Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 237: First Visit to the Capital

Sword Lake City was situated between Qinghe and Langya, roughly at the position of modern-day Dongping Lake. The location of the capital was similar to the modern-day capital, while Yanmen Pass was in Shanxi.

Although both Yanmen Pass and the capital were in the north, in reality, they formed a triangle with Sword Lake City. One would not pass by the capital at all when heading the Yanmen Pass from Sword Lake City, so Vermillion Bird had somewhat tricked Zhao Changhe into taking a detour.

The journey was quite long, especially with Zhao Changhe’s habit of taking circuitous routes. As they traveled north for many days, they gradually felt the arrival of autumn, with the sight of wheat ears and golden trees by the roadside.

It was just like the desolation that he had witnessed journeying south; the northern plains were not much better.

Apart from strongholds like Qinghe, Gusu, and Langya, most areas of the divine land were in poor condition. Despite it being the autumn harvest season, it appeared as if there had been a poor harvest everywhere. With both the north and south engaged in war, and the urgency of tax collection and conscription by the government, the situation was dire. Along the way, Zhao Changhe witnessed numerous incidents resembling scenes from “The Pressgang at Stone Moat Village” and “Lament of the Newlywed.”[1]

Banditry and pillaging were rampant, with many places experiencing attacks on their county government offices and having their granaries looted. Compared to the so-called bandits that Zhao Changhe had encountered when he first arrived in this world, these were much more organized and sophisticated criminals, akin to the transition from Wang Lun to Song Jiang in Water Margin.[2]

And all of this happened in less than a year... The bandits had evolved rapidly, leaving Zhao Changhe struggling to keep up.

Despite nearing the heart of the empire, things did not seem any better. While it was not yet at the point where not a rooster could be heard within a thousand li, the signs of war and chaos were evident.

Coupled with the actions of the Wang Clan, it was clear that they had officially entered troubled times, no longer being in the prologue phase.

If the situation in the south involved organized uprisings in response to the Maitreya Cult, then the north was facing the invasion of the northern barbarians, with the imperial elite border troops resisting them. From previous observations, it was evident that many border military officers or local officials had intricate ties with the Wang and Cui clans. It remained unclear who the main general was, but they had to be capable of uniting these individuals and rallying them to defend against the enemy.

And if this main general were to be like Wu Sangui[3], it was horrifying just imagining what the consequences might be. And what if the Wang Clan were to withdraw their troops? What then?

Another point that puzzled Zhao Changhe was that since the capital was the key to the empire, why did the barbarians avoid it and invade Yanmen Pass instead?

Is it because of Xia Longyuan’s deterrent power?

“Of course, it’s because of Xia Longyuan’s deterrent power. During his heyday, he could truly defeat an army single-handedly. Being ranked first on the Ranking of Heavens is no joke. He is much, much stronger than Wang Daoning, who is at the bottom of the ranking.”

“Then who is the general at Yanmen?”

“The Marquis of Jingyuan[4].”

Zhao Changhe was stunned for a moment, then knocked on his head. “Oh, I remember now, the ninth on the Ranking of Earth, Huangfu Yongxian? The imperial court is actually quite strong, huh?”

Vermillion Bird said leisurely, “Of course it’s strong. Otherwise, how could it have held on for so long? Do you really think that Tang Wanzhuang alone is supporting the empire? If the empire really was that useless, we would have launched an uprising long ago, what would be the point of lying in wait for so long?”

“Then what is General Huangfu’s political stance?”

“How would I know? Aren’t you going to the capital? Why don’t you go ask Tang Wanzhuang yourself?”

“It feels like you’re not very polite to Tang Wanzhuang, but you seem to have some respect for Huangfu Yongxian? You even refer to him as the Marquis of Jingyuan rather than by his name.”

Vermillion Bird said calmly, “Those who are defending the nation from enemies beyond its borders deserve respect. If the Four Idols Cult are to reign in the future, such a talented general will be valuable, won’t he?”

“Then if you take over the world, what about Tang Wanzhuang?”

“If you join the cult, we can award her to you as your slave.”

Zhao Changhe did not know whether to laugh or cry.

