It was snowing heavily and the mountains on both sides of the river were covered in white, making a bleak scenery with withered trees that stretched on for as far as the eyes could see. Through the bare trees, one could see carriages and travelers trudging along the perilous winding mountain paths, heading in the opposite direction from Yan Liqiang.
Yan Liqiang stood at the bow of the ship, watching the scenery ahead of him through his squinted eyes. The fluttering snow fell on his shoulders and the bamboo hat he wore, piling up into a layer of snowy white in just a flash.
“We climb the Taihang Mountain from the north;
The upward trek is harsh when we march forth.
The rough meandering footpaths twist and turn;
The wheel breakdowns bring us grave concern.
Before my eyes, the towering trees are moaning;
Above my head, the northern wind is groaning.
Bears large and small squat upon the trail;
Meanwhile tigers and leopards howl and wail.
Few people go into the deepest vales
When heavy snows enshroud the frozen dales.
At this sight, I heave an enormous sigh
Now that I know what zigzag treks imply.
Why am I in such a downcast mood?
About my journey home is what I brood.
When we face a river and no bridge is found,
We have to stop halfway and move around.
As we have moved around and lost our way,
Night will fall and we have nowhere to stay.
The farther in the mountains we go,
The more hungry men and horses grow.
The soldiers cut firewood from the trees
And cook the gruel with pieces of ice that freeze.
The Eastern Hill does not give me relief;
It is a poem that adds to my deep grief.”
Looking at the scenery, Yan Liqiang couldn’t help but recite Caocao’s ‘Song of Bitter Cold’ at the bow of the ship.
“Hahaha, you sure are in high spirits to be able to recite poetry at a time like this, Brother…!” A hearty laugh rang out from behind Yan Liqiang, followed by some creaking noises from the deck. Yan Liqiang turned around to find a bearded man about two meters tall striding toward him.
“Here for some fresh air, Brother An…?” Yan Liqiang smiled and greeted the big man.
The man was An Shidao, an escort leader. Two days ago, An Shidao happened to board the same ship with Yan Liqiang while escorting some goods with another few escorts. Both of their cabins were right next to each other, and since they’d frequently bump into each other on the same ship, they naturally got to know each other. An Shidao fit the stereotype of someone who frequently traveled; he was outspoken and shrewd. There weren’t many people Yan Liqiang could enjoy talking to on this ship. Although he was plainly dressed, an experienced person like An Shidao still took notice of his unusual presence so he tried to get to know him.
Yan Liqiang left Gan Province for the Imperial Capital all alone. He only brought a sword and a piece of luggage with him this time. After spending his life in Qiyun Prefecture being followed around by others, he felt much more relaxed traveling alone right now. The satisfaction level was akin to going on a long solo vacation.
He chose to travel differently this time, mingling with people from the lower social classes and staying at hostels. Sometimes, he’d even choose to stay the night in the countryside to experience the local lifestyle and listen to their regional accents. He journeyed through huge cities, small towns, market places, and temples. He met all sorts of people too, from over-friendly female inn owners to ignorant and vicious bandits. Traveling with a different state of mind, every place marveled him…
Journeying through the secular world was indeed an enlightening experience which could be considered true cultivation.
The experience Yan Liqiang had on his travels during the short two months surpassed the past few years. In the right state of mind, his cultivation was gradually rising up even without him doing anything. Indulging in the ordinary lives of people was greatly benefiting his cultivation in martial arts. Even without touching a bow lately, Yan Liqiang could vaguely feel his art of archery inching upward toward the Seventh Heavenly Layer.
“Hahaha, even though it’s snowing, it’s refreshing compared to staying in the stuffy cabin…” An Shidao laughed heartily as he approached Yan Liqiang at the bow and looked at Yan Liqiang with great interest. “Brother, that’s an impressive display of your eloquence. I may be an uneducated boor who can’t understand what I just heard, but I’ve met thousands of people before and this is the first time I’ve met someone like you. I’m guessing you are either someone from some major sect or a wealthy clan. Not only that, but you are also probably someone famous. You told the captain of this ship that your surname is Gu, but I’m guessing that’s an alias, right?”
