"Road pass," said the soldier guarding the city gate.
The man watched the group of people disappear into the distance. His gaze fell on thirteen-year-old Qiao Lian'er, dark and gloomy. His fingers slowly tightened, and he didn't hear the soldier's words for a moment.
"What are you looking at? That's a county princess bestowed by the Emperor himself, a woman of noble status. How dare you stare at her like that?" the soldier shouted, drawing his sword with a swift motion.
Just as the sword was about to be pointed at him, the man quickly came to his senses. His expressionless, or rather, indescribable face revealed a fawning expression, which looked somewhat eerie.
"Sir, I apologize. I didn't mean to. It's just that this is my first time in the capital and I've never seen such important people before. I couldn't help but take a few extra glances out of curiosity."
As he spoke, he handed over the road sign.
A travel permit is a document required to pass through each pass and enter each city. It is closely related to household registration and usually requires approval from the village head first.
However, as long as you're willing to spend the money, nothing is difficult.
The city gate soldier glanced at it, snorted, and handed it back.
"Once you enter the city, you'd better watch your eyes. If you dare to disrespect someone important, having your eyes gouged out is the least of your worries; you might even lose your life."
"Yes, yes, I have learned my lesson," the man quickly replied, his voice hoarse, as if he had swallowed burning coals.
The two, one big and one small, walked down the main street, looking around with amazement in their eyes.
"The capital is truly a wonderful place," the man said, a glint of malice flashing in his eyes. "You little slut, you're so lucky. Now you're suddenly someone of importance in the capital. You'd better strive for success. Once you pass the imperial examination, our good fortune will follow. Then—"
His tone grew colder, and he narrowed his eyes.
The child listened silently and nodded.
"Father, I want to go to a good school in the capital. Only in this way can I receive a good education."
"Alright, I'll read it to you. With my abilities, I can find a high-ranking family or work as a staff officer in the military, and you won't lack food or clothing. I can support you completely."
The man had made up his mind to climb the social ladder with all his might and become a superior person. When the time came, he would not only deal with that mother and daughter, but he would also go back to that place and let those people know the consequences of looking down on him.
Now, he has transformed himself, as if he were living his life all over again, and a smooth road lies ahead of him.
After returning to the Pei residence and taking a nap, the two brothers accompanied the three siblings to the theater to see the spring flower exhibition, watch acrobatics, and play Cuju (ancient Chinese football). In the evening, they went to a specialty restaurant in the capital and ordered a table full of gourmet food.
The prosperity of the capital is dazzling, but after a day, you can only experience a small part of it.
People never feel tired when faced with new things, and even when they returned to the Pei residence late at night, everyone's enthusiasm remained undiminished.
"Young Master, I need a caravan to deliver grain seeds and other supplies to Shiquan Village tomorrow. I also need a few clever servants. I will teach them what they need to know, and then they can teach the villagers," Qiao Lian'er said.
"Alright, it's best to get ready tonight and set off at dawn, since there are too many people and too many eyes in the capital."
The carriage caravan arrived quickly. The large cargo wagons stopped in front of Qiao Lian'er's courtyard, and Pei Zhujin asked everyone to leave.
Qiao Lian'er filled the supplies, clapped her hands, and got off the last carriage.
Pei Zhujin beckoned, and the chosen servants arrived.
"Don't ask anything, just do as I tell you. Anyone who dares to say a word more will be in for a world of hurt." His usually gentle face now had a touch of frosty coldness.
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