Vermillion Bird found it interesting and amusing to observe Zhao Changhe’s perspective and considerations along the way. She could be certain that Zhao Changhe truly had no desire to be a prince, much less the prince, but his perspective naturally leaned in that direction.

Or perhaps it should be said that his perspective was not quite like that of a prince, but rather somewhat detached, as if he were simply observing and overlooking the world, analyzing the reasons behind events and possible outcomes.

Rather than having the perspective of a prince, his perspective was akin to the eye of a god faintly revealed in the clouds in the sky.

As Vermillion Bird pondered this, her sense of amusement gradually faded, replaced by a slight unease.

She said cautiously, “You said that you only wanted to be a traveler or wandering hero[5] of the jianghu.”

“Yeah, have I not been acting like one all this time?”

More than acting just like one, Zhao Changhe had spent a lot of extra time dealing with injustices along the way. Otherwise, they would have arrived at the capital by now. Vermillion Bird could not blame him for wasting time, however. She knew that if she tried to stop him from doing such things, he would get upset with her.

Acting chivalrously and upholding justice when encountering injustice, according to Zhao Changhe, were the main purposes of his practice of martial arts.

How dare you say you come from a bandit background?

As a result, this mighty demonic cult leader, who would usually kill without batting an eye, ended up helping numerous elderly people and orphaned girls along the way. In the end, it was not entirely without benefits. They were all settled nearby and given instructions to join the nearby branches of the Four Idols Cult, so she had essentially recruited new members.

In fact, the rise of demonic cults in troubled times primarily came from such acts. The Maitreya Cult was even more typical in this regard. The Four Idols Cult was no exception, as they were also forming their own private army, just not as indiscriminately as the Maitreya Cult.

In fact, the Four Idols Cult was much more picky due to the true identities of Black Tortoise and Vermillion Bird... both much more knowledgeable than Maitreya.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Vermillion Bird asked, “You said you only wanted to be a traveler, but your perspective does not seem like it.”

“Why? Does it seem more macroscopic?”

“Mm-hm...”

“A wandering hero does not necessarily only intervene in injustices and help the weak. There is another kind.”

“What kind?”

“Wandering heroes that serve the nation and the people.”

“...Where did you get that idea? Isn’t that just a hero? Why don’t you just say you’re from the Demon Suppression Bureau?”

“Who says I’m not? Isn’t it every man’s duty to help when their nation is in trouble?!” Zhao Changhe laughed heartily, urging his horse forward. “A white horse adorned with golden reins, galloping swiftly to the northwest[6]. I ask, whose son is he, this wandering hero... Sacrificing himself for the nation in times of crisis, returning home despite the threat of death! What else could I be if not a hero?! Hiyah!”

Snow-Treading Crow dashed onward.

Vermillion Bird sighed. This was not the answer she was hoping for.

In fact, Zhao Changhe knew exactly what answer this young lady was hoping to get. For cults, everything was about their gods and Buddhas... but that was also not really what she wanted to hear.

The Fire Serpent of Yi had been sent by Venerable Vermillion Bird to accompany him. Although she said that she was not being given as a gift, the action still carried a strong implication, so Zhao Changhe always felt like teasing her, even itching to hug or kiss her. Perhaps she also had some subconscious inclinations? Even if that was not the case, she had to play along a bit, leading to a relationship that was ambiguous from the very beginning.

However, Zhao Changhe had no intention of using some “divine astrology” to deceive anyone. That kind of sleazy business was what Xia Longyuan had done, and it was not for him, Zhao Changhe.

Talking about feelings and getting close was nice... Because before they realized it, she had become the woman besides Chichi who had been with him the longest.

Traveling and lodging together, accompanying each other, joining hands in performing chivalrous deeds, it had been nearly a month since it all began.

Familiarity and habit were frightening forces, just like back in Beimang, when Luo Qi woke up in the morning and found herself sleeping soundly on Zhao Changhe’s chest. Vermillion Bird was the same. She had not even noticed that when on horseback, where she once used to press her hands against his back to distance herself, she no longer bothered to do so. She would occasionally even bump into his back unconsciously, and neither she nor he felt anything.

