Chapter 10, Returning to the Capital

In the east, dismounting from the horse, he led the horse forward and bowed, saying: "Old man." The old man raised himself halfway, rubbed his waist, and replied: "Ah."

The old man, with murky eyes, shook his head and said: "I do not know. I only know it is a monster. The emperor has ordered the people in this area to migrate west, and everyone has left. I am nearly seventy years old, have lived here my whole life, and have no children or family, so I do not wish to leave. Seeing this land empty, I bought some seedlings to plant."

People say it must be a large beast, but we are not close to deep mountains and dense forests, so wild animals should not come here. Later, the emperor also sent soldiers to surround the nearby mountains and forests in an attempt to hunt down this beast. The old man widened his eyes and said: "One night, I encountered it on the mountain five miles away, and it was truly terrifying. It is said that its eyes are as large as a basin, its roar is like thunder, and no sword or axe can approach it, injuring dozens of soldiers, while the rest fled in panic. Since then, the people in this area have all fled." It is said that its eyes are as large as a basin, its roar is like thunder, and no sword or axe can approach it, injuring dozens of soldiers, while the rest fled in panic. Since then, the people in this area have all fled.

Although the disciple has not received teachings for many years, he is not so dull as to this extent. There were delays on the road, and I entered the city late yesterday. This morning, I went to the Astronomical Bureau to pay my respects and only then obtained this paper with ink. Dongfang said, taking out the note: "Building walls on the plain, with earth it becomes complete, both meaning and form are represented by the character for 'city'; the red goose is the vermilion bird, the divine bird of the south; one day and night equals one day, combining into an old character; the 'Ancient Micro Book' states that birds and beasts only chirp but do not speak, because their tongues are different from 'human tongues.' These four lines of poetry refer to 'the old house in the south of the city.'"

The East watched him walk away and asked, "What do people say about this matter?"

It is said that there are monsters lurking about

*

Thus, more than ten days passed. Although Cha Cha's injury had not fully healed, she was able to get out of bed and move around. On the second day after she woke up, Cheng Duo picked her up and washed her from head to toe, and then placed her back in bed

Since the day she fell into a coma, Cha Cha has not awakened. Cheng Duo used his internal energy to check her pulse and felt that it was not very serious; she should not be in a state of unconsciousness. Dongfang examined her pulse for a long time and concluded that her pulse was stable, indicating that there was likely no major issue. The prolonged unconsciousness seems to be a result of her own desire not to awaken.

The East found it incomprehensible: "What is that?"

The weather has gradually become warmer, and Dongfang, sitting by the small shop at the post station, feels quite thirsty. The shopkeeper serves him tea, and he takes a sip. Having traveled south for several days, his horse is exhausted. Yesterday, he changed horses in this small town and took a brief rest before setting off again. The grass and trees by the roadside are sprouting and turning green, presenting a scene of pleasant weather and sunshine.

If a person becomes so estranged from the world that exists, how profoundly lonely must he feel deep within his heart. Thus, Tea Tea finds Cheng Duo increasingly terrifying and unfathomable. If possible, avoid responding to him; if possible, avoid provoking him. Whether he uses himself as a mattress or a pillow on the bed, let him be as he pleases

When he returned to the Yan Prefecture camp, he saw Dongfang fully equipped and mounted at the entrance of the camp, with Ming Ji standing beside him. Upon seeing him return, Dongfang clasped his hands and said: "Brother Xi Jian, I originally intended to travel back to the capital with you. However, due to some trivial matters, I must travel light and set off first."

Chengduo watched him leave, and upon turning back, he saw Mingji standing there still gazing at the road. He jumped off his horse and called her to come into the camp. Mingji looked around a couple more times before slowly following him back. Chengduo smiled and said, "In a couple of days, you can return to the capital with me. In just half a month, you will be able to see your brother."

"How could that be? I could save myself some trouble. I beg you to take me along." As he spoke, the nail was already on the verge of tears.