Travelers would usually avoid asking others their background in such great detail, especially on the first meeting. Yet, An Shidao was acting on the contrary by being so outspoken and direct. Yan Liqiang had a Psychic Serpent in his head, so naturally he’d know An Shidao’s intentions. He smiled at the question. “As expected of an experienced traveler, Brother An. To tell you the truth, I am not who I claimed. My name is Yan Liqiang.”
“Haha, I knew it. So you are from the Yan Clan… your name is…” Speaking up to this point, An Shidao suddenly paused and froze. His smile was instantly replaced by a shocked expression. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped as though he’d just seen an alien. “B-Brother… Y-You… You are the Qiyun Protectorate General? You are… Lord Yan… Our Great Han Empire’s Heavenly Master Craftsmith, the Archery Master of the Crown Prince and the person who solved the Storm Army’s plight with woolen fabric…?”
An Shidao wasn’t acting; he was truly shocked by Yan Liqiang’s name. Although he had expected Yan Liqiang to be someone unusual, he didn’t expect him to be such a famous person. Anyone who didn’t know him before would definitely know him by now, with all the great riches and other effects brought about by trendy wool fashion to the Great Han Empire. Putting aside the escorts who frequently traveled, even normal people had heard about Yan Liqiang who managed to turn worthless wool into valuable materials…
“I’m just lucky to get a little recognition. Please don’t tease me, Brother An…” Yan Liqiang replied humbly.
“Wow…!” An Shidao circled around Yan Liqiang while rubbing his hands in excitement, then suddenly held Yan Liqiang’s hands. “If you are calling this a little recognition, then surely no one else would dare to say they are well-known in the Great Han Empire. Brother, you should really know that ever since you made the woolen fabric, business is booming in all the escort agencies in the Great Han Empire. Back then, the biggest goods we had to escort were salt, and now we have woolen fabric again. A friend of mine runs an escort agency too. His business was dying, he was prepared to close down and find another livelihood. Little did anyone expect that your woolen fabric would improve business in all the escort agencies. That friend of mine is now offering specialized services in escorting woolen goods for merchant groups everywhere.
“Other than the wool, I heard you are behind the invention of those four-wheeled carriages used by the escort agencies too. They are really amazing! So sturdy and fast with huge capacity. The escort agencies in the Great Han Empire pretty much rely on your inventions to run their businesses. The last time I met the other people from the other agencies, everyone was worshipping you as a living Buddha. I really didn’t expect to meet you in person here…!”
“You’re flattering me, Brother An! The businesses weathered through the hard times and flourished because of your talents and capabilities. My inventions only happened to coincidentally be of use to all of you…”
“Oh right, what brings you here to the Imperial Capital?”
“I came because the Emperor summoned me…”
“Wow, that’s good, Brother!” An Shidao gave Yan Liqiang a thumbs up, but frowned again. “But it’s quite chaotic in the capital regions right now. To be honest with you, I’m sending goods to Hui Provincial City. After this time, I plan to avoid any work to or from the capital regions for the next year. It’s just too dangerous…”
“Oh, understandable. I heard people in the capital regions are alarmed of the Heavenly Tribulation. Many of them are even evacuating…”
“Even if that’s true, it’s something that will happen next year. What I’m talking about is human problems. Don’t you know the White Lotus Society has been creating big problems in the capital regions over the past few days? Just a few days ago, the Hui Provincial Governor and the military governor in the Imperial Capital were assassinated by someone from the White Lotus Society. Their heads were hung on the city walls…”
“Huh…?!” Yan Liqiang was shocked. He wasn’t that well-informed with news over this period of time due to his travels, but he didn’t expect the capital regions to become this chaotic already. The White Lotus Society was really starting to cause trouble…
