Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Chapter 858 The Imperial Conferment Confers a Beautiful Woman

Shenjing, Luocang Mountain.

The mountains rise and fall, the stone steps meander, the dense forests are deep and secluded, and on a winter morning, the mountain breeze is crisp and clear, filled with the fragrance of grass and trees.

On the moss-covered mountain path, Jia Cong, dressed in a moon-white soft robe with dark silver bamboo patterns and white-soled black boots, climbed the steps toward the summit.

Her hair was thick and glossy black, neatly combed into a bun, adorned with a snow-white jade crown and a white jade dragon hairpin. She had handsome eyebrows and bright eyes, a free and easy gait, and an exceptional demeanor.

Behind them followed Jiang Liu, a close attendant, and three servants from the East Mansion carrying gift boxes.

As they passed the mountainside, a magnificent Taoist palace was nestled among the lush green trees, with its multi-story buildings, yellow tiles, and green eaves, resembling a celestial palace in the clouds.

From afar, one can see the towering eaves of the palace gate, with a black plaque bearing the three characters "Xuantian Temple" in gold lettering. The gate exudes an ancient and simple charm, subtly conveying Taoist spirit.

This Xuantian Temple is the capital city Taoist temple of the Zhengyi sect on Longhu Mountain. When the Celestial Master Zhang Yuqing came to the capital to pay homage, this was where he stayed in the capital.

Before sunset yesterday, Jia Cong sent someone up the mountain to deliver a visiting card and made arrangements for the workshop. He went up the mountain early this morning to pay his respects.

He looked towards the area near Xuantian Temple, where a refined two-courtyard house stood, his eyes softening.

That was the Luoxia Villa of Xuantian Palace. Jia Cong was studying at Qingshan Academy in Luocang Mountain. Zhang Yuqing took great care of him and helped him, arranging for him to stay at the Luoxia Villa.

Jia Cong lived in this villa with Wu'er and Qingwen for two years, and even now, when he thinks back on it, he still cherishes those carefree days.

Walking two quarters of an hour to the left from Luoxia Villa, there is a gentle slope where Liu Jing'an's residence is located, which is also a place that Jia Cong often frequents.

When he became a disciple of Liu Jing'an, his teacher mentioned several times that when they first met at the Nanxi Literary Gathering, Zhang Yuqing felt that he had an extraordinary destiny and had the intention to cultivate and nurture him.

Zhang Yuqing even considered taking on a disciple, but Jia Cong was not destined for the Dao, so he advised Liu Jing'an to accept him as a disciple and cultivate him carefully.

Zhang Yuqing had helped Jia Cong become a disciple of Liu Jing'an, which was a great favor to Jia Cong when he was in dire straits five years ago.

When Jia Cong arrived at Xuantian Palace, he explained his purpose to the Taoist priest guarding the palace gate and presented a copy of his visiting card.

Not long after, a middle-aged Taoist priest, accompanied by two young disciples, came out with a beaming smile.

He stepped forward, bowed, and said with a smile, "This humble Taoist is Yunqi, the abbot of Xuantian Palace. Yesterday, my master received a visiting card from the Earl of Weiyuan. Recalling our old friendship, I was overjoyed and eagerly awaited your arrival."

Upon learning of the arrival of distinguished guests, he ordered me to go out of the palace to greet them. My master and the Pure and Elegant Immortal were in the Yuansou Zhai in the rear hall, where they invited the Earl of Weiyuan to come in and serve tea.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I am unworthy of the warm welcome from Abbot Yunqi."

He spoke politely, but was slightly confused. The Taoist Yunqi was a disciple of Zhang Tianshi, but who was the True Man Qingyi?
Suddenly, I remembered what Cai Xiaoyu had said that day: Zhang Tianshi brought his young daughter to the court to celebrate the New Year, and on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, he would enter Taihe Palace to perform the Luotian Grand Ritual to pray for national peace and prosperity.

To show his favor to the Zhengyi sect, Emperor Jiazhao bestowed the title of Qingyi Zhenren upon Zhang Tianshi's youngest daughter, Qingluan. This Zhenren was none other than the young Taoist Qingluan.

Jia Cong recalled the year she visited him at the manor. She was holding a long sword, handsome and dashing, aloof and proud, and indifferent to everyone else, but she cared for him the most.

Seeing that he had been severely injured by Jia She, he felt very indignant and persuaded him to go to Longhu Mountain to become a Taoist priest so that he could live a carefree life.