Cheng Duo laughed heartily: "Am I really such a petty person? It's fine, go ahead and blame me at www.hetushu.com. I won't hold it against you. You should hurry back to your account, as I still have some matters to attend to here." Ming Ji nodded, smiled, and flicked her braid as she left.

Eastern Dao: "Go find the person who left me this message."

The little shop assistant gradually brought out his dishes. Dongfang Qi was just about to pick up some food with his chopsticks when there was a sudden movement under the table. He paused for a moment but still picked up a piece of vegetable and began to eat it with his steamed bun. A few black, slippery fingers appeared on the table, followed by a messy tuft of hair, and then a pair of twinkling eyes spinning around. A beggar child crawled out from under the table, leaned against the opposite side of his table, and grinned awkwardly, saying: "Hehe, sir."

Early the next morning, just past the hour of the rabbit, Dongfang got up early and, still carrying the nails, took a winding path for about half an hour before arriving at an official office. Dongfang looked up and recognized all the characters on the sign, reading them one by one: "Qintianjian." Dongfang smiled and approached the guard, saying something, and the guard allowed the two of them to enter.

It is now the season for spring plowing, so why is it that in this fertile land, only the old man is working the fields

Cheng Duo calmly asked, "Is it not too difficult?"

Ah? Shui Jing was taken aback

The Eastern figure stepped forward, knelt down in reverence, and said: "Master."

Sometimes it is better to be in a stupor than to be awake, as one may fall into a deep sleep without realizing it. This is not intentional, nor is it due to any injury. It is only natural for people to seek benefits and avoid harm

Have you witnessed any unusual phenomena in the suburbs of Gyeonggi City

Inside is a long corridor, flanked by several towering trees. At the front is a grand hall, where the person in charge is seated. Dongfang placed the nail down and approached to negotiate. The person pointed him in a direction. Dongfang turned around, took the nail, and left, passing through a small door to reach a pavilion.

Dongfang raised his hand and said: "No, old man, you should hurry back. Be careful these days." The old man sighed, thanked him, and slipped through the gate with his basket. Dongfang said no more, mounted his horse, and with a squeeze of the horse's belly, he set off at a gallop. By dusk, he encountered another household, stayed overnight, and after another day's journey, he arrived at the capital.

What more can be said? It is always the heavens that observe what is wrong, and only then do such strange events occur to punish the people. Has not the Emperor issued a decree of self-criticism?

Dongfang lowered his head and thought for a moment, saying: "Yes, but... it is not that person from Yanzhou."

The Eastern man continued to serve the dishes, only saying to the waiter: "You need not worry about him, just attend to your own tasks." The waiter, surprised, thought that since the guest had said nothing, he too should refrain from saying anything, and he walked back to the kitchen in a daze to discuss these two individuals with the owner

I? '' The child stared at the dishes on the table, '' My name is Dingzi.

The child, seeing Dongfang like this, glanced at the food, then at him, and quickly grabbed a steamed bun, devouring it ravenously. After a while, he choked, stretched his neck, and grabbed Dongfang's tea bowl to take a sip. After finishing, he poured another bowl. Dongfang had only eaten half of his steamed bun, yet the child had already swallowed the entire bun.

What is the reason for this

Indeed. What the elder has said is absolutely correct; it is evident that he is a person of great insight

Is it strange? My family also farms.

Dongfang Xiaoxiao asked: "Then who are you?"

Shuijing did not respond, pushed open the door, and inside were some ordinary tables and chairs, but on the wall hung an ancient-style painting titled "The Fisherman on the Misty Waves." The inscription was in the style of the Eastern script, yet Shuijing said: "Last year, at the end of December, the position of the Ziwei star was chaotic, and the court politics were likely to stabilize; a comet appeared in the east, indicating the general's plot against the king. You must have seen it, right?"

