You have truly caused me great suffering!

Emperor Huizong was helped back to his palace.

Taking the opportunity, Li Gang told Yuwen Xuzhong about the events that had occurred in recent days.

After hearing the whole story, Yuwen Xuzhong was completely dumbfounded.

He looked at Li Gang, Wu Min, and the others with a puzzled expression, wondering why they hadn't acted immediately.

Instead, they waited until the Dingnan Army and Cai Jing colluded before taking action.

When I killed Liang Shicheng, didn't I tell you what to do? I shouted to kill the treacherous officials, did you think I was crazy?
Now Cai Jing has suddenly reversed course and interfered.
To be honest, Yuwen Xuzhong wasn't afraid of Cai Jing getting involved, because Cai Jing was old.

He no longer has the energy to engage in factional strife. At this point, disregarding his health, he is joining this chaotic situation simply for the sake of his descendants' future.

Moreover, with his qualifications and abilities, he can contribute significantly to this upheaval aimed at saving the Song Dynasty.

What good would it do to forgive his past sins at that time?

When it comes to one's country and the world, what grudges can't be set aside!

However, Cai Jing didn't just interfere on his own; he brought the Dingnan Army with him.

Cai Jing is old, but Dingnan Army is not!
Both their faction and the people who control it are too young.

Even if it's a war of attrition, the other forces are not at an advantage.

Even the resourceful Yuwen Xuzhong was somewhat helpless at this moment.

Looking at the roof ornaments on the Genyue Palace, their cold and aloof appearance under the moonlight, and listening to the deafening cheers.

Yuwen Xuzhong sighed.

However, upon closer examination, the current emperor, Zhao Heng, is gentle and weak-willed, making him the best choice for the scholar-official class. The Song Dynasty's territory should be handed over to the scholar-official class sooner rather than later; even Cai Jing wouldn't act as recklessly as Wang Fu and Liang Shicheng.

Let's rebuild this empire from scratch!

Zong Ze looked at the large number of soldiers gathered in Genyue, a place known for its romantic atmosphere, and worried that some of the soldiers might do something outrageous that would ruin tonight's operation.

So he quickly persuaded everyone to leave first and let the officials complete the handover.

All eyes turned to Guo Hao, who nodded slightly.

As long as they are willing to withdraw, the others will naturally be fine.

As I was leaving, I saw that a group of Dingnan soldiers had been replaced on the palace walls of Genyue.

Li Gang quickly instructed Yao Youzhong to also arrange some palace guards at the palace gate.

The three armies guarded Genyue, and the leaders went to invite the emperor.

At this point, no one wanted to stay; someone had to leave, otherwise the effort put into this strategy would be halved.

Guo Hao, Gao Ji, Li Gang, and Wu Min went together.

The group arrived at the capital and met Shao Chengzhang, who had been loyal to the city and guarded it to the death. They told him that the great undertaking had been accomplished.

Shao Chengzhang immediately led the group outside the palace and invited the Emperor to Genyue.

Who knew that Zhao Huan, who was crying inside, would cry even louder when he heard that he was going to see his father.

Li Gang, enraged, shouted, "Your Majesty! With the capital in such a state, the foundation of the nation is unstable, and the people's hearts are restless. We beg Your Majesty to reclaim the imperial seal, take command of the new army, and restore order to the chaos. We implore Your Majesty to go out and demonstrate this to the world. We dare not fail to serve Your Majesty with all our might, even unto death!"

Only the sound of sobbing could be heard inside the hall; no footsteps could be heard.

Shao Chengzhang was also anxious at this moment. He opened the door and went in, only to see a candle burning in the main hall.

Empress Zhu Lian looked helplessly at Shao Chengzhang, while Zhao Huan remained in her arms, refusing to look up.

Outside, chaos reigned, and he could hear the shouts of battle. In his mind, Genyue must already be a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood.

"The Emperor?"

"Your Majesty, the outside world is full of loyal and righteous people, and all forces are here to support you. The Emperor Emeritus has already agreed to give you the imperial seal and military tally. Why are you weeping here? It would be better to establish your status and order as soon as possible to reassure the people."

Zhao Huan finally raised his head and tried to support himself on his knees, as if he wanted to stand up.