Looking back now, although his behavior was somewhat childish, he was actually a good person at heart. Over the years, Jia Cong would occasionally smile when he thought of him.

……

Jia Cong followed Daoist Yunqi into the palace gate and walked along the central axis of the Xuantian Palace's main gate and second gate, heading deeper into the Xuantian Palace.

Along the way, they passed by the Jade Emperor Hall, the Celestial Master Hall, the Four Immortals Hall, the Mysterious Altar Hall, and other buildings, which were tall, majestic, and magnificent, and their extraordinary atmosphere filled Jia Cong with admiration.

The Great Zhou royal family revered Taoism, and the Zhengyi sect of Longhu Mountain held a prestigious position and had deep ties with the Li imperial family.

It is said that the Celestial Masters of Longhu Mountain met Emperor Taizu Li Tianling when he was still a nobody. He once divined and predicted Emperor Taizu's fate, gave him guidance, and assisted him in achieving his ambitions.

Therefore, Li Tianling strengthened his resolve, seized the opportune moment, raised an army to sweep across the world, turned the tide, and achieved great success.

After the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the founding emperor, grateful for the destiny he had for, treated the Zhengyi sect of Longhu Mountain with great favor. This favor was passed down through generations of imperial descendants, and the Zhang Tianshi lineage was repeatedly honored.

Each successive Zhang Tianshi was granted the first-rank official title and four horses for his carriage, enjoying the same noble status as a prince, which was truly a glorious and prestigious position.

The Celestial Masters of Longhu Mountain throughout the ages have all followed their ancestral teachings, offering prayers and blessings, spreading the Tao and guiding people towards goodness, and bringing peace and prosperity to the people. They have never interfered in politics, let alone gotten involved in the succession of imperial heirs.

For nearly a century since the founding of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Zhengyi Sect of Longhu Mountain has remained humble and gentle, staying out of the affairs of the country, and has always maintained a harmonious relationship with the royal family, enjoying the beauty of harmony and the glory of being one with the world.

Zhang Yuzhen, the contemporary Celestial Master, is not only profound in Taoist magic and learned in both heaven and man, but also a learned scholar with a renowned literary reputation before succeeding to the Celestial Master position.

That's why when Prince Kangshun held the Nanxi Literary Gathering, he invited Chairman Zhang Yuzhen to preside over the event.

Zhang Yuzhen and Liu Jing'an, both literary masters, had been close friends for many years, tracing their literary lineage back to the same source.

……

Jia Cong followed the Taoist Yunqi all the way, which took quite a bit of walking, passing through the outer hall and then the inner hall.

Upon entering the private residence deep within the Xuantian Palace, Zhang Tianshi's daily living quarters, one sees a Taoist priest in his forties standing at the entrance, exuding an air of otherworldly grace and a kind smile.

Although Jia Cong had been separated from Zhang Yuzhen for five years, he saw that Zhang Yuzhen was dignified and imposing, with black hair and beard and a radiant complexion, looking exactly the same as he had been five years ago.

He wore a dark blue, wide-feathered Taoist robe and a seven-star lotus-shaped golden crown. His bright eyes shone with a dazzling light, so deep and unfathomable that they were mesmerizing.

Zhang Yuzhen smiled and said, "Weiyuan Marquis, it has been many years since we last met. Your demeanor is even more impressive than when you were young. You have achieved great things and your name is known throughout the world. Congratulations!"

Jia Cong bowed and replied, "Senior is too kind. I was fortunate to have your support back then, and I will always remember your kindness."

I should have paid my respects much earlier; it has been impolite of me to do so now. Please forgive me, senior, for I dare not address you by your noble title. I am fortunate to treat you with the respect due to a disciple; your courtesy name will suffice."

Zhang Yuzhen smiled and said, "We are old acquaintances, people with a deep connection. We can skip the formalities of the world. Yuzhang, please come inside and have some tea."

Jia Cong saw that next to Zhang Yuzhen stood another young Taoist priest, about the same age as himself, tall and elegant, with a purple crown binding his hair, a face as white as jade, and handsome and refined.

She wore a flowing blue Taoist robe, with a green silk sash tied around her slender waist and a white jade fish pendant hanging from it. She was looking at him with a smile.

Although the loose and flowing Taoist robe still accentuated her graceful curves, she was a female Taoist, none other than the young Taoist Qingluan from back then.

