Chapter 28 Chapter 28 Arrival at Longshuo
We set out on the journey on June 23rd, and after seventeen days and nights of trekking, we finally arrived safely in Longshuo City on July 10th.
"Driver Liu, and all the other brothers, we've relied heavily on your care along the way. I'd like to thank you in advance. Did Brother Lin give any instructions for your return trip?"
Lan Nongnong stopped the carriage at Sanli Pavilion outside Longshuo City. Fearing that she might bump into Yao Jing by chance, she raised her fingertips slightly, lifted the blue cloth curtain just a palm's width, leaned against the window, and whispered outside,
"To answer the girl,"
The leading guard clasped his fists and bowed, "The master only instructed us to protect the young lady. As for the return date..."
He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, saying, "There's no set time limit."
"That's great. Since there's no rush to return, you might as well rest up a bit in Longshuo. Now that your escort duties have been successfully completed, you can take a break for a while. Once you've rested up enough, it won't be too late to set off again."
Wu An and his companions were all carefully trained guards of the Lin Mansion, each skilled in martial arts. This time, escorting Miss Lan to the capital alone was a relaxing undertaking. Miss Lan was kind and not only constantly reminded them to rest, but also meticulously arranged food and lodging along the way. As a result, the journey felt like a leisurely journey, and they didn't even notice the strain of escorting her.
"Thank you for your consideration, young lady. This is all our duty as guards. Before we left, the young master specifically instructed us to wait until you are settled in Longshuo, have met the people you need to meet, and everything is going smoothly before we can return."
Lan Nongnong suddenly smiled, her voice as clear as spring water hitting jade, and she couldn't hide her joy. "Then I'll have to trouble you all for a few more days. Let's go into the city now!"
Wu An responded loudly outside the car, "I understand the order!", then whipped his horse to the head of the team and called on everyone to gallop towards the city gate.
*
Longshuo City was worthy of being the emperor's capital. The twelve gates leading into the city alone were magnificent. Each gate had two entrances, with a vermilion-painted carriageway and a bluestone walkway clearly separated.
The official who checked the pass stood as solemn as a pine tree. Although his expression was stern and he said nothing, he was as swift as a hawk when checking the documents. He could tell the authenticity of the red seal and the strength of the handwriting in an instant.
Although the queues of carriages and pedestrians entering the city formed a long, winding line, they flowed in an orderly fashion, without a trace of congestion. On either side of the city gate, armored guards stood with halberds in hand, the cold gleam of their spears juxtaposing the icy glow of their armor.
Those faces, tempered by the scorching sun, looked as if they were carved by knives and axes, and their eyes were like unsheathed sharp blades, fully displaying the emperor's majestic majesty.
Lan Nongnong answered all the questions, verified her identity, and after paying the road tax, she wrote her elegant handwriting on the road permit. After receiving the household registration plate with the seal of Longshuo Prefecture and re-boarding the carriage, she quietly breathed a sigh of relief. The rules under the emperor's feet were indeed more than ten times stricter than those in the prefectures.
As soon as I entered the city gate, the clamor of people rushed in like a tidal wave. Compared with this place, the prosperity of Yuqing City was like a stream compared to the sea. The former was only a small town with a population of tens of thousands, while Longshuo, as the capital of the emperor, had a permanent population of over one million.
Talented people from all over the country and merchants from all directions all flocked to the city like rivers flowing into the sea.
*
I originally thought that in such a big city, it would be easy to find a clean and spacious inn. However, after entering the city, I asked several inns and it took me more than half an hour to find an inn with rooms available.
After asking the waiter, I learned that the Red Di envoys would soon come to the capital to pay homage. Merchants from all over the country had already heard the news and had prepared a full load of goods, waiting for the gold and silver in the bags of the Red Di envoys.
After hearing this, Lan Nongnong's eyes lit up. Although she often saw merchants traveling back and forth in Yuqing, this was the first time she had encountered a formal Di delegation.