"Hehe, as long as you don't call me a hammer, it's fine." He finally raised his head and looked towards the east, chuckling.

The old man did not even lift his eyelids: "I am not afraid of death, so I come out to farm."

The East stood up, looked around at the mountains and rivers, and asked: "This place used to be quite prosperous; surely such events have not occurred here before?"

Cha Cha observed that he was still somewhat amiable, buried his head to adjust his state of mind, grabbed a large piece of cheese from the plate, leaned down to hug the blanket, and began to chew with a certain degree of indignation

Tea Tea is indeed still injured, but Chengduo did not make things difficult for her in the afternoon, and afterwards allowed her to sleep soundly. He went out to patrol the east and did not return until dusk. Due to the defeat of Hudie, the entire front line has shifted westward. Chengduo has also recalled the troops stationed on the eastern front of Yanzhou.

Chengduo said: "A man's ambition lies in the four corners of the world; although he may not be by your side, he will always think of you." As he spoke, they had already arrived at the central army, and Chengduo halted his steps

Cheng Duo turned her over, making her lie on the quilt, gently stroking the wounds on her back, and comforting her by saying, "Don't be afraid, I won't do anything to you." His fingers pressed against the scars, causing some bruising pain. Cha Cha couldn't help but recall the day she was whipped by Zhe Ren, feeling a wave of fear in her heart. Given the situation, how could it not be serious? Was it that her life today would be safe, or that there was no guarantee for the future? This gentleman's words are truly an art form.

The old man straightened his back, somewhat surprised, and before he could speak, the Nail immediately whispered, "Sir, Sir." Since Dongfang did not allow him to call him "Master," he referred to him as "Sir." Dongfang approached, and the Nail bent slightly, with a pained expression, and said in a low voice, "Sir, we should leave quickly. It is very dangerous here, and if a monster comes..."

The Eastern sage pondered: "Does the master believe this matter to be a calamity caused by humans"

The East turned a blind eye and continued to eat. However, the shopkeeper noticed the child, and the attendant picked up an oil cloth from the kitchen, shooing him away like a mosquito: "Go away, go away, you little beggar, what are you doing in someone else's shop so early in the morning? This is truly unlucky!"

The old man sat on the ridge and said to the east: "Since a year ago, wild beasts have been injuring people here, and many have died violently on the road, which is quite tragic to witness. However, as time went on, the number of deaths increased. Local officials dispatched hunters and constables to capture the beasts, but they have repeatedly failed, resulting in many innocent lives lost."

Dongfang handed the reins to the nail on the horse, bent down to pour a bowl of water from the earthenware pot at his feet, and offered it to the old man, but caught a glimpse of a shiny, thick kitchen knife placed in the bamboo basket on the ground.

The Hu people are temporarily unable to gather a formidable force and remain stationed in the capital without venturing out. Cheng Duo also does not advance deeply into the vast grasslands and deserts, where there is little to seize, and the expedition is not easy. Thus, as the northern front stabilizes, an imperial decree arrives from the capital, appointing the Grand Commander Cheng Xian of Yunzhou to take over the northern defense, summoning Cheng Duo back to the capital. Since he must leave temporarily, he needs to ensure that everything is arranged properly. In certain military matters, Cheng Duo has always been meticulous and unrelenting; he believes that what is necessary must be personally inspected to be assured. Therefore, as the northern front stabilizes, an imperial decree arrives from the capital, appointing the Grand Commander Cheng Xian of Yunzhou to take over the northern defense, summoning Cheng Duo back to the capital. Since he must leave temporarily, he needs to ensure that everything is arranged properly. In certain military matters, Cheng Duo has always been meticulous and unrelenting; he believes that what is necessary must be personally inspected to be assured.

"Get up," he commanded decisively, then sat down on the edge of the bed and reached for a bowl of medicine. Tea Tea had no choice but to sit up halfway, leaning against the pillow, and took the bowl of medicine, trying her best to swallow the dark liquid quickly. After she finished drinking, while she was still frowning, she was caught off guard as Cheng Duo pressed a small, misshapen piece of candy into her mouth.