Although Jia Cong dared not look too closely, he could recognize her from when they first met. Five years had passed, and she had shed her youthful naiveté and blossomed into a stunningly beautiful and radiant woman.

……

Taoism emphasizes the equality of men and women, and does not adhere to the secular customs of male superiority and female inferiority, nor the strict separation of women in the inner quarters.

When Zhang Yuzhen first met Jia Cong many years ago, he felt that Jia Cong had an extraordinary appearance. Using a secret method of divination, he determined that Jia Cong's fate was unusual, his fortune was difficult to predict, and his luck was amazing.

Therefore, they regarded Jia Congcun as a respected junior and treated him as a mentor. They brought their daughters along to entertain guests, which was just a courtesy given by the Daoist community and they did not find it strange.

Qingluan's bright eyes shimmered with clear light, pure and immaculate, making one forget the mundane world upon seeing them. Her gaze shifted as she carefully examined him.

Jia Cong bowed and smiled, "It must be the Immortal Qingyi. It has been many years since we last met. I am very grateful for your hospitality."

Qingluan laughed and said, "It's been so many years since we last met. You've changed so much that I almost didn't recognize you."

Calling me "Master" sounds too old-fashioned. Just treat me like a little Taoist priest, like you did back then. Just call me Qingluan.

Zhang Yuzhen smiled and said, "You are all about the same age and are old acquaintances. It's enough to treat each other as peers. There's no need to pay attention to the titles of the Taoist sects."

……

After a few words of conversation, the three went into the inner hall to be served tea. Yuansouzhai was where Zhang Yuzhen sat quietly and read, similar to a study in an ordinary household.

His hospitality towards Jia Cong, showing the respect and affection he had for a junior, goes without saying.

Jia Cong found Yuansou Studio to be elegantly furnished, with various bamboo and wooden furniture pieces that were shiny and ancient, and half of the walls were filled with bookshelves containing Taoist classics.

Next to the bookshelf hangs an ancient painting, its brushstrokes skillful and lifelike, attracting attention.

In the painting, a white-bearded Taoist priest sits opposite a layman, playing chess and talking, their eyes deep in thought.

The Taoist priest playing chess had an otherworldly air about him, his face lined with wrinkles that showed the vicissitudes of life. The layman sitting opposite him was handsome and imposing, commanding respect from the gaze.

Jia Cong was drawn to the spirit of the painting, and his gaze involuntarily swept over the signature, where he saw two short lines of poetry: "Playing chess, we discuss family and country; soaring high, we purify the rivers and mountains."

He recalled hearing that the royal family had connections with the Zhengyi sect, and guessing the story behind the painting, he could make some guesses...

……

Zhang Yuzhen had the young Taoist serve him fine tea, and they chatted about trivial matters, asking about Jia Cong's recent deeds. The conversation was casual and informal, full of everyday chatter.

Qingluan, on the other hand, was in high spirits, still as witty and lively as she had been in her youth. She asked about the imperial examinations and poetry, as well as about military campaigns and who her teacher was, clearly eager to try it herself.

Jia Cong clearly remembered that whether it was at the Nanxi Literary Gathering or when she visited the Rongguo Mansion, she always had a long sword in her hand, which meant she must be proficient in martial arts.

The Zhang family of Longhu Mountain has a profound history, accumulated over dozens of generations. Their family learning is profound and extraordinary. It is not surprising that they practice both Taoism and martial arts.

After serving tea, the banquet was then held. After drinking a few cups of vegetarian wine, Zhang Yuzhen said, "Originally, this trip to the capital to pay homage to the emperor included holding a grand Taoist ritual to pray for good fortune and prosperity."

Unexpectedly, war has broken out in the north; the remnants of the Mongols have brazenly started a war, and I fear there will be turmoil for some time to come.

Jia Cong said, "Senior, your Taoist arts are profound, you can clearly distinguish between Yin and Yang, and you are knowledgeable in the principles of destiny. I wonder what good or bad fortune awaits you on this visit?"

Zhang Yuzhen glanced at Jia Cong, his gaze deep and radiant, impossible to look directly at.

He said, "Back then, Emperor Taizu drove out the Tartars and restored the Han people's land. The Mongols fled to the northern desert. Their fate was already sealed, and they were powerless to reverse it."

Even if a powerful and ruthless leader were to emerge, gathering over 100,000 iron cavalry, and attempt to repeat the past and reclaim the Central Plains, it would be nothing but a pipe dream.