It was understood that since Emperor Wu Sheng took the throne, the country had enjoyed peace for decades. The Chidi tribe that had recently arrived in Beijing were one of the many tribes that had surrendered.
The Sheng Hui Dian manuscript records that only on national celebrations like the Emperor's birthday or the crown prince's wedding would foreign nations send envoys to pay tribute. She wondered if her visit to the capital this time would allow her to witness the grand spectacle of nations paying tribute.
After two days of rest and refreshment, I went to find Yao Jing and asked...
Although the carriage was comfortable, it was ultimately no match for a proper bed. After a quick wash and a rest, he leaned against the pillow and pondered for a while before his eyelids felt like lead, and he drifted off into a deep sleep.
*
Lan Nongnong was still dazed when she was startled awake by a knock on the door. The house was dark, but the light from the street lanterns outside the window shone through the carved lattices, casting patches of color on the ground.
The voices of people, the sound of horses' hooves, and the sound of the night watch, all mixed together and poured into her ears. She sat by the bed in a daze for a long time before she suddenly realized that she was already in Longshuo City.
After Wu An brought the dinner in a food box, he bowed and took his leave to drink sake with his brothers.
Lan Nongnong was sitting alone in the room, eating a bowl of lotus leaf soup with a spoon. Suddenly, she heard a lot of noise outside the window. She stood up and looked out the window. Suddenly, her eyes lit up and she saw the lanterns on both sides of the long street falling to the ground like colorful stars.
Fading gauze lanterns hung in front of the vermilion lacquered shops, snow-white fish-shaped lanterns dangled from the eaves of the taverns, and the revolving lanterns depicted continuous mountains and rivers. Thousands of bright lights, like stars falling to the ground, wound for several miles along the Thousand Lights Imperial Street.
The torrent of lights was like two dragons with glittering golden scales, tearing a dazzling gap in the night. It was truly dazzling and magnificent.
*
Lan Nongnong did not step out of the inn. Firstly, she suddenly relaxed, and the accumulated fatigue of many days flooded over her limbs like a tide, and she was too lazy to even lift her fingertips. Secondly, she had been sleeping in the open air for more than ten days. Even though she wore a veil and applied jasmine cream for protection, the wind and dust in the wild still rubbed her skin slightly red.
Looking at myself in the mirror at this moment, I am indeed a little rougher than when I left.
Shopping and enjoying the scenery is no big deal, but if you accidentally run into Yao Jing describing it like this, it would be extremely inappropriate.
Fortunately, she had prepared well. She asked the waiter for some hot water, then took out some aloe vera gel and other ingredients from her package and made a homemade hydrating facial mask. After a bath, she washed away all the dust and dirt, and her youthful, fresh skin regained its radiance. Then she tucked in her quilt and fell into a deep sleep.
At daybreak the next day, Lan Nongnong finished writing letters home: one to her aunts, one to Brother Lin, and one to Aunt Liu. She asked Wu An to help deliver them to the post station. After that, she rested in her room and did not leave the room for two days.
She didn't know that she had deliberately created confusion to keep the secret, and deliberately took a detour to Gucheng. Wu An replaced Long Shuo's travel permit with the Lin family's business permit, which deceived so many people, caused so much speculation, and consumed so much manpower and resources.
On the third day, he felt that his spirits and complexion had recovered 80% of their normal state. He could no longer bear the torment of not being able to see his fellow townsmen, so he put on the new plain gauze veil hat that he had asked the waiter to buy for him, asked Wu An to lead the way, and headed towards the mansion that he had already known by heart.
With her veil covering her face so no one could recognize her, Lan Nongnong walked briskly through the streets, looking around as she went. Every time her eyes swept across the rows of shops, she would secretly compare them with Yuqing. If she hadn't been thinking of something important to do, she would have wanted to go in and take a look.
