touchnovel Chapter 19 Arrival in the Capital
Chapter 19 Arrival in the Capital
After encountering bandits, the rest of the journey was peaceful.
After a 30-day voyage, the merchant ship successfully arrived at the capital's dock.
Once the merchant ship officially docked, the temporary guards on board had completed their escort mission.
The group found Manager Zhou, received their payment, and then took their leave.
Chen Ye also received one.
Because he killed the river pirates, Steward Zhou gave him extra money as a token of gratitude, totaling twelve taels of silver.
As usual, he kept two taels of silver as a reserve, and used the remaining ten taels to redeem forty days of his life.
In the end, after spending a month on the ship, he actually gained ten extra days of lifespan, resulting in a remaining lifespan of two months and twenty-four days.
After finishing packing, Chen Ye said goodbye to several people he knew.
Just as he was about to take a step, the old bodyguard, carrying a wine flask, called out to him from behind: "Young man, what are your plans once you get to the capital? Do you have any connections?"
Chen Ye shook his head and said, "I haven't thought about it yet. I'll probably find a job first and earn some money."
The old镖师 (bodyguard/escort) took a sip from his wine pouch and said heartily, "I have a nephew in the capital who's a manager at Shuntong Carriage Company in the south of the city. They're short of a strong escort for their carriages. Would you like to give it a try?"
During the thirty days on the ship, Chen Ye practiced diligently every day, never ceasing his stance training.
The energy in his dantian gradually grew from a strand as thick as a hair to a wisp.
Occasionally, after standing in the meditation posture for a long time, the Shenque acupoint will twitch a few times, as if something has turned over and then calmed down.
He knew he might not be far from reaching a certain threshold.
It's not advisable to wander around at this time; you should find a place to settle down.
So he didn't refuse and bowed, saying, "Thank you very much, senior. Once I've established myself in the capital, I will definitely come to thank you in person."
"It's nothing. I'm also from Runan, it's only right that I help you out."
The old镖师 (bodyguard/escort) pulled out a strip of cloth, drew a simple map on it, and then wrote a few lines on the back as an introduction.
He handed the strip of cloth to Chen Ye, reminding him, "The capital is a dangerous place; remember to be careful in everything you do."
Chen Ye solemnly accepted the strip of cloth, opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end only managed to utter two words: "Thank you."
"Let's go!"
The old bodyguard waved his hand, his long sword at his waist and wine pouch in his hand, and swayed as he disappeared into the crowd at the dock.
Chen Ye stepped into the territory of the capital.
This is one of the many wharves in the capital. Although it is only of medium size, it is several times more prosperous than Anhuai Wharf.
As far as the eye can see, there is nothing but a sea of heads.
The laborers carrying loads shouted work chants, while the patrol officers carrying iron rulers moved back and forth.
The air was filled with the smells of sweat, fish, and overnight spoilage.
To the northwest of the dock, the capital city walls stretched out before us like a straight, majestic mountain range, extending for countless miles.
Judging by its scale, it surpasses even the ancient city of Yanjing in my memories from my previous life.
Chen Ye gripped the sword at his waist, took a deep breath, squeezed into the crowd, and walked towards the giant city.
About half an hour later.
Chen Ye walked to Xuanwu Gate and looked up at the three large characters on the city wall.
People thronged the area below the city gate.
Well-dressed young men and women passed by leisurely in carriages or on horseback, forming a stark contrast with the poor people in simple clothes around them.
Chen Ye didn't rush into the city. Instead, he turned around and walked to a wonton shop by the roadside and ordered the cheapest bowl of wontons.
He ate while silently observing the activity at the city gate.
Chen Ye discovered that all those entering the city had to be checked by the gatekeepers and show their travel documents, and weapons were strictly prohibited from being brought in.
Someone tried to force his way in, but was instead taken away by two gatekeepers who twisted their arms behind their backs.
Judging from the skillful movements of those gatekeepers, they were clearly all trained martial arts masters.
After a quick calculation, Chen Ye paid the copper coins and found a secluded spot to hide the crossbow and dagger.
Then he quickly washed up, went into a clothing shop in the market outside the city, and spent a hefty sum of one tael of silver to change his entire outfit into a magnificent new look.
When he came out of the shop again, he looked completely refreshed.
Wearing a plain cotton robe, white trousers, and square-toed shoes, he no longer looked like a servant.
Once everything was ready, he straightened his clothes and walked toward the city gate, patiently queuing up like everyone else.
While queuing, carriages from prominent families would occasionally pass by, and the gatekeeper would let them through without even glancing at them.
When it was Chen Ye's turn, the gatekeeper raised his arm to stop him and, as usual, began to question him: "Name, place of origin, what brings you into the city?"
"Chen Ye of the Chen family of Runan. Invited by Sun Chenghai, the old镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of Xinglong镖局 (escort agency), I went to Shuntong车行 (carriage agency) to discuss a business deal." Chen Ye's tone was calm, befitting a scion of a prominent family.
As he spoke, he calmly handed over the letter of recommendation given by the old bodyguard.
The goalkeeper glanced around but saw nothing unusual.
Chen Ye didn't have a travel permit and didn't want to cause trouble.
He seized the opportunity to slip a handful of loose silver coins, saying generously, "It's hot, everyone must be tired. Here's a little something for tea."
The gatekeeper weighed the silver in his hand, estimating it to be at least one tael or more, and immediately beamed with joy, lazily waving his hand to let them pass.
"Master Sun is an old acquaintance. Young master, please."
Chen Ye clasped his hands in a salute and stepped into the city gate.
Upon entering the city, a wave of noise and heat hits you.
The city streets are wide, with shops lining the streets, and the sounds of shouts, laughter, and carriages blend together.
The air was filled with the aroma of wine and the sweet scent of fried fruit.
After composing himself and determining the direction, Chen Ye walked briskly towards the approximate location of Shuntong Car Rental.
On the way, he paused as he passed a courtyard with a blue brick wall.
The courtyard was small, with an old plaque hanging above the gate, and faint gusts of wind could be heard coming from inside.
It's obvious that someone is practicing martial arts inside.
The force of the punch sounded deep and steady, carrying a unique breathing rhythm.
Chen Ye sensed the flow of energy within his body, which seemed to fluctuate slightly with the rhythm of his breathing.
He had a vague feeling that he was just one opportunity away from completing his second transformation.
Chen Ye quickly regained his composure and continued walking forward.
The capital city covers a vast area.
The outer city alone is divided into four major markets: east, south, west, and north.
The population and number of households exceeds one million.
When Chen Ye first arrived, all he saw were unfamiliar streets and alleys.
Fortunately, Shuntong Auto Service has a very good reputation in Beijing.
After asking around and referring to the rudimentary sketch, he finally found the place after several detours.
Shuntong Car Rental has a spacious storefront.
Several completed horse-drawn carriages, their paint gleaming and their decorations grand, were parked in the open space in front of the gate.
Wealthy people dressed in fine silks and satins frequently came and went here.
Chen Ye stood at the door, looking down at his outfit, which cost him one or two taels of silver, and found it rather shabby here.
Without thinking too much, he straightened his clothes and stepped inside.
A sharp-eyed apprentice immediately stepped forward, a familiar smile on his face: "Distinguished guests, are you ordering a carriage?"
Chen Ye didn't respond to the conversation and went straight to the point: "I'm looking for Steward Shen. Please inform him."