect.

Without excessive pleasantries or beating around the bush, Mude stated his purpose directly.

He chose to come to Xinzhou not by bringing his entire family and troops with him. He brought a group of men first last year, but some family members were still missing.

Nodding in understanding indicates acceptance.

Understand, this is a preliminary exploration; if it seems reliable, then send a message home to have the remaining troops move over.

“I’ve already received word from home that they will set off at the beginning of this year. However, the roads in my hometown are difficult to travel, and with more vehicles, they will have to take detours. I’ve heard that the weather might warm up faster this year, and if the climate fluctuates, their journey will be even more difficult. I’m really worried!”

The city's garrison had other tasks, and the number of men he could mobilize was extremely limited, so he wanted to find caravans and escort agencies.

“I think that caravans and security companies are often on the move, so if we see them out there, we can lend them a hand,” Commander Mu said.

He would assemble a team to provide support, but he would also enlist the help of merchant caravans and security escort agencies.

However, he was familiar with the operations of caravans, but he didn't understand the new concept of escort agencies.

He had inquired carefully and found that Tiger Might Escort Agency was indeed capable. Although its foundation was still shallow, it was doing a good job, developing rapidly, and was more professional.

Tiger Might Escort Agency has now tried to expand beyond Xinzhou, and I heard they received several big orders this spring.

He hadn't contacted Tiger Might Escort Agency yet, nor had he placed an order there. He just happened to run into Wen Gu today, so he quickly came over to ask more questions.

Wen Gu was very patient and easy-going, sharing his experiences and observations about the escort agency with Commander Mu.

The two didn't try to hide anything, and since they weren't plotting anything shady, they stood at the entrance of the Zhao residence and talked for a while before leaving.

The following day, a rumor swept through Xinzhou City—

The Mu family and Wen family intend to form a marriage alliance!
All kinds of evidence have been presented: the two of them went to the Zhao residence at the same time, they must have gone there to discuss the marriage!
I heard that Commander Mu was extremely satisfied. When he left the Zhao residence yesterday, he stopped Wen Gu and talked for a long time. The two of them were very happy!

Commander Mu usually looks quite serious, but when he returned home yesterday, the sound of his horse's hooves was light and cheerful, as if he had finally put an end to a matter on his mind!
He Da and Tao San, who first heard the news from the idlers, rushed to Wen Gu early in the morning without even wiping their sleepy eyes to tell him the details.

"Chief, are you planning to arrange a marriage alliance with Commander Mu's family?" As trusted confidants, how come they hadn't heard a word about it? Something felt off!
Wen Gu denied it: "No, I just ran into Commander Mu yesterday and chatted with him for a few minutes."

Upon confirming with Wen Gu's words that this rumor severely distorted the facts, Tao San was indignant:
"That's a deliberate slander! Making such a big fuss must be for some malicious purpose!"

Having learned more vocabulary from his younger brother, He Da added a touch of scholarly air to himself: "This is all nonsense! Chief, someone is up to no good!"

Tao San eagerly offered a suggestion: "Village head, should we clarify this immediately? I know many people from my hometown, from all walks of life, who might be of some use in this matter!"

He Da's expression was serious: "The key question is, how can we let everyone know the truth in the shortest amount of time?"

Anyone can find someone; the difficulty lies in how to do it!

Wen Gu organized the newly acquired information that He Da and Tao San had gathered from the idlers.

He said, "It doesn't matter what the facts are; even if it's clarified, some people will continue to spread rumors."

Tao San calmed himself down: "Then, Chief, how should we deal with this?"

Wen Gu thought for a moment: "Let's see what attitude the Mu family has first."

(End of this chapter)