The first stop made was at a small village right outside the train station. The village was completely white to the eyes, almost as if there had been a snowstorm.
As Yu Han laid his eyes upon the snow-stricken village, he wondered why the weather was so poor everywhere he went. Villagers could be seen struggling with basic tasks. So many of them were just busy clearing out pathways of snow.
Lei Chen glanced back at the two, "You guys can find a restaurant and chill there for a while. I'll join you after I'm done with work."
Yu Han narrowed his eyes, "We'll just help you out," he insisted.
"We?" Sun Kang cleared his throat.
Yu Han glanced at Sun Kang judgmentally, making him sheepishly nod in agreement.
"You really don't have to," Lei Chen chuckled.
"It'll be faster with more people," Yu Han insisted, "Let us help you out."
Lei Chen nodded and handed out papers to both of them. The papers had multiple health assessment questions on it. Their job was to go around and note the answers of passersby.
Yu Han only offered to help because he wanted to know if Lei Chen truly wanted to do his job. He couldn't risk having Lei Chen plot an assassination behind his back. Looking at the papers and the questions, it seemed Lei Chen was as normal as anyone could get.
The three then walked around the village, asking the villagers about their health and the healthcare provided to their village.
Most villagers had a positive response regarding health and the healthcare system. Some had minor complaints, but no one mentioned anything major. One would think the government paid them to say positive things only.
How could such terrible weather render such healthy individuals? How was the system not faulty at all? The environment and weather had to have some sort of drawbacks to the healthcare system. Yet, all the answers on the papers turned out positive.
After work, all three young men met at a restaurant and ordered a hearty meal.
"While we wait for our meal, let's discuss our findings," Lei Chen uttered as he pressed his papers flat on the table.
"I found nothing," Sun Kang replied instantly, only having Lei Chen turn to Yu Han.
Yu Han shook his head as well. There was nothing significant to report. Their notes all looked the same, almost as if the villagers had preplanned what to say to health assessment officers. Yu Han wondered if he was too skeptical and thinking too much about it. Maybe Zaohua enjoyed a perfect healthcare system.
"Strange," Lei Chen uttered as he started going through each report, "Why do their answers sound preplanned?"
Yu Han's eyes widened, "I… I was thinking the same thing just now. Then I wondered if I was just overthinking."
"I've received reports about this village having the highest death rate around Zaohua. The public statement doesn't match my reports. You're not overthinking. This is worth investigating."
Sun Kang hummed, "If I remember correctly, this village used to be a war ground between us and the Other Side."
The Other Side was mentioned again. Yu Han remembered it was the neighboring country that was Zaohua's sworn enemy. It made the health assessment even more suspicious. Why did a previously known war ground suddenly prosper?
"If we submit these false statements, the government will never issue an investigation," Lei Chen uttered, "We need to have at least one villager mention a major issue." he glanced at Yu Han, "Sorry buddy, it seems we'll have to stay here longer."
Normally, Yu Han would have been angry and uncomfortable. But leaving a potential threat behind seemed too selfish even for someone who had a ticking bomb body.
"I don't mind," Yu Han uttered with confidence, instantly regretting saying that, "I mean… I do. But it's worse to walk away without doing anything."
Lei Chen chuckled, "Thanks for being honest. I understand you must arrive at Zhongping State as soon as possible, but your wounds still need to be tended to. I promise after you completely recover, I won't hold you back."
"Also, I'm the escort," Sun Kang added, "If your superiors question you, just blame it on me."
"That's right. You don't have to worry about the aftermath," Lei Chen smiled, "The fact you're willing to help us is more than enough on your part."
Yu Han nervously backed in his chair, "Technically, we wouldn't consider this help. It's more like… paying rent. You know?"
Lei Chen and Sun Kang both burst into laughter. Yu Han owed them a bunch of money for travel and food expenses. Helping them out was like paying them back. He couldn't whine or complain about things that must be done.
"Don't worry about that," Sun Kang playfully slapped Yu Han's shoulder, "You lost your escort group that the government paid for. Later you joined us, another escort group. The government is paying for this, so relax."
Yu Han finally relaxed himself and chuckled alongside them. Although he was still afraid, he felt like they were trustworthy. He felt like he could tell them who he was and why he was headed to the Capital. He suppressed the sudden urge to overshare as soon as it struck him.
When food was served, Yu Han was reminded of Longwei whom he left behind. So much had happened, yet he hadn't had the time to process his emotions.
"Say, how well-trained would an Emperor's bodyguard be?" he randomly asked while eating.
Both Lei Chen and Sun Kang shared glances.
"I suppose he's 10 times better than me," Sun Kang chuckled, "Was he the one escorting you?" he asked before humming to think, "Was it… Liu Longwei? I don't remember."
Yu Han was surprised that Sun Kang guessed who it was right away, "That's right. He was escorting me."
"If you're worried about him, don't be. He's His Majesty's bodyguard for a reason. He must be fine," Sun Kang assured him, "But damn, Mr. Liu escorting you means you are a big shot. Don't forget to praise me in front of your superiors."
Lei Chen burst into laughter and playfully punched Sun Kang, "He's just messing with you. Don't take him seriously. We meant it when we said we don't want to look into you. After all, if the government asks you to hide your identity, you should do just that by all means."
Yu Han was pleasantly surprised at how they took his sudden revelation. He was a little at ease upon hearing that Longwei would be fine. Although he hadn't spent much time with Longwei, he looked up to him as an elder. Now that he was assured that Longwei was safe, he was willing to help the two young men in their quests as well. What more could he lose?