But after a moment of effort, he slumped back into his seat, leaning against the Empress's chest, his face still streaked with tears. He weakly waved his hand and said, "Go away, but don't come and harm me, don't come and harm me..."

Even I dare not call myself "I" anymore.

Li Gang, who was outside, disregarded etiquette and rushed into the hall, tearing open the hinged screen that separated the bedroom from the inner chamber.

"This is not the time for weeping! Your Majesty, please rise immediately and come with us to Genyue to stabilize the situation!"

The Empress, her clothes disheveled and hair disheveled from Zhao Huan's ripping, looked at the trembling Emperor and sighed with a complex expression.

With officials behaving this way, where is the imperial authority?
Where is my dignity as empress?
She wished she were a man, an emperor, so she could just go with them now, what else could she do!

Guo Hao frowned as he looked at the situation before him.

Although he was the representative of the Dingnan Army, he was not highly qualified or held a high official position, so he didn't say much.

But at this point, we definitely can't delay any longer.

If we don't shut this up tonight, who knows how many more problems will arise later.

"Since the Emperor refuses to go, then let's bring the Emperor Emeritus here!"

After Guo Hao finished speaking, the others all looked at him.

In this way, the imperial authority was completely lost, because it was almost dawn.

Countless ordinary citizens of the Song Dynasty capital were secretly watching, along with numerous palace maids and eunuchs.

The retired emperor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Guanjia, who had been ruling the country for nearly twenty years, was escorted from Genyue to the imperial city by soldiers.
Guo Hao ignored the gazes of the others, his mind filled with the commander's instructions: if this fails, will the brothers on the front lines starve?
He turned and left, making it clear that he wanted to do it himself.

"No! Absolutely not!" Li Gang said.

Although he looked down on the father and son emperors, he was still very loyal to the Song Dynasty.

"Where is the imperial authority now?!"

Although he was the renowned Prime Minister Li, Guo Hao was not afraid at all. He gripped the hilt of his sword and said, "Things have come to this point, what other options are there?"

Li Gang took a step back.

He clearly sensed that the young general's sharp and murderous aura was almost tangible, and that anyone who got too close would be hurt.

In the Song Dynasty, which military officer dared to act like this in front of a civil official?

Moreover, he was a civil official who rose to the rank of prime minister.

However, this young general clearly lacked the innate deference and fear that military men possess when facing civil officials.

Helpless, Li Gang could only go to Zhao Huan's side to continue persuading him.

The rest of the people quickly followed. Wu Min made one last effort and said to Zhao Huan, "Your Majesty, for the sake of the Song Dynasty, we cannot hesitate any longer!"

Zhao Huan's mind was completely blank at this point; no matter what you say, he won't listen to anything.

It's like a lump of mud; you try to prop it up, but it has no bones at all.

This was true in history, and it remains true today. The father and son absolutely deserved the suffering they endured during the Jingkang Incident.

Seeing that the young general of the Dingnan Army had resolutely left, Li Gang flicked his sleeves, closed his eyes, turned his head away, and sighed!
After leaving the palace, Guo Hao rode back to Genyue on horseback and gave an order.

A thousand riders immediately assembled and gathered around him.

Those who knew about military affairs felt a sense of despair. This was an elite army that had won battles all the way and even defeated the Jurchen Tartars.

The other soldiers present were all new recruits and guards from Bianliang City who had never fought a battle before.

Zong Ze then raised his voice and shouted, "What are you doing!"

"The Emperor refuses to come; he insists that the Emperor Emeritus meet him inside the palace!"

The crowd looked at each other in bewilderment. Why was the Emperor still unwilling to come at this time? Did he harbor such deep hatred for the retired Emperor?
Upon hearing this, the soldiers behind Zong Ze cheered again, eager to join the Dingnan Army in parading the Emperor through the city.

Zong Ze and the people around him exchanged glances, both feeling helpless.

Guo Hao captured two eunuchs and had them go in to help Zhao Ji out. By this time, he was already ashen-faced and dazed as he was pushed onto a palanquin.

Four soldiers stepped forward, picked up the imperial palanquin, and left.

Many soldiers were ecstatic at this moment, raising their arms and cheering.

Amidst the vast army and bathed in the flames, the people of Bianliang witnessed this scene firsthand.

Finally, a group of people arrived at the imperial city, and someone helped Zhao Ji down.

