Chapter Six: Arrival at Wuren County
“What a strange object, emitting such a brilliant light!”
Wu Lijun stared in amazement at the glow emanating from An Xin’s hand not far away, a light so bright it illuminated a radius of seven or eight meters as if it were broad daylight.
Focusing closely, the light flickered with a sharpness that stung the eyes painfully.
When An Xin approached, she saw clearly that the strange object was no larger than a cup lid yet radiated a dazzling, intense glow.
“Could it possibly guide us to the county town?”
An Xin walked over to Wu Lijun and turned off the camping lantern.
This lantern was no bigger than a matchbox and could even hang from a keychain. It had a magnetic clasp and hook on the back, a charging port, and could be powered by solar energy. A single charge lasted more than four continuous hours. It was a camping tool An Xin often used before.
At present, the electric vehicle in the valley had nearly run out of power, with no means of recharging.
Though the lantern could be solar-charged, its efficiency was too low for regular use, only suitable for emergencies, so An Xin was reluctant to waste electricity.
“I recognize it.”
“Let’s head to the county town now.”
The night was deep and the breeze cool; both were utterly exhausted and drowsy.
An Xin had used a immobilization technique multiple times; his forehead and temples throbbed painfully as if something was stirring inside his mind. His brain and body felt disconnected, and his feet seemed to tread on cotton with no solid ground beneath them.
They walked one after the other, pausing frequently to rest, until dawn approached and they finally arrived at the Wuren county town. In the darkness, its silhouette resembled a creeping giant beast.
Drawing closer, the city wall stood about 13 meters tall—not overwhelmingly grand.
The wall was weathered and mottled, and the city gates were tightly shut.
“The gates won’t open until the hour of Mao. Let’s go to the West City dock instead; the morning market and taverns there will already be open.”
Wu Lijun said this as her stomach growled loudly—she was truly famished.
“Does the market open this early over there?”
Wu Lijun nodded and explained, “Our town borders the Luo River, a crucial waterway since ancient times. Goods are gathered there, merchants flock to trade, laborers crowd the area, and many live outside the city. With early work hours, naturally the market opens earlier.”
By the time they reached the west side of the city, the sky had begun to brighten with the faint light of dawn.
The gentle morning glow illuminated the world; looking out, the Luo River shimmered with golden reflections. Boats came and went among the sparkling waves, and the bustling docks were alive with noise. Laborers called out as they moved like carrying ants amid the throng.
“I’ve long heard of Luo River’s prosperity; now I’m fortunate to witness it firsthand.”
Instead of heading to a tavern, An Xin and Wu Lijun found a roadside breakfast stall and ordered two servings of wontons.
“The Luo River spans eight provinces, flowing from Dongyang to the sea, thriving since antiquity. Its largest tributary, the Yi River, merges with it near Yuntai Prefecture. Moreover, the Grand Canal running north-south through Wubei province fosters the region’s flourishing commerce.”
As the daughter of a merchant family, Wu Lijun had her own insights on trade.
When their wontons arrived, the two, ravenous, ate hurriedly despite the heat. Though a humble street stall, An Xin thought these might be the best wontons he had ever tasted.
After finishing the wontons, sipping broth and biting into crisp meat-filled biscuits, their rebellious stomachs were finally appeased. An Xin gathered strength to consider the next steps.
Firstly, he was unfamiliar with the governmental system of the Great Yan dynasty and knew nothing of Wuren county’s local situation.
Secondly, although he had thoroughly studied the “New Official’s Handbook” found among the original owner’s belongings—a guide for officials—and had been part of the system before transmigration, different regions had distinct political climates. Without adapting, one’s flaws would be exposed, losing authority.
Thirdly, unlike the original owner, he was not a local scholar and lacked fluency in scholarly etiquette and rhetoric. Acting too unorthodoxly could provoke criticism and suspicion regarding his true identity.
This new appointment was fraught with peril.
Therefore, before officially taking office, he needed to prepare carefully.
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Across from him, Wu Lijun stole shy glances, then invited, “Hero, please come with me to my home first. My father will surely repay your kindness. I wish to extend my hospitality as a hostess.”
“Very well.”
An Xin nodded in agreement.
The Wu family were prominent local merchants and landowners, well acquainted with the area. Cultivating such connections would be beneficial.
With their hunger and thirst satisfied and their bodies warmed, they felt refreshed.
The west city gate had opened, and they entered Wuren county amid the flow of people.
