Chapter 113: First Arrival in the Capital

As the group traveled not far, they passed over a hill and saw a pavilion atop it. Inside the pavilion sat a young woman, gently caressing a zither. Upon seeing Gou Ye’s party approach, she began to play a melody familiar to him—“The Butterfly Lovers.” Gou Ye looked up; though the figure was faint, he could still recognize the woman seated there—it was Wanxiang.

Yun Niang gripped Gou Ye’s hand tightly. She, of course, knew who was playing the tune. Though she did not understand music, she could feel the deep emotions woven into the melody. Sensing Yun Niang’s hand growing firmer, Gou Ye lowered the curtain. Neither spoke a word until the music faded into silence.

Only after they truly set off again did Gou Ye realize how underdeveloped ancient transportation was. Even with a carriage, the journey was jolting and uncomfortable. After just one day, his backside ached unbearably, forcing him to frequently dismount to ease the pain.

But the worst was yet to come. At night, they set up tents that were rudimentary by modern standards. The biting autumn wind swept through relentlessly. Being in the north during mid-autumn meant the nights were bitterly cold. Although they had a campfire, it did little to dispel the chill. Among all the travelers, not even Yun Niang seemed troubled, while Gou Ye, on the other hand, appeared overly sensitive and somewhat finicky.

Better to endure hardship than to fall ill. Seeing Gou Ye’s discomfort, Master Jia took good care of him throughout the journey. He arranged for two extra cushions in Gou Ye’s carriage and prepared a thick quilt for him each night. He even stacked two piles of torches outside Gou Ye’s tent. Gou Ye accepted these attentions gratefully. After all, he could hardly blame himself; as a man of the modern age, such discomfort was only natural.

This grueling routine persisted for ten days—a torment for Gou Ye. Master Jia had said the trip to the Chen Kingdom would take a full month. The thought alone made his sore backside throb anew. From then on, he silently resolved never to undertake such a long journey unless absolutely necessary.

“Young Master Gou, just ahead lies the capital,” Master Jia announced.

Upon hearing this, Gou Ye and Yun Niang immediately leapt from the carriage. Before them rose a magnificent, towering city wall, exuding grandeur and prosperity. It stood strong and unyielding, bravely guarding the capital that all longed to behold.

At the city gate, a solemn plaque bore the two characters: “Capital.” The royal guards stationed there were unlike any soldiers Gou Ye had seen before. Perhaps because it was the capital, these men appeared taller, mightier, and radiated an aura of inviolable sanctity. After a thorough inspection, Gou Ye and his companions finally stepped into this bustling metropolis.

Lining the streets were countless shops, and the throngs of people flowed like rivers. In the distance, piercing vendor cries echoed, mingling with the occasional neigh of horses. Gou Ye felt as if he had stepped into a living painting of the Qingming Riverside. He paused, captivated by the lively crowd, savoring the thrill brought by this ancient city.

Radiant sunlight bathed the green-tiled roofs and red walls. The sharp upward curves of the eaves, the fluttering banners of merchant shops, the glistening carriages, the endless stream of pedestrians, and the contented smiles on their faces—all reflected the pride of the Ming people in their nation.

Truly, a country bumpkin entering the city, finding everything novel. Not just Gou Ye, but Yun Niang and the Guo brothers were already dazzled, their eyes wide with wonder. Having grown up in a county town, suddenly seeing such a vast city stirred an unparalleled sense of awe within them.

Master Jia, as the representative of the merchant guild, was no stranger to this scene. He had guided countless travelers into the capital. Compared to others, Gou Ye’s group seemed quite composed; some even ran a few circles along the street to vent their excitement.

Master Jia led them to a mansion and pointed to the large gate. “Young Master Gou, this is the residence arranged for you by the merchant clan. Come inside and have a look.”

He knocked, and a servant opened the door. Recognizing Master Jia’s party, the servant greeted them warmly and invited them in.

Crossing the high threshold, Gou Ye took in the courtyard within. Willow trees draped gracefully, a few flowered gates stood at the entrance, and ornamental rocks dotted the grounds. Though not opulent, the garden paths meandered quietly, evoking a tranquil charm. It was even comparable to the Duke’s mansion, though considering this was the capital, any noble residence here would surely surpass it.

Still, Gou Ye thought, the merchant clan had clearly spared no expense. This was their way of reminding him that such accommodations came with expectations—he must deliver results worthy of this generosity. After all, these were gifts from others. No matter how fine the house, if he failed to act prudently, it would soon become nothing more than a fleeting memory.

Master Jia smiled warmly at Gou Ye and asked, “Young Master Gou, are you satisfied with the merchant clan’s arrangements?”

Gou Ye nodded repeatedly, replying, “Very satisfied, truly. I never imagined the merchant clan would hold me in such high esteem, providing me with such a residence. I feel both honored and a little apprehensive.”

Master Jia laughed heartily. “The merchant clan values you more than they do me. Your assistance in securing their selection was crucial. This arrangement is only fitting. So there’s no need for apprehension—make yourself at home. Since you’ve signed the contract, you are now part of the merchant clan. As long as you devote yourself to their affairs, your rewards will be far greater than this. Whatever they arrange for you is only natural.”

“Very well, then I shall accept with gratitude,” Gou Ye said.

Master Jia pointed to the line of servants before them. “These are the attendants assigned to you by the merchant clan. Feel free to command them as you wish. If anything seems amiss, just speak to the one who opened the door for you. He is not only the steward here but also your liaison with the merchant clan.”

A steward? A liaison? In other words, a spy sent by the merchant clan to watch over me, Gou Ye thought. Eyeing the servants, he quietly said, “Master Jia, I appreciate the merchant clan’s kindness. As for these attendants, dismiss all the women. Keep only the men.”