As the soldier paused his speech, he subtly squinted with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, saying: "I had a peek under the curtain earlier, and the young woman is indeed stunning. Granted, her face is behind a veil, but those eyes are beautiful, and from her figure, you can tell she’s something special. No wonder they were willing to pay such a large sum."
There was an unwritten rule among the ruffian soldiers and generals responsible for defending cities and towns. It was that they would covertly accept money to loose their inspection checks. Eventually, it evolved to the point where any merchant transporting goods in and out of the city must grease their palms. Otherwise, even if there was nothing wrong with the goods, the soldiers could find some fault. Who, when seeking to accuse another, cannot find grounds for accusation?
Beyond this, however, there was an additional stipulation when it came to women passing through the city gates. Especially for the daughters of wealthy families, they needed to offer some favors. Otherwise, the soldiers defending the gate could use the excuse of inspection to "thoroughly check" their horse carriages, even to the extent of body searches. For a woman’s reputation, this was a devastating blow. Thus, naturally, they could only mitigate the trouble by paying money, especially for beautiful women. Entering and leaving the city, ones should be prepared to pay more silver, as they were more likely to draw attention.
However, they would never dare to offend the families of government officials. If anyone had a family member in office, these soldiers would instantly change their demeanor, not daring to slack off or provoke them.
Of course, these measures have gradually evolved into the de facto norms at the city gates, mirroring the gradual decline and degeneration of the entire Da Qian Empire. In Yu State, Marquis Mu Houchu imposed very strict requirements on the soldiers of the Yuzhou army. Any incidents of these behaviors, once discovered, would be met with fifty strikes from military canes and expulsion from the military at minimum, or even public executions in more severe cases.
This stringent proclivity was why Yu State never needed to resort to such belittling norms. The common people’s love for Marquis Mu was not for no reason. Just this small act alone truly demonstrated their genuine concerns for the people.
The general licked his lips: "What a beauty you depict. It’s such a pity to have missed her."
"I noticed that their group likely wasn’t local and probably won’t be staying in the capital for long. They’ve entered the city and would have to leave eventually. If you really wish to see this beauty, I’ll make sure to stop her next time," the soldier said with a sly grin, his manner reflecting his shady intentions.
The general laughed heartily, stashing away the fifty silver coins: "You’re quite sharp, lad. I’ll give you a bigger share of the earnings from today."
"Oh, thank you, Lieutenant General!"
----
Xin He opened the curtains of the carriage window, observing the bustling scene outside. Whether it was her imagination or not, she noticed that the capital today seemed somewhat more desolate than it had been seven years ago. Although it was still busy and the streets full of people, something vivid was missing.
This effect was likely due to the recent separation of Yu State and the ensuing internal conflict in the court. The common people inevitably suffered when the Emperor fought. It seemed to be an eternal truth, regardless of time.
Shulan was grumbling on the side: "Those soldiers who were checking our carriage at the city gate were ogling you, madam. Their eyes looked like they were glued on you, it was really indecent!"
Xin He responded with a small laugh: "It is the natural state of things in a kingdom on the brink of ruin. Chaos at the top filters down to the bottom. Do you remember anyone bold enough to demand entrance fees seven years ago when Marquis Mu was the Prime Minister?"
In just seven years, with the absence of Marquis Mu, Da Qian had degraded into this state. Without Marquis Mu, the court had lost its backbone. The Emperor lacked the ability and vigor to step up, and the court slowly developed into its current state. Xin He was not surprised, especially considering the current situation, the turmoil in the capital was no surprise.
Shulan said, somewhat annoyed: "It irks me, stepping into this city and feeling so out of place. Nothing compares to our Yu State."
Xin He closed the carriage curtains and shook her head with a smile: "I remember my first visit to the capital eight years ago, feeling the bustle while sitting in a carriage going through Zhuque Avenue, the most bustling street in the city. I thought to myself, ’This is truly extraordinary. This must be the most prosperous place in all of Da Qian’. After many years, revisiting this place feels like touring another world. Comparing the prosperity of Yu State, the atmosphere here feels desolate and lifeless."
"Of course, we have you and The Prince in Yu State. What does this capital have? Only a foolish Emperor!"
Xin He gave her a light reproachful glance: "Your manners are slipping."
Shulan quickly realized that she misspoke and shut her mouth: "I was indiscrete."
"Now that we are not in Yu State, we’re outsiders, with prying eyes and ears all around. We need to be careful not to make mistakes that could ruin our great cause," Xin He advised.
Shulan bowed her head in acknowledgment: "I understand."
Before long, they heard the coachman calling from outside: "Madam, we’ve arrived." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
Shulan and Xiaoyu quickly got off the carriage, and with a stool in hand, lifted the curtain to the carriage and helped Xin He down.
Upon dismounting, Xin He lifted her head to take in the sight of the small courtyard house. It was one of Marquis Mu’s covert properties in the capital. Nobody knew this mansion belonged to Marquis Mu; it was simply one of his many hideouts. Didn’t they say a sly rabbit has three burrows?
This trip to the capital had forced Marquis Mu to call upon his capital’s wide network of spies. Xin He had a full list of secret posts in her hands. This chosen mansion was carefully selected by Marquis Mu chiefly for its small courtyard, unassuming, and not particularly noticeable. Its location was quiet and the mansion was nominally owned by one of Marquis Mu’s undercover agents in the capital, a simple, uncomplicated businessman.
"Madam, what do you think? The master carefully selected this mansion for you. If you find anything not to your liking while living here, feel free to tell us," the lad said with utmost reverence.
Xin He took a look around and, not being a nitpicker, she waved her hand: "It’s pretty good."
"Would Madam like to familiarize herself with our undercover posts in the capital?"
As instructed by the master, he needed to inquire further about this matter.
Xin He replied: "There’s no rush for that."
Marquis Mu was worried about her safety, so everything was centered around her, including getting familiar with all the undercover posts in the capital. All these secret agents would prioritize her, ready to ensure her safety at a moment’s notice.
But what she desired wasn’t guaranteed safety. And since she just arrived in the capital, it was still uncertain who would win or lose. She didn’t plan on losing from the start, so naturally, the first thing on her mind wasn’t to understand her escape routes.
"The Imperial Court’s convoy escorting Le Yuanhou to the capital should arrive the day after tomorrow, correct?"
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