Chapter 80
Inside and outside the city gate, there was a bustling crowd, and the heartfelt cries of "Princess" merged into a scorching heat wave that almost melted the sunset.
Song Qingyuan sat steadily on the horse's back. The convoy behind him was like a silent dragon, silently announcing the victory of this gamble with its mountains of white.
The soldiers defending the city were already shocked by this astonishing sight. They had never seen a civilian salt transport convoy of such scale, let alone salt of such exquisite quality.
The salt was not like the rough yellow salt sold by ordinary government offices. Instead, it looked like the auspicious snow falling from the sky, so clean that it was not stained with a trace of dust.
The leading captain came to his senses and quickly bowed, his voice filled with suppressed excitement: "Welcome the princess back to the capital! I will immediately clear the road and escort the princess into the city!"
Song Qingyuan nodded slightly, looking past the crowd of people towards the Suzaku Street leading to Prince Yan's Mansion.
She knew he must be waiting for her. All the hardships and fatigue along the way, sleeping in the open air, traveling day and night, were worth it the moment she saw the city wall.
"No need to mobilize the troops," she said in a low voice, but it reached everyone's ears clearly. "Open the city gates and let the people see. This salt was brought here for them."
These words ignited the crowd once again. The people spontaneously stepped aside, clearing a wide passage. The previous fear and uneasiness in their eyes vanished, replaced by a near-reverent gratitude and reverence.
The convoy drove slowly into the city, its wheels rolling over the bluestone road, making a steady and powerful creaking sound, like the drumbeat of victory, beating on everyone's heart.
The windows of restaurants and teahouses lining the street were thrown open, and countless faces peered out, stunned at this incredible scene. Those who had watched from the sidelines, or even participated in spreading rumors, felt a burning sensation on their faces, as if they had been slapped in the face by this snow-white salt.
"Oh my god...how much salt is in this?"
"Princess Yan...she actually did it!"
"Look at the quality of that salt! It's even better than the tribute! This is great! We are saved!"
Discussions continued, but without the previous malice or speculation. Facts speak louder than words, and the miles of salt carts were the most powerful proof.
The convoy was halfway there when Zhao Lin rode up. His usually serious face was now covered in an irrepressible smile, and his eyes were even a little red. "Princess!" He saluted with a fist, his voice booming, "The prince has sent his subordinates to pick you up!"
Song Qingyuan looked at him and smiled: "Where is the prince?"
"The prince is at the palace. He said he'd personally host a welcoming reception for you." Zhao Lin grinned, revealing his white teeth. "Princess, your move was truly... truly amazing! At the Grand Tutor's Mansion, I heard that the old scoundrel Li Song smashed his most beloved inkstone on the spot!"
Song Qingyuan's smile deepened. She could imagine how brilliant Li Song's sullen face must be at this moment. They had won this battle beautifully.
The convoy finally arrived at Prince Yan's Mansion. The gates were wide open, and Shen Yanzhi stood in the courtyard inside, dressed in a moon-white robe, his figure as slender as a bamboo. He stood there quietly, without any servants following him, his gaze fixed firmly on her through the crowd.
When their eyes met, all the words they spoke turned into understanding and peace of mind in each other's eyes.
Song Qingyuan dismounted and, with a deft movement, handed the reins to Zhao Lin. She crossed the courtyard, stepping towards him. The surrounding clamor seemed to vanish at that moment, and he was the only one left in her world.
Shen Yanzhi came forward, without any earth-shattering words of love, but simply stretched out his hand and gently brushed away the dust on her temples. His fingertips were warm, with a familiar warmth, which finally relaxed Song Qingyuan's tense heartstrings.
"I'm back." His voice was low and gentle, with a barely noticeable hoarseness.
"Well, I'm back." Song Qingyuan looked up at him, his eyes sparkling with stars and his reflection, "Yanzhi, we won."
Shen Yanzhi held her hand and wrapped her cold fingertips in his palm. "You win." He said softly, then took her hand and turned to walk towards the inner courtyard. "Go in first, hot water and food are ready."
The two walked side by side, with Zhao Lin behind them directing the guards to guide the salt carts into the already prepared warehouse. The common people had not yet dispersed; they gathered outside the palace, cheering for a long time.
After returning to Qingfeng Garden and dismissing all the servants, Song Qingyuan felt that the strength that had supported her had suddenly been largely lost. She sat down on the couch and breathed a long sigh of relief.
Shen Yanzhi personally poured her a cup of hot tea and handed it to her: “Thank you for your hard work.”
Song Qingyuan took a sip, and the warmth slid down her throat into her stomach, dispelling the chill she had felt for days. She looked at Shen Yanzhi with a sly look in her eyes: "Why don't you ask where I got this salt from?"
Shen Yanzhi sat down beside her, picked up a handkerchief, and carefully wiped the dust off her face. "If I ask, wouldn't it seem like I, as a husband, don't trust my princess enough?" He spoke slowly, his hands moving with extreme gentleness. "I only know that my Yuanyuan will definitely do what she promised."
Song Qingyuan's heart felt like it was being gently tickled by a feather, itching and tender. She grabbed his hand and pressed her cheek against his palm, rubbing it like a spoiled cat. "Slippery tongue," she muttered, unable to hide the smile that spread across her lips.
"I'm not being glib." Shen Yanzhi took her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. "This is from the bottom of my heart. But..." He changed the subject, with a hint of curiosity, "I am indeed very curious. What exactly is this 'snow salt', which is as good as natural salt?"
Song Qingyuan finally straightened up from his embrace, his eyes gleaming with wisdom and pride. "Remember those geographical notes I compiled about the previous dynasties? One of them mentioned a salt marsh deep in the Qilian Mountains in the northwest, known locally as the 'Devil's Eye.'"
Because of its remote location and the difficult access, it had been untouched for centuries. The book described the salt there as 'white as snow, with a pure and genuine taste.' I immediately took notice."
Shen Yanzhi's eyes flashed with amazement. He knew Song Qingyuan was knowledgeable and intelligent, but he had never imagined she could turn a few words from a book into a chance to turn the tide today.
"You...you went there alone?" There was a hint of fear in his voice.
"Of course not." Song Qingyuan rolled his eyes at him. "Do you think I'm a lone hero? After I left Beijing, I immediately took Zhao Lin and a team of elite soldiers and rode at full speed to search for the place according to the map. That place is indeed difficult to find. It took us five days to find it.
But that salt marsh is a true treasure trove! The salt layer is thick and inexhaustible, and there's no need for complicated refining; once dried, it's top-quality snow salt."
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