The eunuchs who were prostrating themselves at the door had already bowed their heads to the ground, their buttocks sticking up high, and they didn't dare to lift their heads.

Emperor Huizong had never experienced such an uncomfortable ride in the imperial carriage. It swayed and rocked so much that he would have beaten the porters to death on any other day.

Upon seeing the familiar yet unfamiliar palace, his face turned pale and then white, and he was drenched in sweat.

He has always been in good health, but tonight he only managed to walk a short distance before his bones felt weak and his muscles were sore, and he was covered in sweat.

When the father and son met in the main hall, Zhao Huan's tears immediately flowed again, and he burst into loud sobs.

Only then did Zhao Ji realize that he had probably misunderstood him, and that he hadn't meant to humiliate him.

He struggled to his feet and helped Zhao Huan up; the father and son faced each other in silence.

The chaos and turmoil they experienced tonight were something they had never imagined.

The ministers beside him also sighed inwardly, and many shed tears.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this is not the time for weeping. We should quickly quell the unrest and calm the people's hearts."

Li Gang stepped forward and spoke loudly.

This was the moment when he was most qualified to speak.

Emperor Huizong's hatred for him deepened even further.

He knew he had to relinquish all power tonight, or the soldiers outside wouldn't let him go.

When Tong Guan died, he had no military generals he could trust; when Liang Shicheng died, he had no civil officials he could use.

Because although he held power, he was too lazy to manage it and instead delegated it to his servants and close advisors.

When the moment came, Liang Shicheng was smashed to death, leaving him completely bewildered.

Finally, the two completed the handover of the imperial seal and military tally inside the palace.

Those who participated in this matter were all rewarded, and the soldiers were also given rewards.

Zong Ze was promoted to Academician of the Xianmo Pavilion and given the post of Deputy Privy Councilor.

Yuwen Xuzhong was appointed as the Deputy Envoy of Longde Palace, then promoted to the Privy Council, and finally appointed as Junior Minister.

Li Gang was granted the title of Duke of Cai, with a fief of 1,200 households and an actual fief of 700 households.

Wu Min was granted the title of Duke of Wei, with a fief of 1,200 households, of which 700 households were actually granted to him.

He was granted the title of Duke of Xu, with a fief of 1,200 households, of which 700 households were actually granted to him.

Yao Youzhong, Cao Meng, Yue Fei, Wang Shan, Liu Qi, Yang Yizhong, and Wang De—all those who participated in the event—each received a three-level promotion in martial rank.

Finally, Chen Shao was granted the title of Duke of Jin and promoted to Grand Tutor.

Cai Jing, having reached the point of no further promotion, returned to the position of prime minister.
-
In Taiyuan City.

Upon receiving the message from Bianliang, Chen Shao felt a moment of excitement.

"It should have been done long ago. If that scoundrel Zhao Ji were still in power, he would have killed us all sooner or later."

His words were outrageous, but everyone present was actually quite pleased.

Now that we've boarded the Dingnan Army's bandwagon, who will remain loyal to the Song Dynasty?

They were all happy to see Chen Shao commit such a rebellious act.

Because Chen Shao's ambition will take them to unprecedented heights.

"Tell Guo Hao not to leave the capital, and also to cultivate the power of the new army in the capital."

The new army of the capital was trained by Gao Qiu for Zhao Ji, and it should have been his most powerful weapon.

However, Emperor Huizong was only concerned with enjoying himself and refused to manage affairs or cultivate his confidants. He wouldn't even visit them occasionally to show his affection.

Who was Liu Qi?

His father, Liu Zhongwu, led Gao Qiu in a bloody massacre in the Hehuang region, successfully accumulating military merits for Gao Qiu.

This allowed Gao Qiu to be promoted to Palace Commander.

With such a relationship, a little effort in winning them over would easily yield a trusted military commander.

With power now evenly distributed within the court, one's own men can at least receive half of the supplies.

Chen Shao only asked for these things, leaving the rest to Zong Ze and the others, asking them to tie down some Jurchen troops in Hebei.

They don't even need to march north to reclaim Yan and Yun; they just need to ensure the Jurchen Tartars aren't completely unburdened by rear pressures and can focus all their efforts on fighting them. Of course, Chen Shao would welcome Zong Ze and Yue Fei if they wanted to go, but it seems they can't defeat the Jurchens in the short term.

