The lush green trees provide ample shade on long summer days, and the reflections of pavilions and terraces are mirrored in the pond.
Sitting in the carriage, looking at the lush and verdant summer scenery outside the window, Chen Zhixiong stroked the stubble on his chin, his face full of contentment.
Especially the gentle breeze that blew through the curtains into the carriage, taking away the summer heat and adding a touch of coolness.
Chen Zhixiong also leaned back on the soft couch, leisurely dozing off, feeling quite content.
The carriage swayed as it continued its journey forward.
Sigh—
After traveling for an unknown amount of time, the coachman let out a long sigh and reined in the carriage.
The carriage swayed, waking Chen Zhixiong, who was inside.
"What happened?"
Chen Zhixiong asked lazily.
"Sir, the road ahead is blocked!"
The driver spoke up to remind him.
"This is the official road; who would dare block our way in broad daylight?"
Chen Zhixiong was somewhat angry. He lifted the curtain and peered ahead.
Not far in front of the carriage, two long horizontal bars stretched across the official road.
A banner was pasted on the crossbar, which read in large characters: "Danger, drive with caution".
Beside the crossbar sat another person, anxiously peering to the side.
What happened?
Chen Zhixiong was somewhat puzzled, and also a little angry.
Just as he was about to get out of the carriage to argue, Chen Zhixiong was shocked to see several horses galloping quickly towards him from the side of the official road.
Judging from the way the horses were struggling, it seemed they were pulling something.
Before long, several large carriages appeared in front of us, filled with dark-colored objects.
It looks like coal?
What is this for?
Chen Zhixiong was even more puzzled.
The horse-drawn carriage passed through the official road without stopping, going straight ahead.
Before long, the people on the official road put up a barrier, signaling to the waiting crowd that they could proceed.
Chen Zhixiong was stunned for a moment, unable to understand why he had to do this.
The coachman urged the horses forward, and as the carriage passed the crossbar, Chen Zhixiong specifically peered out and looked at the areas on both sides of the official road.
On both sides of the official road, four straight tracks lay across the ground, crossing the road and extending forward.
Beneath the tracks, there was a layer of wood, and underneath that, sand and gravel.
On the other side, several large carriages were gradually moving away.
The wheels under the large carriages were positioned precisely on the two tracks as they moved.
The design is quite ingenious!
Chen Zhixiong was stunned for a moment, somewhat confused as to why they would choose this road instead of the proper official road.
"Hurry, hurry!"
A person standing next to the crossbar shouted, "Don't linger near the tracks, be careful!"
The coachman cracked his whip, and the horses pulled the carriage forward.
After another fifteen minutes of travel, a colossal object came into view ahead.
"This...this is a city wall?"
Chen Zhixiong was also stunned. "When did Dongning City become so tall and imposing?"
It should be noted that Chen Zhixiong had also visited Dongning City a few years ago. At that time, Dongning City was small and dilapidated, barely qualifying as the capital of Dongning Province.
Now, Dongning City is just like a big city!
It is even taller and more majestic than Liaoyang City!
It's unbelievable!
Even if you don't believe it, the large characters on the city gate tower are very eye-catching—Dongning City!
It seems that His Highness Prince Xin is having a pretty good time in Dongning City!
In less than a year, Dongning City has been completely renovated, which is truly amazing!
"Let's go into town!"
Chen Zhixiong said in a deep voice.
The carriage moved forward, heading towards the city gate.
As they approached Dongning City, Chen Zhixiong was surprised to see horse-drawn carriages once again on one side of the city.
Several carriages were parked on the open ground, with the black coal inside spilled onto the ground.
Meanwhile, several horses pulled empty carriages along the tracks on the ground, heading into the distance.
These tracks seem to have been specially prepared for this kind of horse-drawn carriage!
That's a different approach!
Before Chen Zhixiong could react, the carriage had already arrived at the city gate.
Several women in uniforms reached out and stopped the carriage, their delicate voices saying, "Stop the carriage, please submit to inspection!"
His words were polite, unlike those of a city gate soldier at any other city gate.
The coachman took out the travel document, handed it to a woman, and said, "We are envoys sent by the Liao Prince's Palace to meet His Highness Prince Xin!"
Please inform them!
"An envoy from the King of Liao?"
The woman paused for a moment, flipped through the travel document in her hand, and after examining it carefully, said, "Please wait a moment while I go and inform my superior."
Not long after, a woman walked over, looked at the carriages, and asked, "Are you envoys of the King of Liao?"
According to regulations, please cooperate with our inspection.
Captain Bai has already instructed us that once you arrive, he will take you to the Dongning Inn to rest.
Immediately, the Liao king's envoy and his entourage cooperated in the inspection.
After the inspection was completed, the female security guards led Chen Zhixiong and his group toward the Dongning Inn.
After entering the city, Chen Zhixiong was even more shocked.
On the city's spacious open spaces, various construction sites are bustling with activity.
On the western side of the city, near the Shuibin River, stands a huge chimney, billowing black smoke.
Several horse-drawn carriages transported coal and ore to an open area near the chimney, unloaded the goods, and then drove away.
In the eastern part of the city, rows of new houses are under construction, with uniform layouts and warm colors.
On the streets, people were coming and going, carrying their own things, all working hard and not a single lazy person was seen.
Accompanied by the clanging sounds, Chen Zhixiong and his group moved through the city.
After walking for a while, we approached the old town of Dongning.
On the edge of the old town stands a new three-story building.
In front of the building hangs a banner that clearly reads "Dongning Inn".
“Distinguished envoys,”
The female security guard gestured and said, "Please come in!"
The Prince Xin's Mansion has prepared accommodations for everyone. There are several rooms on the third floor, which are ready.
Since you are new envoys, please take a rest first.
The prince has instructed that he will receive you all again tomorrow.
"Alright!"
Chen Zhixiong and the others nodded.
After parking the carriage in the courtyard behind the inn, the group went up to the third floor of the Dongning Inn.
The room was spacious and bright, with a high vantage point and a good view.
Standing by the window, you can see what Dongning City looks like.
In the houses ahead, people were busy at work, seemingly making something.
At the location of those enormous chimneys, workers were carrying a massive, jet-black object.
I wonder what Dongning City has produced this time?
On a wide, flat open space in the northeast, rows of soldiers were training.
At a glance, the entire appearance of Dongning City can be seen.
It's truly shocking and amazing!
Is this still the Dongning City of the past?
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