Chapter 007: Entering the Capital

The servants of these wealthy families all have an air of superiority, completely disregarding Zhang Weigong, the illegitimate son. Yang Da also deviated from his usual demeanor on the journey, ignoring Zhang Weigong entirely

Yang Da and his companions possessed the powerful military seal, which allowed them not to be treated as merchants. They directly entered the city at the city gate. In fact, Yang Da had also purchased a considerable amount of leather goods and local products along the way, filling an entire cart. The group of tax officials suddenly became blind, pretending not to see, and let the large cart pass through unabated.

He had the intention to escape, but two young servants received orders from Yang Da to take turns watching over him. In the middle of the night, he would use the excuse of needing to relieve himself, whether it was Spring Brother or Autumn Brother, one of them would closely follow him. These two were the household servants of the Zhang family, who had learned martial arts from the instructors in the residence. Their skill in using a slingshot was acquired at the Duke's residence. Zhang Weigong, considering himself to be under seven years old, although he trained diligently and could traverse the mountains with ease, his physical condition was not poor, yet in front of these two who had already entered the realm of martial arts and glimpsed its profound principles, it was better for him to be cautious and conceal his shortcomings.

Continuing forward, one passes a small temple, crosses a bridge, and arrives at the British Duke's New Garden at Silver Ingot Bridge

This is the renowned Chongwenmen Customs, a necessary passage for entering the inner city from the outer city. It is frequented by numerous traveling merchants, creating a lively and prosperous atmosphere, significantly more vibrant than when one first enters the East Gate.

This is the center of the inner residence. It seems that someone like Yang Da, who manages the outer residence, does not come here often, as he looks around with a curious expression.

Such individuals are likely to be the scoundrels and rascals of later generations, akin to the rogues in the city; however, the sheer number of them has indeed opened Zhang Weigong's eyes

There is no chance to escape; one can only hold their nose and continue forward. After entering the national public office, it is merely a matter of proceeding step by step

Upon entering the outer city at hetushu.com, Qiu Ge'er received an order from Yang Da and hurriedly rode forward on a mule, seemingly to report the news to the residence first

Entering through the side door, the group of people did not have the privilege to walk along the main avenue. They traversed narrow alleys, the path being quite secluded. Occasionally, they could see small side doors, behind which were various courtyards. Some were complete siheyuan with three rooms in the front and five in the back, while others featured intricately designed small gardens. There was also a large training ground, which Zhang Weigong glanced at. Inside, various weapons and training equipment were fully equipped, and several martial arts instructors were supervising a group of young people practicing martial arts, with shouts and scoldings echoing continuously. Some were complete siheyuan with three rooms in the front and five in the back, while others featured intricately designed small gardens. There was also a large training ground, which Zhang Weigong glanced at. Inside, various weapons and training equipment were fully equipped, and several martial arts instructors were supervising a group of young people practicing martial arts, with shouts and scoldings echoing continuously.

Only this estate, covering over 100 acres, could be so extraordinary for an ordinary family

Master Yang, your journey of a thousand miles and the merits you have established will surely not be forgotten by the Second Master in the future

Compared to the splendor felt outside the city, the situation within the city left Zhang Weigong somewhat disappointed

On the morning of the sixth day of the sixth month, a group of people arrived outside the East Bianmen gate of the capital, preparing to enter the city from this point

If it were truly a child under the age of seven, they would certainly be unable to accept such a harsh reality. Zhang Weigong, having lived two lives, finds this situation bearable; however, he is increasingly aware that this time entering the Duke's residence, the circumstances are likely to be quite dire

The trees in the city are sparse, and the ditches are open, similar to Jizhou, filled with garbage and foul odors

At that time, Beijing was composed of an inner city and an outer city. The inner city was constructed earlier, while the outer city was added during the Jiajing period. Together, the two cities had more than a dozen city gates and a circumference of over 60 li, making it the most magnificent, expansive, and grand city defense project in the world at that time

In such a place as this illustrated book, it is naturally a mix of fish and dragons. Zhang Weigong observed that both inside and outside the tea shed, there were quite a few individuals with suspicious appearances. Some were burly men with puffed chests and protruding bellies, wearing brave headscarves, exuding an air of bravado and aggression. Others had slicked-back hair and shifty eyes, moving stealthily, making it clear that they were not of good character

Outside Chongwenmen, there are approximately several thousand people, and upon closer inspection, there are surprisingly more than a significant number of legitimate merchants.