Now?" Chengduo asked in some astonishment, as it was already pitch dark outside.

Chengduo turned to face Chacha and fed her a piece of cheese. Once she had finished savoring it, he leaned in to share. Chacha dared not resist in the slightest and obediently complied with him. Chengduo took the candy from her mouth completely, lifted his head, held her waist, and said, "You have to take it yourself."

Seeing him like this, Dongfang felt somewhat awkward. He sat down and said with a serious expression: "I have tested the Five Kings in Yanzhou, and I have been in his camp for the past few months. I believe... he is merely arrogant due to his talents and is not a person of great ambition."

The Eastern figure waved and said: "I do not want a scholar's assistant, but I can find you a position as one." The nail immediately changed to a smiling face and joyfully stepped forward. The Eastern figure added: "However, we still have to travel for two more days."

The disciple now follows the Five Kings

Ming Ji stood still, bent her knee in gratitude and said: "General, I shall take my leave now"

The Water Mirror gazed intently towards the East, paused for a moment, and said: "I originally intended for you to assist me. Since you have followed the Five Kings into the world... it should have a beginning and an end."

A rich aroma of milk immediately replaced the bitterness of the medicinal liquid, with a slightly light sweetness gradually revealing a hint of sourness. The cheese from the Hu Di region is a common food among the northern herdsmen. Cha Cha almost greedily savored the taste of this cheese, feeling that he had never eaten anything so delicious before

Indeed. I was originally planning to leave in the afternoon, but since you are not in the camp, it would be quite inappropriate to take my leave without saying goodbye. Let us part ways here, and I will visit you again when you return to the capital. My sister and the pigeons have been taken care of by Brother Lao on my behalf

The Water Mirror stroked his beard and nodded: "Not bad. Who is this again?"

Oh? Shui Jing raised her eyebrows.

Upon seeing Dongfang, the old man smiled and stood up, taking a step forward to help Dongfang up, saying: "I thought you would arrive yesterday. Did you perhaps ponder that verse for an entire day before understanding it?" This old man was none other than the head of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, the National Master Shui Jing.

Oh, "the East beckons with a nail," this child is a beggar I encountered on the road, truly with nowhere to go. He is literate and quite clever. May I leave him here with the master to serve as a disciple

Nail sat on the threshold, watching the sun rise into the sky, pondering what kind of star the Red Luan Star was and why the gentleman blushed upon hearing it. He originally intended to continue following the East, but the elderly were, after all, dull and unamusing. However, he felt that he might not be able to stir the East, so after a while of boredom, he began to idly watch the ants moving their home on the ground

As noon approached, the few seedlings were finished being planted by two individuals. Dongfang dried his hands and feet and said, "Where do you live, old man? Let me escort you a bit." He then led the horse and followed the old farmer to a dilapidated earthen house. It was observed that iron bars were nailed over the doors and windows, leaving only the lower half of the door open for a person to bend down and enter. The old man said, "This house is very shabby; at night, I also sleep in the cellar. Would you like to come in and take a look?"

Ming Ji was about to speak when Cheng Duo raised his hand to stop her, saying: "Moreover, Miss Ming Ji, you are being too polite. I see that you get along well with Zhao Sun and A Si Hai, but you become reserved when you see me. In fact, I am just a person, just like when we met on the main street of Pingyao Town; I am not a tiger."

Cheng Duo rarely found himself unwilling to face reality, which made it difficult for him to grasp this meaning; he also felt that the East seemed to have some criticism regarding the matter of torturing Cha Cha, so he chose not to say anything further. However, just a day later, Cha Cha suddenly woke up in shock, her eyes wide open and filled with a searching gaze, looking at Cheng Duo in horror. He could only hear Cheng Duo mumbling incoherently to himself: "I didn't want to wake up but was scared awake instead; it seems I have been a bit too gentle."

