Chapter 3, Liaoxi

A tall and sturdy soldier ran over to take the luggage from Han Dong. Han Dong looked at Sun Qian and said, "Brother Sun, this is not heavy; I can carry it myself"

"Sir, the situation at the front is critical, and the horses have already been requisitioned," the station master pleaded.

After the cotton clothes arrived, Han Dong had Zhang Rui and the others put them on while he tidied up the luggage, preparing to leave with Zhang Rui and the others

"Good morning, you are up early," Zhang Rui said as he came out of the house and saw Han Dong.

Oh, may I ask your esteemed name? Han Dong thought that the one guarding the city gate was merely a captain, so he addressed him as a brother. I have come to take office in Liaoxi County, appointed by the military department to serve as the captain of the border troops in Liaoxi County.

Han Dong cupped his hands in salute to Sun Qian and said, "Brother Sun, I am new here and do not know the way to the military headquarters. Could you please guide me?"

Last night, it snowed all night, and in the morning, it stopped. The entire courtyard is a vast expanse of white.

The reputation of Yipin Lou is certainly not something that Sun Qian has exaggerated; just looking at the layout, it is quite elegant. Those in power tend to enjoy showing off a bit of flair. Upon entering the private room, Sun Qian ordered some signature dishes: steamed carp, spicy tofu, and a few other dishes that Han Dong could not name. However, just from their appearance, they are indistinguishable from those created by great chefs in later generations.

Indeed. Han Dongyi thought the same, patting his head, "Forget it, you should go back and get some rest. We have to report to the military headquarters tomorrow."

In the evening, upon returning home, Han Dong was sitting by the table drinking tea when he heard someone knocking at the door

"Alright, please wait a moment, sir." The station master turned around to fetch them some provisions

Zhang Rui picked up the teacup, blew on it, and took a small sip. He said to Han Dong, "Today this ... ... "

"Alright, go back and rest early," Han Dong said as he watched Zhang Rui walk out.

The station master watched as Han Dong and the others walked out together, sighed, and said, "These two groups have taken away everything we had. Alas, at least there are still a few jars of wine left to warm us up." With that, he turned and went back inside.

Are you referring to Sun Qian?" Han Dong looked at Zhang Rui, who was hesitating, and spoke on his behalf

"Zhu Er, forget it," said the leader. "Go find us a few sets of ordinary clothes."

Entering the city, Sun Qian enthusiastically introduced the characteristics of Liaoxi City, "This is Yipin Building, the food here is very delicious. Once, I saw the county magistrate take the visiting governor to eat here, and the governor praised it. Look, there are even the governor's calligraphy on the wall in the main hall." As he spoke, Sun Qian pointed to the characters on the wall in the main hall.

"It's so late, there must be no one left at the military department. We can go tomorrow, let's take a break." Sun Qian said as he pulled Han Dong's arm and led him into the Yipin Building, "As for where to stay, that's easy. Tonight, I'll take you out for a good time."

After finally seeing off a few esteemed guests, the station master let out a sigh of relief as he watched their group turn and head westward

"Don't be so reserved; consider this place as your own home." Sun Qian turned his head and shouted at the counter, "Waiter, a private room of the finest quality, please."

"No way, find it for me immediately. How could there be no horses at the post station? Isn't this deceiving your grandfather?" Zhu Er's rough voice rang out

Zhang Rui looked at the mournful face of the station master and smiled with satisfaction, before leaving, he tossed five taels of silver to the station master

Since it is Brother Han who has spoken, I shall respectfully comply with his request said Sun Qian as he looked at Han Dong

The official road leading northeast from Youzhou City was not very crowded, and along the way, they chatted and laughed, unaware of the swift passage of time. Four days had passed, and on the evening of the fifth day, Han Dong and his companions arrived at Liaoxi County, which belongs to Changli Prefecture and is also within the territory of Youyun Province

However, in Han Dong's eyes, that piece of writing was truly incomprehensible; it felt much like the handwriting of a certain great figure from later generations

Forget it, I don't want to think about it anymore. Han Dong picked up his tea and took a big sip, saying, "So far, it hasn't been a bad thing."

"It's nothing," Han Dong thought for a moment and said, "What could that be about?"

Han Dong listened to Zhang Rui's chatter along the way and did not find it bothersome. On the contrary, he discovered that there were many things in this world he did not understand. It was just right to further understand this world through Zhang Rui's words. When Liu Yuan lived in the same dormitory with him, he had shared a lot of information; Liu Yuan, that talkative person, could not go a day without speaking. Thinking back, he actually felt a bit unaccustomed to Liu Yuan's absence and his incessant chatter. However, with Zhang Rui accompanying him on the road, it felt as if he had returned to the past.

Indeed. Zhang Rui took a sip of tea, scratched his head, and said, "My head is spinning."

