The next day, with the sun up, everyone started moving. The guards were urging everyone to hurry up so they could be out of the forest before nightfall. As they walked, Mu Wei kept an eye on the surroundings to avoid any sudden sneak attacks.
Just as they arrived at a deserted area which was the exit to the main road, Su Xiao felt something was off. Immediately, she yelled out a stop but it was a step too late. The people marching in the front were suddenly swallowed by the swamp in front. The ground covered in a thick layer of bright green duckweed and glowing flora was actually a dense swamp in disguise.
The rest immediately retreated back in horror. She jumped out of the carriage and walked further to examine the place. They were currently in a safe area for now. The swamp was large covering almost the entire way to exit the Forest. To determine the depth, she threw a cloth she filled with stones and it sank without hesitation.
The crowd was already wailing in despair. Mu Wei looked at her with a worried expression and kids were no better. Watching people vanish like that was a disturbing sight. She immediately thought of an idea. Turning to the shouting crowd, she eased their mind.
"Calm down everyone. There is a way to get across"
The despaired crowd were stunned by her words. Quickly turning to her, they demanded if she was serious.
"Yes. I'm sure about it, but I need everyone's cooperation to do this"
Immediately they started ranting out their promises and assurance as long as their was a way. Seeing everyone slowly calmed down, she laid out her plan. Mu Wei was by her side to know what she needed. She took out her bag pretending to look for something and took out a grappling book. She assigned everyone to get a rope makeshift.
When everything was complete. She tied one end of the rope to a tree nearby and with the help of Mu Wei made sure it was secure. Then using the grappling hook, she swung to a tree at the other side and landed safely. Everyone could only stare at her in stunned silence. Su Xiao ignored their glances and swiftly tied the rope to the other side securely too. After making sure it was strong and secure, she swung back to the place they gathered. With that, she created a Zipline bridge.
"Everything is done. The plan is simple, we distribute our weight and cross using this rope"
Everyone stared at her like she had lost her mind. She swiftly took out the heavy loads and tied it to her back, with the grappling hook, she arrived at the other side and dropped it. After doing it three times, their properties were secure on the other end. The carriage couldn't be taken so she drove it inside the forest and 'hid' it.
"Everyone needs to pick only their important properties to avoid putting too much weight on the rope. The rest should be left behind"
Everyone was instantly agitated and infuriated,
"Why do we have to abandon our properties while you get yours?"
"Yeah. We refuse"
"Mrs Su, why don't you use the same method to get everyone's loads over"
"Yeah. Or you could give us the stuff so we can do it ourselves"
Mu Wei by the side turned cold. He understood her plans and intentions. His wife was too kind, caring about everyone not knowing how selfish people were. He turned to the crowd,
"It's up to you whether you want to leave it here or not. But my wife will not help anyone more than this"
The crowd fell silent. The intimidating aura coming from him was no joke. The could only mutter inherently but no one paid them attention. The first to cross was Lu Dan. Following Su Xiao's instructions he distributed his weight using her knowledge of weight mass distribution and successfully got to the other line in ten minutes. Seeing someone safely cross, everyone became excited.
Sister Bai was next, then her husband. Su Xiao then, carried one of the twin safely across first. Then came Mu Wei with the other twin. Everyone immediately scrambled to keep their things and follow behind to avoid being left out . One by one, they calmly and quietly crossed. The last person refused to listen and carried his load over, as he walked to the middle, the rope finally snapped and he sank immediately. Those who regretted not carrying their stuff over breathed a sigh of relief for listening.
Those with minor belongings carried it and everyone fell in line. They began their work once again. After five hours, they could finally see the road from afar. Like a thirsty man finding an oasis, they walked more faster and finally stepped into the road. Some broke out in tears of relief, others cursed to the heavens, while some mourned their loved ones. The guards allowed them to vent and adjust their emotions as they too calm down.
In all their years of escorting exiles, this was their toughest year ever. If not for Mrs Su, they would have surely perished many times. Meanwhile, Su Xiao and Mu Wei looked at each other and understood the gravity of the situation. It was time to be on high alert, one mistake and they were dead. In the forest, it was not easy to ambush them, but here out in the open with the enemies lurking around was dangerous.
Mu Wei immediately went to warn Lu Dan and Lu Tui alongside Shi Dong. She pulled Bai Ling close and reminded her to be alert. Holding the kids tightly, they continued on their way. They would get to the Xin City tomorrow and then the Northern wilderness in three days marking the end of this hellish journey. After walking for more three hours, everyone was set to camp and rest. Mu Wei and the other men took turns rotating throughout out the night ensuring everyone was properly rested.
The next morning, she prepared some roasted potatoes to avoid attracting attention and the journey continued. This time they covered the road before finally arriving at the City. It was a huge city with a huge gate. There was long queue with people showing their household registration and paying silver to go inside.
"This is probably the last time we can buy something, so we have to buy a lot"
Everyone shared the same idea and discreetly took out the money they had hidden to buy things. The guards arranged for each person from a household to enter to avoid them from escaping. Su Xiao was the one to go inside, while the rest waited outside.