In this neighborhood, only Gongcai noticed something slightly different from before. The streets were paved with bluestone slabs, and locust trees were planted on both sides. The residences along the street were grand mansions with five rooms and seven bays. In front of the estates, ceremonial objects symbolizing status, such as ceremonial halberds, were displayed. The main gates were closed and did not open, while small side doors were the only entrances for people coming and going. At the entrance, some were seated and others stood, all wearing small hats and dressed in blue robes, the household servants stood with puffed chests and protruding bellies, gathered together, laughing and talking loudly.

In the customs of the Ming Dynasty, children, regardless of gender, did not grow their hair before reaching adulthood. They would typically have no more than two hair buns, referred to as "zongjiao," or simply opt for a shaved head for convenience. It was only after the age of thirteen or fourteen that they would gradually begin to grow their hair, and by the time they reached adulthood and donned their official cap, they would have a full head of long hair

Qiu Ge'er and a group of young servants were already waiting at the side door. Upon seeing Yang Da and the others approaching, the group hurriedly rushed forward to pay their respects and greet them profusely

The delinquents before me are merely the tip of the iceberg

They are all present

Countless common people, some pushing small carts, some carrying burdens on their shoulders, some leading mules or camels, transporting various goods into this grand city, the largest in the world

Only through diligent contemplation and consideration, one fears that this challenge in the capital is akin to a den of dragons and tigers. Judging from the scant information available, it is evident that this trip to the capital is certainly not at the behest of the esteemed elder, but rather a maneuver with ulterior motives from others.

These street youths, unruly and roguish, possess an extremely fierce gaze, full of malice. Zhang Weigong has hunted in the mountains multiple times and has encountered wild wolves. Now, it seems that the eyes of this group of youths are strikingly similar to those of a pack of wolves

Dongbianmen is a city gate of the outer city. Before entering the city, there are countless common people and merchants waiting to pass through the city gate

Upon seeing Zhang Weigong looking in this direction, several youths glared back fiercely.

However, the British government office is not located within Xiaoshiyongfang, but rather further north, adjacent to the western wall of the imperial city, where the nobility gathers more in Anfufang.

Yang Da is the steward of the household, not considered a private servant of the second master, and the speaker has been somewhat indiscreet in their remarks

After a long journey, I finally arrived at the back residence, stopping in front of a refined temple.

Do not ask me, the elder and the master, are the second master and the others at home

Yang Da feels completely at ease here, constantly greeting people. Those who are qualified to approach him are all figures resembling leaders or stewards. It seems they are inquiring about the business that has kept Yang Da away from the capital for several days, yet Yang Da remains vague and unwilling to elaborate.

A dozen or so maids dressed in teal skirts and traditional cross-collared jackets stood in the courtyard. Upon seeing Yang Da and his companions, a middle-aged housekeeper guided them inside.

As noon approaches, the number of people gathering inside and outside the city gate increases. Today is the sixth day of the sixth month, the Tianzhujie Festival. According to the customs of the capital, each household must carry several jars of clean water to pickle cucumbers and various vegetables. There is a good well at the tea stall, and a group of underage boys, resembling beggars, surrounds the well water. Regardless of whether they are young women, wives, or strong men, anyone coming to fetch water is stopped and asked for money. If they do not give money, they cling on and refuse to let go. This group of idle youths is quite young, many of them are shaved bald, resembling the attire of Zhang Weigong.

