Then, Ye Wenzheng was sent to inquire about the recent events. Fortunately, the head escort Lu felt a sense of guilt over Dongzi's matters, so he did not hide the information about the road from Ye Wenzheng.
It was then they found out that bandits also chose their victims wisely, robbing only those who were passing by occasionally, while regular travelers had their own particular ways of making contact. As long as they paid protection money, they could pass safely.
However, there was also reason in this approach. If the bandits robbed too often, and no one traveled that road anymore, they, too, would starve. Nowadays, by following the unwritten rules—one side seeking money, the other safety—it was considered a win-win situation!
After a whole six or seven days, passing through several towns, Ye Jiu and Ye Wenzheng continued to sell their goods while seeking news of Ye Gaosheng.
