Even Sparrows Have the Aspirations of Swans

The camp was bustling with noise as Luo Yu's soldiers packed their bags, preparing to move out. Shen Li stood nervously before Luo Yu:

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes." Luo Yu said softly:

"The battle at Yunyang Pass is over. The Jun family gave me a city. The Qiang have retreated, so it's safe here for now. You can choose to stay in Yunyang Pass or go live inland.

I suggest you go inland. It's safer than the border."

According to their agreement, the refugees would work for Luo Yu, who would take them to safety. Now that the fighting was over, it was time for the refugees to find their own way.

"Can I go with you?"

Shen Li hesitated for a long time before speaking her mind:

"Everyone wants to follow you. We don't trust anyone else. Just like before, we'll help you work and do chores, as long as we have food to eat."

In the distance, dozens of refugees looked on eagerly, too afraid to speak, fearing Luo Yu would abandon them. Initially, there were only a dozen slave-born refugees in the camp, but with the addition of Lü Qingyun and others, more refugees joined as Shen Li's group settled in well. They did many of the camp's odd jobs, allowing soldiers to focus on fighting and training.

"Everyone's following me?"

Luo Yu hesitated: "Cangqi is only two hundred miles from the border. If the Qiang invade one day, the war will eventually reach there. Following me isn't safe."

"We're not afraid!"

Shen Li hugged the little axe in her arms:

"Everyone says they feel safe with you. As long as you're there, we're not afraid of anything. And since you have a city, you'll need people to help work and do chores. We can definitely help.

Please, can we come with you?"

Her bright eyes shone with urgency, and her pretty face made Luo Yu feel something stir in his heart. He nodded:

"Alright, you can come with me. But let's be clear: just like before, only those who work get food. If anyone slacks off, don't blame me for being harsh."

"Got it, got it, you're so naggy."

Shen Li ran off excitedly before he finished, waving to the crowd:

"Quick, pack your bags! We're going with Captain Luo!"

"Yay!"

"Everyone hurry up, ha ha!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. Luo Yu felt helpless. He didn't know when these refugees had started to follow his every word and trust him completely. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not.

"Jun family gave you three choices, and you picked the hardest one."

Xiao Shaoyou's voice came from behind, along with Han Shuo. Both had strange expressions.

"The hardest one?" Luo Yu asked curiously: "Why?"

Xiao Shaoyou chuckled:

"Killing Wanyan Chang was a great achievement. The court might grant you an official position and a large reward, making you a prominent figure in Yunyang Pass. Joining the Jun family would be even better, with Jun Muzhu's favor, you'd surely rise quickly.

But you chose to be a small city lord. In the future, you'll have to handle everything yourself - troops, supplies, money. No one will help you.

Of course, that's the hardest path."

"One step at a time, we'll figure it out."

Luo Yu wasn't concerned: "Didn't you say before that neither the court nor the noble families can be relied upon? To avoid being someone else's pawn, to survive in this chaotic world, we must be in control."

This was why Luo Yu refused to join any side - he wanted to be in control!

"Haha, I knew you would."

Xiao Shaoyou laughed, looking at the busy camp:

"How about Han Captain and I follow you?"

"Us too."

Luo Yu was stunned:

"You're following me? Giving up your official position? That comes with salary and military pay."

"A mere centurion, I don't care."

Xiao Shaoyou grinned: "Though I wanted you to be my subordinate before, after this month I realized you're better suited to lead. So I decided to follow you. Aren't we friends? If you're in charge, it's as good as me being in charge.

When you become successful, you won't forget about me, right?"

Xiao Shaoyou half-joked, but he spoke his true thoughts - he knew only by following Luo Yu could they build an iron-blooded army to avenge his parents.

"I won't bother explaining. You know why I'm following you."

Han Shuo waved his hand indifferently. Though he didn't know Luo Yu's relationship with Wu Chengliang, he knew following Luo Yu was the right choice.

"Huh? Why?"

Xiao Shaoyou was puzzled. Something seemed strange between these two.

Han Shuo rolled his eyes: "He can brew alcohol. Following him means good drinks!"

"Haha, that's right."

Xiao Shaoyou laughed, pulling Han Shuo away. He left one last sentence:

"Let's go ask our men. Those who want to follow you can come. Since you're a city lord now, more troops are better. It's settled!"

Luo Yu was speechless. Xiao Shaoyou had once threatened to die to make him a subordinate. Now he was eager to join. This guy was...

A good sword.

But he did need help. Xiao Shaoyou was capable and quick-witted, while Han Shuo was steady and experienced. They would definitely be a big help.

"Fine, follow if you want."

Luo Yu walked leisurely to the barracks: "From farmer to master."

...

In the early morning, the long-awaited warm sun rose above the clouds, bringing warmth to the earth.

The city walls of Yunyang Pass were adorned with military banners. A group of over four hundred people marched out of the east gate, heading down the main road.

Outside the pass, sand and wind whipped at the tattered banners. Along the eastbound road, wildflowers began to bloom, signaling the arrival of spring.

The soldiers under the three men, the slave-born refugees, and even some civilians from the city joined the group. These people had entrusted their lives to Luo Yu.

Luo Yu stopped on the main road, looking back at Yunyang Pass with a sigh.

More than two months ago, he had joined the army here alone. Now he was leaving with hundreds of people. Such a change was truly remarkable.

In the distance, he saw a figure in black robes waving goodbye.

"Strange guy."

Luo Yu muttered, urging his horse forward:

"Let's go. We'll come back someday."

The hundreds of people gradually disappeared into the distance, vanishing at the horizon.

Jun Muzhu stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze thoughtful:

"Who would have thought this guy could take so many people with him. He has quite the influence."

The old steward beside him said softly:

"If you really appreciate this person, you could force him into your service. With the Jun family's authority, who in Longxi would dare say no?"

"What's the point? A forced marriage isn't sweet."

Jun Muzhu smiled:

"This prince wants him to willingly submit to me. Does he really think being a city lord is that easy? After he suffers a few setbacks, he'll realize joining the Jun family is his best choice."

"But he renamed Qi City to Cangqi, using the character for 'people.' Isn't that a bit presumptuous?"

"You don't understand."

Jun Muzhu's gaze sharpened:

"Even sparrows have the aspirations of swans."

"This person will surely become great!"