Although the Song Dynasty's royal power had collapsed at this time, the centralized bureaucratic structure remained intact, and Bianliang still maintained control over the local governments in the southeast.

Unless there is an open rebellion in the local area, the government's orders in Bianliang can still be carried out legally and without hindrance, and those who resist will be dismissed and punished according to the law.

This is the most important point. If the Song Dynasty is destroyed by force, then countless manpower, material resources, and energy will have to be spent to rebuild it.

The Tartars won't give themselves much time.

Xu Jin asked again whether they needed to send more troops, but Chen Shao thought for a moment and decided that they already had enough troops.

Although Qu Duan had gathered some soldiers from Fuyan Road, he was really short of manpower.

Three thousand cavalrymen were sent out, and those were three thousand elite cavalrymen. Where could we find more troops to send?

Fortunately, Fuyan Road is actually right next to the Dingnan Army, especially this Yinzhou Army, and they were originally neighbors.

They felt no pressure after joining the Dingnan Army.

Thinking of the current alliance with Cai Jing, which can be considered temporary, Chen Shao smiled and asked, "How has Cai You been performing lately?"

“He stays at home and doesn’t come out, but I often hear him complaining that there are no courtesans in his mansion and that his food and drink are too poor.”

Chen Shao sneered, "This guy is used to enjoying life, he needs to suffer a bit too."

Cai Jing is old and it's uncertain how many more years he can live. What Chen Shao wants is not him, but Cai Jing's foundation in Bianliang City.

"Order Wei Li and Geng Nanzhong to advance eastward immediately and prepare for Bianliang City." Chen Shao glanced at Xu Jin and said, "How about you go back and oversee the rear?"

Xu Jin was somewhat reluctant. Although going back would bring him a high position and great power, there would be more and greater opportunities if he stayed by Chen Shao's side.

But upon closer examination, there was no better candidate. He nodded and said, "Your subordinate will obey the commander's orders."

Chen Shao had planned to send his men back to Bianliang City and begin exploiting Cai Jing's extinct descendants.

He just hadn't expected the coup to go so smoothly.

The Song Dynasty may have lost the hearts of the people long ago; otherwise, it would not have suffered such a crushing defeat in history, leaving it utterly powerless to resist.
-
The large mansion that Chen Shao arranged for the Cai family was actually very spacious.

However, due to the dismissal of many servants, the place appeared somewhat deserted at this time.

Cai You lay listlessly in the hammock, looking at the sky, which appeared deathly pale.

Life is so boring.
He had never lived such a life before, eating simple meals and wearing coarse linen clothes.
It was worse than death.

Behind him, his wife, Song, had vacant, mournful eyes, as well as worry about the future.

She did not come from a distinguished family, and after entering the Cai family, she always behaved properly and dutifully.

Cai You was indulging in debauchery outside, and she dared not utter a single word.

She only hoped that her husband's family was powerful and that she could raise her children peacefully. However, the Cai family's situation was already dire, and her own little family was even worse off. Apart from not starving, they were under close surveillance by local officials, just like being in prison.

At this moment, Madam Song noticed Princess Maode standing at the door, so she got up and took her out to the courtyard to talk.

Maode came in and greeted him, but Cai You only looked him up and down without responding or saying anything.

Although Maode was dissatisfied, there was nothing he could do; he was now the only man he could count on.

"Brother, could you please ask when we can finally meet the Prince Consort?"

Although Cai You grew up surrounded by beautiful women, his sister-in-law was indeed a rare beauty. Even in her current predicament, the gentleness in her demeanor and the slight sorrow between her brows were still stunning.

Nowadays, there are no conditions for skincare and maintenance, yet her skin is still as beautiful as jade. No wonder her fourth brother, even after arriving in the Northwest, still misses her dearly and always thinks about going home.

You may be pretty, but you can't expect me to go looking for trouble, or even get a beating.

Cai You now fears Chen Shao's name, and he understands why Chen Shao hates him so much. Before each attack, Chen Shao would berate him, simply because Chen Shao felt that he had stirred up public resentment in Hebei, causing the province to fall too quickly and affecting Cai You's campaign at the front.

When Maode told him to ask Chen Shao, Cai You didn't even lift his eyelids and said:
Why don't you ask him yourself?