Ming Ji did not go to see Cheng Duo, she merely sighed: "Brother was not home before. Mother left and only then did he return, but he also left just like that. I never knew what he was doing."

After finishing his meal, Dongfang set down his chopsticks and called the waiter, instructing, "Please pack a few more steamed buns for me." He then turned to the nail and said, "You can take the remaining ones."

The Eastern man also rolled up his trousers, jumped into the rice field, and began to plant. The old man looked at his actions in astonishment: "You can also farm?"

As for why Chengduo placed her on his bed to recuperate, Chacha was unclear. She only secretly felt that Chengduo's obsession with cleanliness was not due to dirt or anything of the sort. Rather, it seemed as if he always believed that everything he touched was temporary and unrelated to him; even the air and dust were not part of him, thus they must be washed away. This behavior had developed to a somewhat compulsive degree. It seemed as if he always believed that everything he touched was temporary and unrelated to him; even the air and dust were not part of him, thus they must be washed away. This behavior had developed to a somewhat compulsive degree.

Dongfang read it once, then smiled lightly. Turning around, he saw Dingzi staring at him with wide eyes, so Dongfang handed him the note and asked, "Do you recognize it this time?" Dingzi looked at it from different angles for a long time and said, "I don't fully recognize it. What does it say?"

The child hesitated for a moment, reaching out to grab the steamed bun again, but was caught by Dongfang, who seized his wrist. The child immediately pleaded for mercy: "Sir, I I I don't want it anymore, I ... ... " Dongfang shook his head: "You have been hungry for too long; you cannot eat too much all at once"

Nail? Then should I not be called a screwdriver

The old man also stood up, shook his head, and walked back to the fields

The old man took it, took a sip, wiped his sweat, and sighed: "Alas, you should leave quickly. No one dares to come around here anymore"

Ming Ji's face flushed, and she said: "That was my offense against you, fearing that you would seek trouble with me..."

The nail was then driven into the horse of the Eastern man. The two of them jostled for a day and had arrived at the outskirts of the capital. The Eastern man gradually reined in the horse, but after wandering around the fields for a while, he felt that something was amiss. It was supposed to be early spring, the time when farmers were working in the fields. However, the surroundings were desolate, and it took half a day to see an elderly farmer, rolling up his trousers as he planted rice seedlings in the paddy field.

"That wild goose is so annoying. Sir, where are we going?"

Dongfang wished to explain a few words, yet felt it unnecessary, so he merely nodded and said: "Yes. Master, have you encountered any difficult matters?"

Cheng Duo is not a person who indulges excessively, but when he does indulge, it can be quite overwhelming. Recently, he has been preoccupied with theoretical battles, and Cha Cha has been staying in his tent, yet he has hardly touched her. Today, he seems to be in high spirits, meticulously and slowly completing his previous tasks. Based on his principle of 'if you give a piece of candy, you must also give a stick,' Cha Cha speculates that he intends to make up for what he owes from the past few days. With this thought in mind, she finds herself unable to respond in any way.

The child swallowed a mouthful of saliva and said, "Indeed, indeed. The elder looks like a kind-hearted person!"

Dongfang Xiaoxiao rolled up his sleeves and said, "It is inconvenient for you to do it alone; why not let me help you?"

The nail held the steamed bun in its embrace, yet gazed towards the east and said: "My lord, do you want a bookish servant? Although I am small, I can read and write, and I can do anything. You go out alone, with no one to attend to you; let me be your servant."

Cheng Duo noticed his urgency to leave and did not inquire about the matter, simply nodding and saying, "Alright." He took off the jade ring he usually wore on his hand and handed it to Dong Fang, saying, "When I return to the capital, you can take this to the Jingyuan Wangfu to find me"

"It is merely some trivial matters, nothing of great importance." Shui Jing observed his complexion and stroked his beard, saying: "Recently, the red star of romance has been stirred, and there may be some unexpected encounters. Among them, there are dangers, so one must be cautious."