"Are you really Han Dong? A graduate of the Far East Military Academy?" the person retorted.

"In fact, I am also puzzled," Han Dong said as he picked up the tea from the table and took a sip. "You see, you are right. We have only met today, so it is unlikely that he would act this way, going to Yipin Lou, preparing to visit a brothel, and paying for a room, as if we were old friends who hadn't seen each other for ten years."

According to the military deployment of the Zhao-Song Dynasty, each provincial capital and county town has an internal guard camp specifically responsible for inspecting and combating smuggling and maintaining public order. However, this internal guard camp does not belong to the border military system; it is supervised by the county's security department, while the border military is managed directly by the military headquarters. Consequently, the treatment of the two is also different

Simply making friends does not necessarily require seeking me out

What caused him to learn about the adult's background? A noble?" Zhang Rui looked at Han Dong and asked in astonishment

"It's fine. Since it's a regulation, I will stay for now and come back to retrieve it when I have the time." Han Dong understood that this was a time of war, and he was not a soldier at the moment, nor did he have the authority to enter the city with weapons.

After three rounds of drinks, Sun Qian intended to invite someone to sing a tune, but was stopped by Han Dong

As evening approaches, if it were a city on the front lines, it would certainly be under martial law. During the evening hours, the enemy is most likely to sneak into the city.

Liu San quickly took over Han Dong's luggage, and Han Dong, no longer being polite, handed the luggage to him

After Han Dong washed his face with the hot water delivered by the courier, he walked outside

"Yes, why? Do you know me?" Han Dong asked in surprise

"I didn't see it was my friend. Will there be trouble if I bring it along? Mind your own business," Sun Qian glanced at the soldier and said in a low voice, "I apologize for making you laugh, Brother Han."

Though unwilling in my heart, I had no choice but to prepare wine for that young master from the military academy

There are still people willing to pick up the tab for us, Zhang Rui said with a smile as he looked at Han Dong

Indeed, you say he is optimistic about your future prospects? But now he doesn't know, how could he possibly know what you will be like in the future?" Zhang Rui looked at Han Dong and pondered, "To put it bluntly, if something were to happen to you, wouldn't that be a loss for him?"

I have not yet told you that I am an orphan, without father or mother, just a poor child, having nothing at all

"Han Xiaodi, it's quite late today. How about we go to Yipin Building and let the little brother treat you to a welcome dinner? What do you think?" Sun Qian said to Han Dong, pointing at Yipin Building.

Indeed. Zhang Rui gestured with his hand, saying, "Look, this is our first meeting, and you, as an adult, do not hold a very high position. There is no need for him to be so enthusiastic, right?"

"Um, are you all up? Let's have some food, we need to be on our way," Han Dong said when he saw Zhang Rui come out.

Zhang Rui went out, taking the door with him

Han Dong and his companions stood outside the west gate of Liaoxi County, gazing at the not very tall city wall. Han Dong recalled the first time he saw the city wall of this world; it was his first visit to a city in this realm, and it felt as if he had entered the Hengdian Film and Television City, with ancient buildings lined up in succession and crowds of people dressed in ancient attire. However, Han Dong had now grown accustomed to it.

"Han Xiaodi, you are being too modest. Soon you will officially be a border soldier. Come, let me take you inside." With that, Sun Qian enthusiastically pulled Han Dong and headed into the city

After speaking, several couriers quickly turned around and returned

"Very well, my lord, please wait a moment." Saying this, the station master turned and shouted at several post boys, "What are you all standing there for? Quickly fetch your extra warm clothes for these gentlemen."

After finishing breakfast, Han Dong instructed the station master to prepare steamed buns for them, and also asked them to bring some beef and peanuts. Before leaving, he reminded the station master to find a few sets of cotton clothing. The station master's expression changed at that moment, but seeing Han Dong glaring at him, he did not dare to say much and awkwardly went to the room to look for the cotton clothing.

Han Dong feels that the food here is indeed very delicious, but it seems a bit expensive; otherwise, he would come here often in the future. Such good food can make one forget the suffering brought by war.

Upon opening the door, Zhang Rui was seen standing outside. Han Dong quickly called Zhang Rui in to sit down, picked up an empty cup from the table, and poured a cup for Zhang Rui as well

"Captain Sun, entering the city does not allow weapons, you see..." a soldier said to Sun Qian

Exiting the post station, they traveled north along the official road, then turned northeast upon reaching the Youyun Province. The presence of Zhang Rui and others made Han Dong's entire journey far from monotonous, and Zhang Rui indeed did not deceive him. As a student who had passed the Tongsheng examination, he was well-versed in many subjects. According to Zhang Rui, he was knowledgeable in astronomy and geography, as well as military strategy, tactics, poetry, and prose.