Upon hearing this, Maode's expression changed, and he said angrily, "There are many inconveniences between men and women. Brother, as a man, the Cai family in Hedong is now relying on you."

"That scoundrel Chen Shao," Cai You cursed, then looked around with lingering fear and lowered his voice, "That scoundrel Chen Shao tricked us into coming to Taiyuan, probably for your sake. I heard he was originally a ravenous wolf, and must have heard about the princess's beauty long ago, which is why he deliberately injured my fourth brother."

“My whole family is so unlucky; we’ve all suffered because of you.”

"You!" Maode was on the verge of tears. Madam Song quickly stepped forward to comfort him. She dared not blame Cai You. She took Maode's hand and walked out.

Cai You didn't care at all. He didn't even know if he could save his own life, so why should he care about the princess?

Let me see Chen Shao. Do you think that living devil is so easy to see? You've scolded me too lightly!

Both Song and Maode looked somewhat embarrassed.

Once outside the courtyard, Madam Song whispered, "I know you're worried about your fourth brother, but there's really nothing we can do right now. Things are chaotic outside, unlike in the old days."

Song glanced at her sister-in-law and thought to herself that Cai You's words might actually make some sense. She even thought maliciously in her heart, "If the princess really does what Chen Shao wants, will life be a little easier in the future?"
Maode, with tears in his eyes, said, "Sister-in-law, what should I do?"

Hearing her voice, Madam Song felt guilty for her dark thoughts and quickly said:

"Chen Shao's two concubines were quite polite to us. Otherwise, we could ask them for information."

"That's all."
-
Chen Shao stood outside Taiyuan City, watching the groups of laborers.

Everyone knows that a fight is unlikely to break out this fall and winter.

It's not that they don't want to fight, it's that they're too tired to fight anymore.

Both sides are building up their strength; after fighting for so long, their resources have been depleted to an alarming degree.

Chen Shao has now completely blocked the Song Dynasty's path to paying reparations to Wanyan Zongwang. It remains to be seen whether Zongwang will be enraged and march south again.

On the way back, Liu Jizu, who had been accompanying him, suddenly exhaled and said, "Now that the General has been granted the title of Duke of Jin, he can actually move his family to Taiyuan."

Chen Shao glanced at him and noticed that all the officials from Hedong around him were looking at him with excitement.

Chen Shao chuckled and said, "It's too cold to travel far now. Let's wait until spring next year."

The people from Hedong couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

The Northwest, guarded by Wu Jie and with its own carefully constructed structure, was actually more secure than the present-day Hedong region.

That place was always his escape route.

Although the battle situation is gradually developing in his favor, Chen Shao always thinks about leaving himself a way out.

Even if defeated, they can retreat to recuperate and make a comeback.

Most importantly, the Dingnan Army's stronghold possesses a complete Hengshan defense line, making it impossible for anyone to easily breach it.

Those fortified villages scattered across mountains and plains would become the nightmare of invaders.

Upon returning to his residence, Chen Shao noticed that the courtyard was rather deserted. He asked around and learned that guests had arrived.

Chen Shao was quite pleased. Now that he had formed an alliance with the old scoundrel Cai Jing, he could relax his guard against Cai Jing's family.

He arrived at the front hall, where there was a screen covered with brocade, and he could faintly hear some women's voices.

When the maids saw him come in, they hurriedly went to serve him.

Chen Shaomai stepped in and, as expected, both Madam Song and Maode were there, and his two concubines were receiving them.

Upon seeing him enter, both host and guest rose and bowed in greeting, and Chen Shao returned the greeting.

The maids set out a feast, and after Chen Shao sat down, he smiled and said, "You two must have heard that Grand Tutor Cai and I have now joined forces, and from now on we are all on the same side."

Seeing that he was so easy to talk to today, and that it seemed that her father-in-law, who had lost power, had regained his authority, Maode had given up all hope for her father-in-law and the emperor.

"General Jie, my son-in-law..."

Chen Shao smiled and said, "The prince consort's injuries have almost healed. He will come with my family next spring. Please wait here patiently, Your Highness."

Maud was overjoyed to finally receive the news, and she was content with the fact that she would have to wait a while longer.

After all, there hadn't been a single message before.

They were still somewhat afraid of Chen Shao, who now held considerable military power and completely disregarded the imperial court.