You can also take the opportunity to see if her dolls are sold in Longshuo. Even if they are imitations, it can be said that this toy has become popular. Sister Wen Niang may have the opportunity to open a branch here in the future.
The heat in Longshuo was scorching. Lan Nongnong fanned herself frequently from within her veiled hat, yet sweat still soaked through her silk clothes. If she had known it would be so scorching, she would have followed Brother Wu's advice and taken the carriage.
As she neared his house, her steps slowed involuntarily. The tips of her embroidered shoes scraped against the bluestone pavement, as if the soles had suddenly been filled with lead.
There was an indescribable feeling in my heart. It was clearly what I wanted, but now that it happened, I hesitated.
On the way here, she had rehearsed dozens of scenarios of meeting him in her mind, but when the moment of meeting finally came, she felt that every one of them seemed unsatisfactory.
The house was not moving, but the steps did not stop. No matter how much hesitation there was, it finally arrived.
Lan Nongnong looked up through the veil. The ancients emphasized that when choosing a place to live, nobles should prioritize quiet and secluded places.
Although Yao Jing was a merchant, according to Brother Lin's investigations, his apparent wealth indicated a substantial family background. Since ancient times, wealth and status have been intertwined; possessing vast wealth naturally confers power. And the Sheng Dynasty, as she had known it, was not an era that relegated merchants to the lower ranks.
The mansion before me stood secluded from the hustle and bustle, aloof and isolated. Its vermilion-lacquered gate stood tall, majestic, its bronze animal-head rings gleaming like new. Two pavilion-shaped wooden lanterns hung from the eaves, their eaves visible amidst the green bricks and red tiles. Flanking stone lions glared furiously, embodying a sense of wealth without extravagance, nobility without ostentation.
Lan Nongnong stood still, her fan clenched tightly around her knuckles. She took a deep breath, lifted her skirt, and was about to step forward. Her raised foot paused mid-air, then she slowly retracted it and suddenly turned to leave.
"Girl, aren't you looking for someone?"
Wu An looked back and hurriedly caught up.
Lan Nongnong did not stop walking, but walked faster and faster: "I am sorry for being so abrupt. It is really rude to come to your house so rashly. Why don't you hand in the visiting card first and come to visit tomorrow."
Before he finished speaking, the figure disappeared around the corner.
Lan Nongnong wasn't shy, nor was she ashamed of her appearance at the grandeur of his mansion. A bead of sweat was already beading on her forehead, and she suddenly remembered that if he wasn't home and his elders were present, it would be impolite for her to visit him so hastily.
The corners of her lips suddenly lifted slightly under the veil. A direct visit would be too deliberate, without any surprise and without reserve. It would be better to ask someone to keep an eye on his whereabouts first, and then choose a sunny day for a "chance encounter" destined by fate.
Lan Nongnong felt satisfied at once when she thought of this. She stopped and was about to ask Brother Wu for help. Suddenly, an idea flashed in her mind. Her eyes lit up under the veil and she smiled like a crescent moon. The dimples on her cheeks were full of sweetness.
If we want to meet by chance, why not have a real encounter? Even if you search through thousands of streets and alleys, it is better to look back and be surprised to see that person standing alone in the dim light.
Isn’t this kind of artistic conception even more wonderful?
Once a thought arises, it is difficult to get rid of it.
Lan Nongnong felt cheerful, not even feeling the heat under the scorching sun, her steps light as a spring breeze. She turned her head to speak to Wu An, her voice filled with an irrepressible smile: "Brother Wu, thank you for accompanying me on this trip today. I'm afraid I'll have to bother you a lot in the next few days. Once I'm settled, I'll definitely give everyone a generous red envelope!"
Wu An was affected by her cheerful mood, and his brows relaxed. He smiled and said, "Miss, what are you talking about? This is my job, and it's not worth your expense."
Lan Nongnong waved her hand with a smile on her face. She had already made up her mind to give each of them a thick red envelope when she sent them off. Although these guards were sent by Brother Lin, they had indeed worked hard following her all the way.