Sometimes, her hands would even wrap around his waist, and neither she nor he felt anything off.

As the steed galloped, with the young lady’s hands wrapped around the young hero’s waist, a majestic city loomed in the distance, shrouded under dark clouds.

After nearly a month of traveling, the autumn chill had grown stronger, and the capital was finally in sight.

Zhao Changhe’s usually carefree mood suddenly became a little nervous, and he almost had the urge to rein in his horse and turn back, but he forcefully suppressed the thought and continued forward slowly.

The capital was a place he had always avoided, and he had not planned on coming here so soon, but since fate had brought him here, why not check it out?

“You can’t go in wearing that pig mask,” said Vermillion Bird while she dismounted. “I’ll find a way in myself. You just enter the city directly.”

“How do I contact you once I’m inside?”

Vermillion Bird chuckled. “Don’t even think about probing my real identity. Anyway, wherever you go, you’re the center of attention. Once I handle my affairs, I’ll find you.”

With that, she quickly disappeared.

Zhao Changhe did not bother wearing the pig mask anymore, reverting to his original appearance as he rode into the city.

“Halt! No riding inside the city. Dismount and lead your horse by the reins!”

The spirit of these city gate guards was better than those of any city he had visited before.

In the past, the guards he ran into were all lax. None of them cared if he rode a horse in or not. As long as he paid the entrance fee, he could enter.

Zhao Changhe did not mind the guard’s obstruction. He even thought that it was only natural. He dismounted and prepared to pay the entrance fee.

But the guard waved his hand, “Is this your first time here? There is no need for an entrance fee to the capital. Just hand over your travel permit and go in. I can see that you’re carrying a saber on your back, just make sure not to cause any trouble. First Seat Tang is in the capital right now. You people of the jianghu better behave.”

Zhao Changhe could not help but laugh. “It seems you guys really respect First Seat Tang.”

“Naturally.” The guard could not be bothered to say anything else and held out his hand. “Your travel permit?”

Zhao Changhe had never been asked for a travel permit before, and he had never thought of getting one. But he understood that it was essential for the capital, especially during wartime. Just as he was hesitating, laughter came from behind, “A travel permit is only for confirming someone’s identity. Everyone in the world knows who this guy is, so why bother checking?”

A group of people turned around to look, only to see a young master waving his folding fan, smiling as he said, “Thirteenth Hidden Dragon Zhao Changhe! You guys used to have wanted posters of him, yet you can’t even recognize him?”

The thirteenth hidden dragon was not a particularly big deal in the capital, so the onlookers did not pay much attention, continuing with their respective inspections.

However, Zhao Changhe clearly noticed the slight changes in the expressions of many guards.

He could almost feel another storm brewing. He was certain that the news of him entering the city would sweep the capital in an instant.

Zhao Changhe sighed. “Young Master Dai, isn’t your Dai Clan in the northwest? What are you doing here?”

It was the young master from the Dai Clan in the northwest, whom he had met during the Langya Sword Conference. Zhao Changhe had already forgotten what he had even done back then.

Young Master Dai smiled and said, “Which clan doesn’t have some business in the capital?”

“A Beijing Liaison Office[7]?”

“Huh? What’s that?” Young Master Dai said leisurely, “Do you have a place to stay in the capital? Want to stay at my place?”

1. These are《石壕吏》and《新婚别》respectively, both are poems by Du Fu (杜甫) about the forced conscription of young men into the army. ☜

2. Water Margin is a classic Chinese novel. Wang Lun is a relatively minor character, a selfish and reckless county-level bandit chief, while Song Jiang, known as the Protector of Justice and Timely Rain, is the central character of the book. ☜

3. A notorious Ming dynasty military officer who played a key role in the fall of the Ming dynasty. ☜

4. This is a county in the east of Gansu. ☜

5. The word here is 侠客, which describes chivalrous individuals or martial arts experts who have a strong sense of justice and help the weak. 侠 is the “xia” in wuxia, while the “wu” is 武, martial. ☜

6. This is an excerpt of a poem by Cao Zhi (曹植) titled Song of the White Horse (白马篇). ☜

7. This is a modern term, hence the confusion. ☜