We felt like we were being captured when we fell into his hands.

Chen Shao examined the two women closely. Mao De was indeed very beautiful, with a classic oval face that was considered the epitome of beauty.

Looking at her face alone, her facial features are round and smooth, and her entire face is very clean and symmetrical. Under her long eyebrows, her double-lidded eyes are bright and sparkling.

The woman next to me, surnamed Song, had drunk some wine that evening, and her face was flushed. Perhaps because of her sitting posture, her hips and buttocks were on full display, revealing their curves.

When Chen Shao was looking at Maode, he was simply admiring her. But when he saw the unintentional charm of this mature woman, he couldn't help but swallow.

In this era, girls married as young as thirteen or fourteen.

The woman in front of me, Ms. Song, didn't look old at all. She wasn't even middle-aged; she looked to be only in her thirties.

In the Song Dynasty, a woman in her thirties might already have grandchildren.

Having received the news, the two women decided not to stay any longer and soon got up to say goodbye.

Halfway there, a servant woman suddenly stopped them, saying that the general had something to discuss with them.

The two women immediately looked embarrassed; they had come after all.

Inside the flower hall, Madam Song held Maode's hand, sensing her anger and tension.

Mrs. Song whispered a comforting voice: "We're all under your roof."

"Stop talking!" Maode bit his lip. "I'd rather die than do anything to betray the Prince Consort!"

"Don't provoke him." Madam Song stroked her back, as if to calm her down. "Otherwise, we, and your nephews and nieces, will all be in danger. He's a military leader, uneducated, utterly devoid of morality, and he kills without batting an eye."

With tears welling up in her eyes, Song pleaded, "Please, I'm begging you!"

After saying that, she actually knelt down, and Maode quickly helped her up.

Madam Song whispered, "Besides his people, there are only two outsiders here, you and me. After you leave, your sister-in-law will definitely not tell anyone. Just think of it as being bitten by a mosquito."

"You! You!" Maode was so anxious he couldn't speak.

At this moment, a maid entered, blushing, and said, "Madam, my master requests your presence."

Both Song and Maode were stunned. The former pointed to himself, "Me?"

The maid nodded.

Maode blushed, her beautiful eyes filled with complex emotions. Song Shi, on the other hand, stood up abruptly, her chest heaving with anger, and muttered a very unpleasant curse.

Humiliation, anger, and surprise—all sorts of emotions mingled together in an instant.

"Don't even think about it!" Even though Song was usually timid, she couldn't help but curse at this moment.

Turning her head, she saw Maode staring at her angrily. Then she took a deep breath, her eyes filled with great dissatisfaction.

So when you were trying to persuade me, you talked a good game, but when it came to you, you became unwilling?
At this moment, Song was truly speechless with bitterness, wishing she could slap herself hard for saying such nonsense.

After a long day of running around, Chen Shao had his maids prepare hot water so he could relax comfortably in the bathtub.

He had been with many women, some because of love, some because of mutual benefit, but tonight was purely out of lust.

Ultimately, the arm can't twist the thigh.

Before long, Madam Song arrived late and entered the room to find Chen Shao taking a bath.

"Would you be willing to share my bed tonight, my lady?"

Song remained silent for a long time before finally speaking softly, "At my age, can I still catch the eye of the General?"

Chen Shao laughed and said, "If it weren't for Madam's sake, I would have killed Cai You's entire family long ago."

"do not want!"

Thinking of her children, Madam Song hesitated for a moment, then placed her slender fingers on her sash.

After removing the outer robe, there was a small jacket, and then the silk robe fell to the floor.

Cai You waited for a while, but Song Shi did not return, so he did not think much of it.

But a short while later, the people from the Marshal's Mansion brought Maode back.

He then became somewhat lost in thought.

During the long night, Cai You tossed and turned, unable to sleep, and cursed Chen Shao countless times.

The next morning, his wife still hadn't returned.

Instead, a few ordinary soldiers arrived.

They tossed Cai You a shovel and said, "Cai You, your job has come. Come with us to Mount Wutai to repair the road."

Cai You's eyes were bloodshot, and he opened his mouth to start cursing, but then he suddenly remembered the days when he was beaten.

He could only swallow back the curses he was about to unleash, bent down, picked up the shovel, and silently followed behind them. (End of Chapter)