However, the resurgence of war and the resulting upheaval in the world are inevitable, and the turn of events after adversity is to be expected.

In this world, things do not transcend boundaries; birth and death go hand in hand, fortune and misfortune are interdependent, the old and the new alternate, and change is bound to occur amidst chaos.

The Mongols have raised an army again, and the world is about to be thrown into chaos once more. But heroes will emerge from among us, and the world will not descend into chaos.

Anda Khan considered himself the best among men, a prized steed of the steppe.

But life is unpredictable. You might think you're a thoroughbred, but end up being just fodder for it. It's hard to say...

……

Zhang Yuzhen and Jia Cong talked casually, without being bound by convention, their words concise and to the point, often prompting deep thought.

He was a great Confucian scholar and a leading figure in Taoism. He studied the words of sages and the Taoist principles of the Five Elements and their entropy changes. When he reached a deep level of knowledge, he found common ground in all of them.

He and Jia Cong chatted casually, sometimes using the words of sages to illustrate the cycle of Yin and Yang, sometimes using Taoist truths to discuss the laws of the world, their conversations vast and unrestrained, free and uninhibited. In this day and age, Confucianism and Taoism are both embraced and integrated. In terms of being well-versed in both, even the literary master Liu Jing'an is slightly inferior to Zhang Yuzhen.

Jia Cong listened with great interest to Zhang Yuzhen's discourse on worldly affairs, which was profound, insightful, and original. He also gained a lot from it.

He received the true teachings of Liu Jing'an, and his understanding of the principles of governance was profound. When serving as an official, he was always practical and always spoke from his daily experiences and insights.

The two exchanged ideas and talked very congenially. Qingluan listened with great interest and stood by with a smile, pouring tea and wine for them.

Zhang Yuzhen said, "Yuzhang, you are a master of firearms. In the Liaodong Jurchen War, the power of firearms was unparalleled in the world."

The Mongols, who roamed the northern deserts, were isolated from news. They may have heard of firearms, but had never experienced their power, so they mostly thought it was hearsay and an exaggeration.

Anda Khan underestimated the dangers and perils of marching south; before the war even began, he had already lost half the battle…

Qingluan suddenly asked, "Father, Yuzhang is proficient in firearms. Will he lead the expedition this time?"

Zhang Yuzhen glanced at Jia Cong and smiled, "Judging from his face, he has a 'traveling star' in his features, a dragon-like nose with a powerful aura, and phoenix eyes with a murderous intent—a face destined for conquest."

Qingluan's gaze was uninhibited, her beautiful eyes sparkling and radiant as she stared intently at Jia Cong, as if confirming her father's words.

After a long pause, a brisk voice said, "It is a great honor for a man to achieve great deeds, but war is an invisible weapon. If Yu Zhang really goes to war, we should be careful."

Jia Cong and Zhang Yuzhen chatted for a long time, discussing principles and commenting on worldly affairs. They got along very well, and before the wine was finished, the tea was getting cold.

The master, the outstanding student, sat and discussed the Dao; this scene was just like a painting...

……

The three chatted over tea and wine until the sun was high in the sky and about to set. Only then did Jia Cong get up to take his leave. Zhang Yuzhen escorted him to the gate of the private residence and had Qingluan see Jia Cong out of the mountain gate.

Zhang Yuzhen stared at Jia Cong and Qingluan's retreating figures for a moment, his gaze deep and unfathomable, muttering to himself, "Yin and Yang are in harmony, Heaven and Earth follow their course..."

He turned and looked up at the sky, flicked his whisk, and returned to Yuansou Studio.

……

At the entrance to Xuantian Palace, amidst lush mountains and majestic gate towers, Qingluan smiled brightly and asked, "Over the years, I have often heard of your deeds on Longhu Mountain."

You've traveled far and wide, have you kept the Nine Palaces Taoist Tablet I gave you? Have you used it for religious ceremonies and lodging?

Jia Cong pulled out a dark, heavy token from his pocket and said with a smile, "These past few years I've been on imperial missions, so I haven't had the chance to bother the Taoist sect. I'll just have to wait for the right opportunity in the future."

Qingluan looked delighted, her Taoist robe fluttering in the mountain breeze, and said, "I didn't expect you to have kept your Taoist token all this time, and to carry it with you like this."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "I wouldn't dare lie to you. I keep this Nine Palaces Dao Tablet safe and sound. I don't carry it with me at all times. I only take it out to wear when I go to the mountain gate to pay my respects."