"Alas, Brother Han, your words are rather distant; after all, a guest has come from afar." Sun Qian turned to Liu San and said, "Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and receive him."

I am sorry for causing distress to the adults

Night, profound. Especially winter nights

"Gentlemen, there are truly no horses left." One could immediately tell that this was the voice of the station master.

"No, there isn't." The person looked up and down at Han Dong and said.

Although it is expensive, someone is treating tonight. There is no need for Han Dong, this poor fellow, to spend money.

"How can I let Brother Sun incur expenses? Besides, I still need to go to the military department; otherwise, where will I stay tonight?" Han Dong said with a smile.

Upon arrival, Han Dong finally understood Liu Yuan's instructions before leaving; this place was indeed not the front line

"Sir, you should also retire for the night early." Zhang Rui stood up and bowed, "I take my leave, Your Excellency."

Upon seeing this, the soldier quickly returned it to Han Dong, saying, "Please wait a moment, my lord." He then turned and entered a tent not far behind him. Han Dong observed him speaking a few words with another person, who then approached Han Dong.

Han Dong, a graduate of the Far East Military Academy?" The person approached Han Dong and scrutinized him from head to toe, saying.

"Brother Sun, this is my attendant; there is no need for inspection, right?" Han Dong said to Sun Qian, pointing at Zhang Rui and the others.

"Is that even possible? During wartime, there will be many graduates from military academies in Liaoxi County, so why would they look for me?"

Here they come. The waiter draped a white cloth over his shoulder and, with a cupped hand gesture, led Han Dong and the others upstairs.

"That is natural, let them pass," Sun Qian said to the soldiers conducting the inspection. "Liu San, come here and take Han Xiaodi's luggage."

The soldier looked at Han Dong standing in front of him and asked, "Where is the travel permit?"

However, this is not the case in Liaoxi County, where, although affected by the war, a portion of the residents in the city had previously migrated inward, there are still many residents remaining

Han Dong took out his military academy student ID from the package and handed it to the soldier who was conducting the inspection

The station master held the money and watched Zhang Rui's departing figure, sighing, "Alas, this time I truly have nothing left. However, the young master is different from the old master; he still gave ten taels of silver. But in this bitter cold, what use is money so far from the city?"

After hearing the escapees leave, Han Dong could not sleep any longer. He got dressed, got out of bed, and instructed the innkeeper to prepare breakfast

"I understand, my lord, I will go and wake them all up right away." After saying this, Zhang Rui turned around and went back into the room to call others.

Han Dong and his companions walked on, oblivious to the complaints of the station master

Sun Qian, the team leader of the Third Squad of the Inner Guard Camp in Liaoxi County, said to Han Dong while cupping his hands in salute, "The border troops have better treatment than our Inner Guard Camp. Brother, you have encountered a good assignment this time"

Brother Sun, you are too kind. Your warm hospitality is more than I deserve

Han Dong greeted Zhang Rui and the six others as they walked forward together. Outside the city gate, soldiers were inspecting the passersby, with a line of over ten people extending from the gate to this point. Han Dong and the six stood at the end of the line, waiting for the inspection.

The station master stepped outside and murmured softly, "I just sent off a few gentlemen, and there is still one young master left. Alas."

Greetings, young sir, may I inquire your esteemed name?

"What are you saying?" The station master was startled. Upon seeing Zhang Rui, he asked, "Is there anything else?"

Unbeknownst to him, the noise from outside awakened Han Dong. Lying in bed, Han Dong quietly listened to the sounds coming from the window

A night without conversation

Han Dong got up, secured the door latch, stretched lazily, turned to the bedside, and undressed to go to sleep

Perhaps we are all overthinking it, he..." Zhang Rui hesitantly asked, "Does he simply want to make friends?"

Han Dong and Zhang Rui had breakfast together

After finishing their meal, Sun Qian prepared to take Han Dong out for some fun. Han Dong declined, borrowing a day's worth of travel. Sun Qian, understanding, reminded Han Dong and the others who had found a good inn, saying, "When the time comes, if you have a great time, don't forget about your brother."

"Manager, provide us with some provisions," the leader said to the station master

"We adults have said, fill us some wine to drink on the way," Zhang Rui said, pulling out six or seven wine gourds from behind him. The station master, upon seeing this, immediately wilted; wouldn't this empty several jars of wine

Indeed, I do not even know my own future, so how could he possibly know it?" Han Dong asked Zhang Rui with a puzzled expression.

Han Dong knew that in the Zhao Song Dynasty, every individual had a travel permit, which was roughly equivalent to a modern identification card. However, military households, civilian households, and artisan households were categorized separately. Additionally, students from the four major military academies had their own specific identification cards, while other nobles and aristocrats possessed different forms of identification.

He is interested in your status as a graduate of the Far East Military Academy