The west side of the city bustled lively. Near the docks, merchants from north and south rested and played, making the area rich with brothels, taverns, and gambling dens. Crowds jostled and sweated; it was a vibrant place.
Even the city’s entrance path was paved with smooth blue stones.
An Xin observed the daily lives of the townsfolk, occasionally inquiring about prices of various goods to gauge the county’s cost of living.
Yet often, he and Wu Lijun were met with strange looks.
Having escaped from bandits’ lairs, their disheveled appearance and dirty clothes contrasted with the somewhat noble style of their garments. If not for their attire, they could easily be mistaken for two destitute refugees.
Realizing this, An Xin said little and hurried with Wu Lijun toward the southern part of the city.
Wu Lijun’s home lay in Mudan Ward in the south, where many affluent local merchants resided.
The Wu residence was a compound with four courtyards, its main gate impressively grand.
“Miss?”
As they approached the main entrance, a hushed voice called out nearby.
They looked toward the sound and saw a young servant, no more than twenty, standing at the street corner watching Wu Lijun.
“Sanxi? Why are you here?”
Wu Lijun’s face brightened upon seeing him.
Sanxi said, “The cloth shop assistant just came with news that he saw you. Master asked me to come out and meet you.”
“Where are Father and Mother?”
Wu Lijun quickened her pace.
“Miss, Mistress is waiting at the side gate.”
Sanxi stopped her.
“The side gate?”
The side gate was the back door of the residence.
After a moment’s thought, Wu Lijun understood the reason.
They wanted to prevent news of her being captured by bandits from spreading, to protect the Wu family’s reputation.
She glanced at An Xin anxiously, apologizing softly, “Hero Zhang...”
An Xin shook his head gently, unconcerned. “It’s alright. Now that Miss Lijun is safely home, I should...”
Before he could finish, Sanxi cupped his hands in respect and said, “Sir Hero, my master specifically instructed me to invite you into the house as a guest to express his gratitude.”
“Hero, I wish to properly thank you for saving my life.”
Wu Lijun grasped An Xin’s sleeve.
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“Very well.”
An Xin nodded.
“Sorry to trouble you, Hero.”
Once inside the alley, Wu Lijun expressed her apologies.
“No matter.”
At this moment, An Xin was not yet in office and appeared downcast after escaping the bandits. People’s ignorance made it easier to bear.
Compared to the grandeur of the main gate, the side gate was just two narrow, dark doors barely wide enough for two people side by side.
Sanxi knocked, and behind the door awaited a couple in their forties.
The man was stout, dressed in wealthy silk garments.
The woman, plain-faced but still beautiful, wore golden and silver hair ornaments.
“Daughter!”
The woman embraced Wu Lijun tearfully upon seeing her.
“Father, Mother, this is Hero Zhang An. It was he who rescued me.”
Wu Lijun freed herself from her mother’s embrace and introduced him.
“Hero Zhang saved my daughter. I, Wu Damao, am eternally grateful and will never forget!”
Wu Damao cupped his hands toward An Xin.
“You’re too kind.”
An Xin returned the gesture.
“Hero Zhang, please rest in the side hall. I have instructed the kitchen to prepare food and wine. My daughter has just escaped a den of evil; my heart is stirred. Please wait a moment, and then we shall speak more.”
Wu Damao said.
“Please lead the way, Mr. Wu.”
An Xin parted from Wu Lijun and followed a maid to the side hall in the front courtyard.
The maid brought a copper basin; An Xin washed his face and sat quietly, lost in thought.
Outside the door, Sanxi and a robust young servant cast furtive glances his way, giving An Xin the uneasy impression of being watched under the guise of service.
In the rear courtyard, after a brief moment of warmth, Wu Damao suddenly asked, “Did those bandits on the mountain... do anything to you?”
Wu Lijun, sensing her father’s tone, replied firmly, “No!”
Wu Damao sighed with slight relief but warned gravely, “Daughter, rumors are dangerous. The news of your abduction by bandits must never be spread. Otherwise, even plunging into the Yellow River won’t cleanse the stain!
How was the skill of that Hero Zhang?”
Wu Lijun, sharp and quick-witted, raised her eyebrows and said, “Father, what are you implying? Hero Zhang saved me from a den of demons, protected me all the way, and safely escorted me home. His conduct is noble, and his skills formidable. Please do not misunderstand him!”
“Juner, you’re overthinking. As long as he promises to keep this matter secret, I’ll give him some silver to send him on his way.”
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