After our homes were confiscated and we were exiled, the women in my clan and I raised a million sol

After hearing Zhang Liang's words, Zeng Guodong's facial expression kept changing, like clouds rolling and unrolling, complex and unpredictable.

Sometimes he frowned in thought, sometimes his eyes flickered, obviously weighing the deeper meaning of Zhang Liang's words and the possible consequences.

However, as time went on, his eyes gradually became firmer, as if he had made some kind of determination.

"Mr. Zhang is right!"

Zeng Guodong's voice revealed an unprecedented determination. He straightened his back and looked at Zhang Liang with bright eyes.

"Since we're all going to die anyway, why don't we give it a try and fight for a glimmer of hope? My lord, please accept my greeting!"

As he said this, Zeng Guodong was about to salute Zhang Liang to show his loyalty.

However, Zhang Liang quickly reached out and firmly grabbed his arm, stopping his movement.

"Master Zeng, there's no need to be so polite."

Zhang Liang's voice was gentle but firm. He looked Zeng Guodong in the eye and continued, "With a brave general like you helping me, I am even more powerful!"

Zeng Guodong felt a surge of warmth in his heart when he heard Zhang Liang's words. "Thank you for your trust, my lord! I will devote myself to this mission until my death, and I will never let you down!"

After Zeng Guodong surrendered, Zhang Liang turned his attention to Zeng Guodong's men standing around him.

He walked up to the crowd, his eyes firm and sincere as he said, "Brothers, what do you think?"

After hearing Zhang Liang's words, Zeng Guodong's men looked at each other and exchanged glances, obviously struggling fiercely in their hearts.

After all, rebellion is not a joke. If you fail, you will lose your head.

A few minutes later, the three men finally plucked up the courage and walked up to Zhang Liang with difficulty.

They clasped their fists and said with trembling voices, "I'm sorry, Master Zhang. We have elderly and young people at home, and this is simply too risky. Please forgive us for not being able to follow you. We choose to refuse."

After saying this, the three looked at Zhang Liang anxiously, waiting for his response.

When Zeng Guodong heard what his three subordinates said, his eyes were complicated.

He frowned, his eyes shifting between Zhang Liang and the three men, feeling mixed emotions.

He had already decided to follow Zhang Liang, so naturally he had to consider Zhang Liang's interests; however, these three men were also his brothers, and Zeng Guodong really couldn't force them to do anything.

For a moment, Zeng Guodong was caught in a dilemma. He didn't want to lose his loyal subordinates, but he also didn't want to violate his own principles.

Seeing Zeng Guodong's embarrassed look, Zhang Liang patted his shoulder and signaled him not to speak.

After all, this is not a novel. The protagonist can make countless people join his army with just a shake of his body.

It is also better for these people to leave, so that they don’t betray themselves because of some trivial matter.

Then he turned to the three people with a gentle smile on his face.

"Since you three are in trouble, I won't force you, but please don't tell anyone about our affairs."

The three men were visibly relieved after hearing Zhang Liang's words. They looked at Zhang Liang gratefully and said in unison, "Thank you, Master Zhang! Don't worry, we won't reveal a single word to anyone."

Zhang Liang nodded and looked at them with satisfaction: "Okay, I trust you, you can go now."

"Oh right! Let me remind you, if you don't want to die, take your family and run as far away as you can, to a place where no one can recognize you. Don't stay where you are."

The three men saluted again, then turned and left.

Looking at their backs, a complex emotion flashed in Zeng Guodong's eyes.

Zhang Liang glanced at the three people who left, and then looked at his four sisters-in-law.

At this time, they stood aside and watched all this quietly.

Zhang Liang took a deep breath and was about to say something, but he didn't expect his sister-in-law Qin Youlan to speak first.

"Uncle, you don't have to say it."

Qin Youlan's eyes were firm, and her voice revealed an unquestionable determination.

"I know what you're going to say! Once we marry into the Duke of Wu's mansion, we're its people. No matter what you do, we won't leave. We're its people in life, and its ghosts in death!"

After saying this, Qin Youlan's eyes became more determined, as if she was ready to live and die with the Wuguo Mansion.

When the other three sisters-in-law heard what the eldest sister-in-law said, their hearts seemed to be touched.

They looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

"Yes, uncle. We are already part of the Wuguo Mansion. No matter what happens, we will advance and retreat with the Wuguo Mansion."

Although my second sister-in-law Zhong Shu's tone was very gentle, it was surprisingly firm.

Third sister-in-law Wang Yuehan also said firmly: "Yes! We believe in uncle, we will always support your decision."

Although fourth sister-in-law Zhao Ruoruo didn't say anything, her eyes showed her thoughts.

When Zhang Liang heard what his sisters-in-law said, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart. It was a pity that his four elder brothers were killed by the tyrant emperor. Otherwise, he might have lived a happy life with his sisters-in-law.

"I understand. If it weren't for the sisters-in-law offering to leave, I wouldn't have let you leave."

After hearing Zhang Liang's words, Qin Youlan and the others finally showed a faint smile on their faces.

Just as Zeng Guodong asked Zhang Liang about the next step, Zhang Liang was lost in thought, thinking about how to deal with the current situation.

However, at this moment, the second sister-in-law Zhong Shu suddenly suggested: "Uncle, why don't we go to Jiangnan!"

Her voice was clear and firm, standing out in the silent air.

When everyone heard her words, they all turned their eyes to her, wanting to hear why she made this suggestion.

Seeing everyone looking at her, Zhong Shu immediately spoke up and explained the reason in detail: "There's a branch of my family named Zhong Tian who serves as the county magistrate in a county in the south of the Yangtze River. Zhong Tian's father was engaged in business and accumulated a huge fortune."

"And Zhong Tian himself has great respect for Duke Wu, calling him the pillar of the country. If your uncle wants to start a rebellion, perhaps he can help you."

Her words brightened everyone's eyes, as if they saw a glimmer of hope.

When Zhang Liang heard what Zhong Shu said, his brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Sister-in-law, I remember your brother... If we went to Jiangnan, would we get into trouble?"

His words were like a stone that caused a thousand ripples, instantly waking up Qin Youlan and the others.

Their expressions suddenly changed, and a trace of worry and fear flashed in their eyes.

After all, before being exiled, Zhong Shu's brother had come to the Duke of Wu's mansion to make trouble, threatening to offer Zhong Shu to the Fourth Prince.

If they went to Jiangnan, they would probably fall into deeper danger.

Zhong Shu heard everyone's concerns, smiled and waved her hand, then said to them, "I know what uncle is worried about, but don't worry, my branch is a man of integrity, but my brother is addicted to gambling and likes to curry favor with the powerful, so the two of them don't get along very well."

"So even if that branch doesn't help us, it definitely won't betray us."

Her tone was firm and confident, as if she was completely sure of her judgment.

Seeing this, Zhang Liang couldn't help but nodded.

"Since sister-in-law is so sure, let's go there!"

Zhang Liang said decisively, "But we definitely can't take the official road now. It would attract too much attention. Let's take a side road instead, trying to avoid the sight of the crowds and soldiers."

Zeng Guodong agreed: "My Lord, you are right. Although taking the small path is more arduous, it is easier to conceal your whereabouts and is safer."

Several others also expressed their support and agreement.

After cleaning up the scene, Zhang Liang and the others headed towards the trail.