Qingluan smiled and said, "Even so, it was still well-intentioned. I saw you in such a difficult situation at home that day, and I was worried about you for a long time afterward."

Your father said you were destined for greatness, that minor misfortunes would be nothing to worry about, and that things would surely turn around for the better. Later, when he heard the news of your success in the imperial examinations and that you had found a place to stand, he realized that his father's prediction was correct.

The Taoist principle of non-action and disregard for worldly formalities dictates that reuniting with old acquaintances and engaging in lively conversation is but a fleeting moment. Who knows when we'll meet again? Please take care.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "When you come down the mountain, you can come to my house for a short visit. I have many sisters in my family who are well-educated and sensible, and they are quiet and virtuous. They will surely get along well with each other."

Qingluan laughed and said, "That's really good. I'm the only daughter in my family. I've been running all over the mountains with my brothers since I was little. My father never restricted me. It's just that I rarely have female companions my age."

The two only saw each other off for a short while, chatting casually, and got along very well.

After Jia Cong took his leave and walked a short distance along the mountain path, he looked back and saw Qingluan still standing at the mountain gate. He waved to her, and Qingluan waved back...

……

Xuantian Palace, Yuansou Studio.

Zhang Yuzhen stood before the ancient painting, appreciating it intently, holding a teacup, sipping slowly, lost in thought.

Hearing footsteps outside, and seeing her daughter Qingluan enter the room, she smiled and asked, "What do you think of Yuzhang?"

Qingluan smiled and said, "When we first met, he was only ten years old, yet he could write: 'A cliff of ice a hundred feet high, yet a flower branch still blooms beautifully.'"

His style and spirit were already quite remarkable, and in the years that followed, he wrote many masterpieces that have stood the test of time, truly keeping him busy.

I thought that poetry was just a way to enjoy life, but he was simply gifted. There is an old saying about Zhong Yong, who was outstanding in his childhood but faded into obscurity in adulthood. There are quite a few examples of this.

Unexpectedly, he had accumulated inexhaustible strength, excelling in both literature and the imperial examinations, and possessing brilliant military strategies. He was a natural-born general, a phoenix among men, yet Yu Zhang was so unremarkable.

When his father observed his face and destiny, he said that his appearance was naturally gifted, full of spiritual energy, as if he were not a person of this world, and that he contained secrets from beyond the heavens. He had a rare appearance in his life.

Now it seems my father's prediction was spot on; the Ning and Rong Jia families are truly blessed to have raised such a prodigy as Yuzhang.

……

Zhang Yuzhen shook his head and said, "When I was young, I studied in Shenjing and had the acquaintance of the two Dukes Ning and Rong. I know the Jia family's facial features and fortunes very well."

The Jia family had two generations of renowned generals who were the founders of the family. They possessed the temperament of generals and ministers, and were deeply involved in warfare. They were not suited for military campaigns and inevitably suffered losses in their ancestral fortune.

His family's good fortune lasted for three generations, which was already a heavenly number. By the fourth generation, their official rank and wealth would inevitably decline, their family would be ruined, and their fortunes would be scattered.

In fact, most noble and powerful families in the world, who have experienced many risks in their official careers, cannot escape this kind of ending.

Originally, by the time of Yu Zhang, the Jia family could not escape the dangers of the world. Noblemen, commoners, and the lowly were all mixed together.

Unexpectedly, Jia Yuzhang emerged, rising from the ashes to turn fortune into misfortune and shine brightly among his peers.

It is truly astonishing that one person could dissolve the fortunes of several generations.

According to common sense, if a member of a family lineage is deemed unworthy, even if they enjoy temporary prosperity, they will find it difficult to maintain their status and will die prematurely.

Just now, I observed his dragon-like nose and eyebrows; his aura was fiery, indicating a high rank and great position. He did not lack the presence of someone worthy of his authority, which was truly astonishing.

The Jia family's ancestral lineage was only destined for generals and ministers; they shouldn't have produced someone with such a destiny and fortune. Could it be that he actually…?

……

Zhang Yuzhen stopped talking immediately after saying this. Qingluan, who had been taught by her father since childhood and had a family tradition of learning, changed color upon hearing this.

She knew what her father wanted to say, but she would never say it aloud, otherwise it would violate family rules and be a grave taboo...

Due to the rules of the Taoist sect, Qingluan dared not speak some things aloud, but she couldn't help but try to exonerate Jia Cong in her heart.