She had originally thought that since she had already reached Longshuo's territory, she didn't need anyone to follow her anymore. Having people around her all the time would only make her feel restricted. Furthermore, these guards were ultimately Brother Lin's men. If she held them for too long, she would only disrupt his work.
But now it seems that Brother Lin is more knowledgeable and thoughtful. She has just arrived and is unfamiliar with the place. Just the search for an inn three days ago made her realize the power of Longshuo City.
There are all kinds of people in this vast sea of people. If you are alone, not only will you be deceived, your safety will be unpredictable, and you may even have difficulty finding a place to stay.
Only with these trustworthy people around her could she be as relaxed and at ease as she is now, coming and going as she pleases. This red envelope must be sealed thickly!
She also asked the waiter and found out that the prices in Longshuo were almost the same as in Yuqing. As long as she didn't buy any gold, jade or other treasures, the money she brought with her would be enough for her to have a good time in Longshuo City!
*
The emperor gradually recovered, and court affairs were proceeding as planned. As for important matters, aside from the Red Di envoys' arrival in the capital, which had already been settled, the rest was just routine government affairs.
That evening, after returning home, Qin Jingyao bathed and changed into a dark-black robe before strolling to the Spring Pavilion in the back garden. He leaned back in a rocking chair, letting the evening breeze brush against his clothes as he closed his eyes to rest.
As dusk deepened, the pearl curtains of the Spring Pavilion were half-rolled, their tassels swaying gently. A pool of deep, emerald water exuded a subtle coolness, quietly shielding the summer heat from the air. Five glazed lanterns hung from the eaves spun gently in the breeze, their scattered shadows like scattered jade, casting a shimmering light across the pavilion.
Maids in gray-purple bodices filed in, quietly set the table full of delicacies, knelt in greeting, and silently retreated to stand outside the pavilion.
Suddenly, a faint fragrance wafted through the air, the scent of precious rouge. Jiang Ting's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply. "I greet you, Madam. Your Excellency is resting in the pavilion. Please wait here for a moment, Madam."
The woman paused upon hearing this, a faint fragrance wafting from her sleeves. She lifted her slender hand, half hidden beneath her wide, cloud-patterned sleeves, and spoke in a gentle voice, a hint of a smile: "Jiang Ting, there's no need for formalities. Please pass on the message, I'll be waiting here."
Jiang Ting stood up straight, half-closed his eyes, and responded respectfully.
Tongze, who was standing outside the pavilion, saw this and immediately lifted his coat and quietly stepped into the pavilion. He leaned closer to the rocking chair and said in a low voice, "Sir, the lady is waiting outside the pavilion."
On the 16th,
There was no news for sixteen days, and both falcons had returned empty-handed. All we knew now was that she had indeed arrived in Xunyang, but that she had changed her route that same day and was heading for Gucheng via Yunlan. No news had yet been received from the people sent to Gucheng.
I knew exactly where she was going, but I always seemed to be one step too late, not even able to catch a glimpse of her skirt. Her figure was like smoke and mist, no matter how hard I chased her, it would eventually disappear through my fingers.
Why is she tossing and turning like this? Is she safe or not?
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted, and Qin Jingyao slowly raised his eyes. His ink-black pupils were shrouded in the twilight, reflecting the swaying shadows of the glass lamp, revealing a sense of bone-chilling coldness.
"Keep looking,"
"There has to be a result."
Tongze's heart trembled upon hearing this, and a fine layer of cold sweat suddenly formed on the back of his neck. He bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching his knees, and said in a tense voice, "I understand. I will send more people immediately."
After reporting, he turned around, nodded to Jiang Ting, and left quickly.
The woman at the pavilion suddenly felt a gaze pressing down upon her. Her heart trembled, and her fingertips unconsciously dug into her palms. She forced herself to stand straight and bowed to the man in the pavilion from a distance. As her wide sleeves fell, her voice, as soft as a spring stream in March, said, "Husband."