The power of the national government is not something that a group of tax officials can confront directly

Not long after, they arrived at the base of the inner city wall. Compared to the outer city, the inner city wall was constructed with greater care. The city gate was wide open, and a group of officials dressed in blue robes with round collars and wearing official caps were using various tools to weigh goods and calculate their value. Merchants were lined up to pay taxes, and only after receiving their receipts could they enter the city with their assistants and goods

Chongwenmen is located in the eastern part of the city, where the Beijing Railway Station is situated in later times. From the city gate, one proceeds directly north along a main street. Upon reaching the intersection with Chang'an Avenue, Zhang Weigong turned to look west, where the imposing two-story city towers were clearly visible. Shortly after entering Chongwenmen, one could see the walls of the imperial city and the tower of Dong'anmen.

The four-person group traveled west from Jizhou, passing through Tongzhou. Near Zhangjiawan, they witnessed tens of thousands of people unloading grain into storage, which once again broadened Zhang Weigong's horizons

Gazing at the towering and seemingly endless city walls of Beijing, Zhang Weigong momentarily set aside his worries, allowing his entire spirit to immerse itself in a wondrous atmosphere

Zhang Weigong was also a bit nervous, yet he still could not think of a solution. He inwardly blamed himself, wondering why he was so useless

However, arriving in Tongzhou also means that the capital is just within reach, indicating that the time for the final reveal is approaching

He naturally did not know that during the Wanli period, the number of rogues in Beijing was relatively small. By the time of the Chongzhen period, the renowned minister Liu Zongzhou remarked that there were several tens of thousands of rascals in the capital at a glance, while some claimed the number was no less than one hundred thousand. In the second year of Chongzhen, when Huang Taiji first led the Qing troops to breach the border wall and enter the pass, the military forces in the capital were sparse. In a state of panic, Emperor Chongzhen recruited the rogues from the capital to defend the city walls, and one notorious thug was even appointed as a guerrilla general. In the second year of Chongzhen, when Huang Taiji first led the Qing troops to breach the border wall and enter the pass, the military forces in the capital were sparse. In a state of panic, Emperor Chongzhen recruited the rogues from the capital to defend the city walls, and one notorious thug was even appointed as a guerrilla general

Hehe, my dear brother Yu, be cautious with your words, be cautious.

Due to the large number of people waiting in line, there are several tea stalls on both sides outside the city, where those waiting drink tea and chat under the stalls while waiting to have their goods inspected before entering the city

From Nanxunfang, then to Dashiyongfang, and further north, one arrives at the most densely populated area of officials and nobility, Xiaoshiyongfang

Yang had reached this point, and his shrewd and capable demeanor became increasingly evident. After receiving an affirmative response, he beamed with joy, exclaiming: "In that case, I can hand over my duties."

In the presence of this city, he felt the greatness of human effort, the wisdom and diligence of the ancestors of Huaxia; this was not mere empty talk, and a sense of pride welled up within him

The Duke of England was a noble minister during the Yongle period. When Emperor Yongle launched the Jingnan campaign, among the several great contributors, Duke Rongguo Zhang Yu and Duke Chengguo Zhu Neng were the most distinguished. Zhang Yu died in battle during the Jingnan campaign, and his son Zhang Fu was a remarkable figure, achieving countless merits in the Jingnan conflict. He later pacified Annan and campaigned in the northern deserts. Nearing seventy, he died in the Tumu Incident during the reign of Emperor Yingzong, thus establishing the Duke of England's status as one of the foremost noble ministers of the dynasty.

Is this still the capital of the emperor, the foremost city of virtue

Upon entering through the city gate, one can see that the streets are straight and intersecting, with houses forming a continuous expanse. The main road is approximately fifty to sixty paces wide, with a dirt path that is quite dusty and muddy. On both sides of the road are residential houses, and after a certain distance, several shop signs can be seen, indicating the presence of merchants conducting business.

The intelligence of the watchman in Dafu Li is the most astute. Upon seeing Yang Da in this manner, everyone understood that it was inappropriate to inquire further, and thus they dispersed one by one