Regardless of his fate, as long as he turns misfortune into good fortune, follows the will of Heaven, and lives a peaceful and prosperous life, even if he commits a major taboo, it should be considered destiny and no one else should be held responsible...

Qingluan said, "My father once said that the way of heaven is boundless and the methods of divination are inexhaustible. Even though the Zhang family's method of physiognomy and fortune-telling is miraculous, it is not without its limitations."

……

Zhang Yuzhen said, "You're right. The Zhang family has accumulated thousands of years of experience in medicine, divination, and physiognomy. However, compared to other families, we are not invincible in preserving our lineage."

There are countless highly skilled individuals in the world, no less than the Zhang family, and there is one in the capital right now.

Qingluan smiled and said, "Father mentioned it once on the way. He was talking about the Muni Temple outside the city, where Master Xiushan lives and observes the precepts."

Zhang Yuzhen smiled and said, "It is indeed this senior. She is of the same generation as your grandfather and possesses the secret innate divine number, which can deduce the secrets of heaven and is extremely profound."

When I was young, I traveled to Jiangnan with your grandfather and had the opportunity to meet him once.

I will definitely pay a visit this time. You should come with me so you can meet this esteemed elder and broaden your horizons.

Qingluan's bright eyes sparkled, and a slight thought stirred within her. The Zhang family's magic had its limits, but Master Xiushan's divine calculations might be able to exhaust them, who knows?

We can invite Yuzhang to go with us then. If Master Tairu can bestow a divine intervention and determine that Yuzhang's fate is not in danger, it will put everyone's mind at ease...

……

Shenjing East City, Hongde Gate.

After descending Luocang Mountain, Jia Cong drove back to the city. On the way, he recalled what he had seen and heard at Xuantian Palace that day, and his heart was filled with unease.

Zhang Yuzhen is truly erudite and resourceful, while Qingluan is bright and intelligent. Their words and actions reveal their true nature and demonstrate a clear understanding of the ways of the world, qualities that ordinary people cannot possess.

The Zhang family of Longhu Mountain has a history of over a thousand years, with profound heritage and a wealth of distinguished figures, truly making them incomparable to ordinary families.

He recalled his serendipitous encounter at the Nanxi Literary Gathering years ago, when it seemed that so much had changed that night, influencing his future path.

It was at this renowned literary gathering in the capital that he met Prince Kangshun, Li Xiaocheng, and later presented him with a calligraphy of the Heart Sutra, which brought him fame to the retired emperor.

It was at this literary gathering that he met Liu Jing'an and Zhang Yuzhen. Because of their esteem and protection, he was able to study at Qingshan Academy and gain a foothold in the Jia family.

Later, when one's career flourished, one was granted official titles and ranks, and held two high-ranking positions, all of this could be traced back to this source.

It was even because of this literary gathering that he met Qu Hongxiu by chance, and after many years of companionship, by a twist of fate, the world-renowned Huangshang Xinchun Company came into being.

It seems that on that night, some unseen force completely reversed my fate, and its residual power still influences me to this day...

It even left him with many doubts, which still linger in his mind to this day.

Liu Jing'an and Zhang Yuzhen were both giants of the world, with broad vision and outstanding insight. They had met countless talented people throughout their lives.

Back then, I was merely a bit eccentric, yet they valued and respected me so much upon first meeting me. Anyone observing from the sidelines would find it somewhat illogical...

Jia Cong closed his eyes to rest in the carriage, but his mind was in turmoil. Ordinary people would be overjoyed to receive such an honor, and would not delve into the reasons behind it.

While he was deep in thought, he suddenly heard the sound of rapid hoofbeats outside the carriage, and Jia Cong quickly lifted the curtain.

His carriage had just entered Hongde Gate and barely passed through the city gate when he saw three fast horses rushing past him like the wind.

The swift speed of the horse stirred up air currents, causing the carriage curtains to sway wildly. Jiang Liu quickly steadied the carriage and pulled it a few steps to the side of the road.

When Jia Cong saw the three fast horses galloping into the city, he kept shouting to warn passersby and refused to slow down, showing great anxiety.

The knights on horseback all wore bugle uniforms, each with three small flags on their backs, and one of them also carried a leather messenger bag.

These three men were not only border soldiers, but the small flags behind them represented an urgent message from 800 li away, indicating that there was a major military situation that needed to be reported to the capital immediately...

(End of this chapter)