Cha Cha was suspicious of why he was being so kind today and hesitantly nodded her head. Cheng Duo's lips pressed down, and his tongue unhesitatingly entered her mouth, while one hand untied the straps of her clothing. Cha Cha felt a wave of frustration.

Two individuals mounted their horses and traveled southward for over half an hour. They had left the bustling market and gradually walked along a vegetable garden until they reached a thatched cottage of a herbal medicine clinic. The bamboo fence was slightly ajar. Dongfang pushed open the door, revealing several racks of medicinal herbs drying in the courtyard. The courtyard door was tightly shut, so Dongfang circled around the house and headed towards the back yard. In the back yard, under a honeysuckle trellis, sat an elderly man with white hair, dressed in plain clothes, appearing to be around sixty or seventy years old, sorting herbs in a large winnowing basket.

The atmosphere in the capital is naturally different from that of other places. The city walls are much more imposing, and the customs and people within the city are also quite distinct, unlike the northern border regions where the local character is fierce and travelers often carry swords. Dongfang led his horse along the bustling streets, surrounded by silken garments and brocade robes. Dingzi had never seen such a town before, looking around with great curiosity. Therefore, Dongfang bought him a sugar figurine to play with. In the evening, they chose an inn and settled down. Dingzi had never seen such a town before, looking around with great curiosity. Therefore, Dongfang bought him a sugar figurine to play with. In the evening, they chose an inn and settled down

The Eastern figure turned and said: "No problem, it is quite open here, everything is visible, and where there are monsters, they will come right in front of you. If you want to leave, then go on your own." Dingzi looked ahead, swallowed hard, and felt that it was still safer to stay in a place with more people, even if it was just two more.

A person with a kind appearance may not necessarily have a kind heart

What do I need a nail for? I might accidentally hurt my hand.

Dong received it, clasped his hands in gratitude, and did not even glance at Ming Ji beside him. With a flick of the whip, he galloped into the night.

Upon hearing this, Ding Zi quickly stepped forward and bowed to Shui Jing. Shui Jing, with a clear and bright expression, nodded and said, "Good, you still have such a kind heart, always unable to bear the sight of the suffering and weak." As he spoke, he walked towards the front house. Dong Fang followed closely behind and asked, "Master, is there some urgent matter for which you have summoned me to the capital?"

Dongfang led him out along the original path and said: "It is said that there was a person building a wall, when suddenly a large red goose flew in and landed on top, calling out loudly for a whole day and night, filled with great sorrow"

Do you not want to wake up? Cheng Duo had never heard such a statement

Dongfang slowly walked up the stairs, only to find the door tightly locked. A note was pinned to a wooden pillar in the corridor. Dongfang frowned and took it down to read a short poem: "On the plain, walls are built, red geese come to roost. They cry out for a day and a night, lamenting in silence."

Once again, sleeping on Chengduo's bed is indeed a privilege, far more comfortable and warmer than cushions and blankets, enveloped in a faint scent of freshly laundered cotton fabric. Chacha, wrapped in the quilt, turned over. As the corner of the quilt brushed against her face, she simply buried her head inside, only to hear the sound of the curtain being lifted, indicating that someone had entered. Then, something was placed on the table, and Chacha sighed inwardly as the quilt was abruptly pulled away by Chengduo.

Cheng Duo instructed her: "Remember to pack anything you need to bring. If you also need to take his pigeons or anything like that, I will have Zhe Yi help you."

Shuijing nodded and said: "Indeed. This matter has been causing a stir for quite some time. The Emperor has ordered the Court of Astronomical Phenomena to divine the will of Heaven, and I can only report that the governance is lacking diligence and the state affairs are unstable, leading to divine retribution. However, I have traveled for many years and have never encountered such a strange occurrence."