Qin Jingyao was leaning on the rocking chair, and he had just glanced at it casually, but his eyes suddenly froze.
The woman under the pavilion was dressed in flowing silk and gauze, with gold and jade hairpins shining in her hair. She was followed by a large number of attendants, and she enjoyed the highest honor in this mansion.
"What is it?"
The woman stood up slowly, and when she looked up, she revealed her carefully made-up face, with fair skin, dark eyebrows, red lips and nail polish, she was truly elegant and graceful. She looked up at the pavilion, with a perfect smile on her lips, and her eyes were full of respect and tenderness.
"My husband has returned from a long journey, and has been toiling away for days and nights without even having time to rest. I—"
"grown ups!"
Tongze hurried back, and as he passed the woman standing quietly at the pavilion, he gave a hasty bow and without stopping, he quickly jumped onto the stone steps. His expression was a mixture of surprise and joy, and even his breathing was a little rapid: "My Lord..."
After receiving permission, Tongze took two steps forward and leaned over to whisper, "An urgent report from the manager of the Liushang Street branch: this morning at 9:00 PM, a man and a woman were seen wandering outside the mansion for a long time. They left in a hurry without even knocking on the door. The servants were alert and secretly followed them. We have now found out where they are staying. They are just four streets away, at the Yunlai Inn in Qiandeng Lane."
"Including the driver, there were six of them, one woman and five men. They arrived in Beijing at 3 p.m. three days ago and settled there. According to the innkeeper, the woman has been a recluse since moving in, only occasionally sending the waiter to do some shopping. Today is her first time out since arriving in Beijing, but..."
He hesitated for a moment. "The woman always wore a veil covering her face, making it difficult to discern her true appearance. After leaving the Liushang Street residence, she wandered around the city. The servants didn't dare to disturb you, sir, so they waited quietly at the gatehouse for a long time, which is why we've only just come to report."
"Prepare the car!"
Qin Jingyao suddenly stood up, the corner of his dark robe slicing a sharp arc in the candlelight. His tall figure obscured his features into the darkness, beyond the reach of the lamplight. Only the jade belt buckle at his waist clung to a crisp sound. The rocking chair still swayed slightly as he stepped out of the pavilion, his clothes fluttering.
The night breeze picked up, and the fragrance of precious rouge lingered faintly in the air, almost fading. As the black-robed man led his attendants away, the exquisitely carved pavilion in the center of the lake suddenly fell silent, leaving only the fading aroma of delicacies from the table, silently wafting through the shadows of the glass lamps.
The silver chopsticks were still untouched, the jade cup was still full, and the grand banquet turned into the most exquisite loneliness.
"Madam, I believe the master must have had some urgent business to attend to, and he left in such a hurry. The night dew is heavy by the lake, and you might catch a cold. Why don't you let me take you back to your room to rest?"
The maid, dressed in a gray-blue bodice, lowered her head and held her breath, not daring to follow the retreating figure of the master. Cautiously raising her eyes, she caught a glimpse of the mistress still gazing at the figure disappearing into the night, and hurriedly lowered her head again, her words whispering as little as a mosquito's.
Silence reigned, broken only by the gentle rustle of the night wind across the lake. After a long pause, the woman finally spoke, her voice etched with an unwavering loneliness: "The chill of the wind...how can it compare to the chill of the human heart?"
The maid's heart trembled upon hearing this, and she quickly lowered her head even lower, almost burying it in her collar. Her voice tightened as she reported cautiously, "Madam, the master just sent someone to deliver another letter..."
As soon as the words fell, the surroundings fell into dead silence again. After a moment, the sound of footsteps gradually faded away, eventually dissipating into the darkness of the night.
There was no one under the pavilion in the middle of the lake. Only a few lonely lights remained, flickering in the wind, stretching the shadows of the carved railings very long.
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