Chapter 3, Lianshan

From the anxious inquiries of this group of people, it is evident that the news of the caravan encountering bandits has spread, and the various expressions of concern make Zhang Tianliu feel a pang of bitterness.

Zhao Anxiao let out a disdainful snort, grabbing Tang Jingcheng by the arm and pulling him towards the Zhao residence

After the meal, standing by the window and peering outside through the gap, Tang Jingcheng suddenly said coldly: "If you continue to pry for information, I will seriously suspect that you have intentions of escaping, and you are well aware of the consequences"

The events that transpired earlier left the wealthy merchant greatly alarmed. Having just retrieved a small box from the wreckage of the beast cart, he turned around and stumbled, causing the box to fall and spill a multitude of gold bars onto the ground

He captures many details to infer the essence of others, thereby committing crimes or evading capture

Along the way, Zhang Tianliu only ate some of the dry rations carried by Zhao Yongdang, which were kindly passed on by Officer Tang. The Zhao father and daughter had no intention of wasting food on him

The person who knows you best is often your opponent

The young girl was lively and charming, dressed in a pink skirt that resembled the delicate and vibrant peach blossoms of March. As she gazed at Tang Jingcheng, her fair and slightly flushed face was filled with admiration, as if she would comply with whatever he said that night. The Zhao family members were left bewildered, curious about when the young lady had ever displayed such an expression. Who was this cold and handsome figure before them that could captivate her so?

Zhang Tianliu smiled slightly and leaned closer to Officer Tang Jingcheng, whispering in his ear: "Isn't this a bit too ambiguous, Officer Tang? Miss An Xiao might get jealous!"

Such an environment is too suitable for Zhang Tianliu to escape, and he knows it well; the one who has been pursuing him for six years, Tang Jingcheng, knows it even better

Tang Jingcheng had not yet spoken, when Light Beauty became displeased and glared at Zhang Tianliu, exclaiming: "You little thief, how dare you make a fuss now that you have fallen into Brother Tang's hands"

Previously, his conflict with Zhao Anxiao was false, but the probing was genuine

Tang Jingcheng was even able to anticipate Zhang Tianliu's next steps, beginning to ascertain the details of the Zhao family's background, and subsequently leveraging the greedy nature of merchants to assist him in extricating himself.

Tang Jingcheng is precisely afraid of this aspect of Zhang Tianliu

Zhao Anxiao smiled and said, "I imagine Brother Tang is busy with official duties, and since he merely passed by in a hurry, that certainly does not count. Next time, Anxiao will definitely take Brother Tang to explore our Lianshan City properly and appreciate the beauty of our Lianshan."

Several missteps occurred in such an environment, and even though Tang Jingcheng is extraordinary, he does not dare to be careless

It was precisely Tang Jingcheng who restrained him by holding his hands behind his back, preventing his escape

Unlike before, Zhang Tianliu silently observed everything, not asking a single question from beginning to end. The lanterns on the buildings on both sides illuminated his face, which showed a fluctuating expression. At that moment, a hand quietly grasped his wrist.

Tang Jingcheng, however, did not appreciate the gesture and waved his hand, saying: "There is no need to trouble Miss An Xiao. This person is not ordinary; do not be deceived by his appearance."

The dishes were ready, and the Zhao family naturally wanted to invite Tang Jingcheng to take a seat. However, Tang Jingcheng declined, as he needed to keep a close watch on Zhang Tianliu. If that little thief Zhang Tianliu were to take a seat as well, who among the Zhao family could possibly accept it?

Zhang Tianliu was momentarily speechless with anger, then sneered: "Detective Tang is from a distinguished family, with a wife and children waiting for him at home. You have no chance."

Tang Jingcheng was accustomed to handling such situations, and with just a few words, he stirred the admiration of the father and daughter to great heights. Especially that delicate light beauty, who seemed eager to shed her clothes and throw herself into Officer Tang's embrace

However, the giant beasts are generally docile, not making noise or causing disturbances, and they pull carts and carry people in an orderly manner

Here, pedestrians are everywhere, as are colossal beasts

If Zhang Tianliu were to escape, in this ancient society, not to mention capturing him, even finding Zhang Tianliu would depend on luck

Light Beauty rolled her eyes at Zhang Tianliu and said: "So what? As long as I, this young lady, enjoy being a concubine, what does it matter? Thinking of how Brother Tang enjoys the blessings of many, while you have to suffer in prison, makes me happy. This is the fate that you wicked people deserve!"

Lianshan City is situated between two mountains, with towering mountain ranges on both sides. The front mountain wall is steep and mostly consists of cliffs, making it difficult to climb, stretching endlessly out of sight. The city wall is built along the mountain pass, constructed from blue stone and rising over thirty zhang, connecting the two mountains on either side, resembling a grand and imposing dam that firmly blocks the exit of the mountain pass

The father is named Zhao Yongdang, a merchant from Lushi County, Lianshan City, which confirms that Zhang Tianliu was not mistaken

Although in the eyes of the father and daughter, Tang Jingcheng's eccentric attire and short, unconventional hairstyle may stand out, they cannot diminish his resolute charm

The procedures for entering the city are somewhat cumbersome, with well-dressed officials and soldiers guarding the entrance. Pedestrians lining up to enter the city must pass through three checkpoints for inspection. Fortunately, Zhao Yongdang, a notable figure from Lianshan, is able to enter the city with ease after just a few words.

Zhang Tianliu forced a smile

Tang Jingcheng shook his head and said, "Does passing by count?"

From this, he can grasp a wealth of information. It is difficult to determine the overall state of the world; the lifestyle in this particular region resembles that of ancient Han people, in the Celestial Empire, with practices such as having multiple wives and concubines, as well as punishments and imprisonment. The current merchant class does not exhibit significant cultural differences. Zhang Tianliu has many resources at his disposal, but he requires even more information.

Zhang Tianliu, on the side, found a water pouch and drank greedily, showing disdain for the touching scene before him

Regrettably, his intentions could not be concealed from Tang Jingcheng

On the back of the dog, the father and daughter began to introduce themselves.

Before the introduction was finished, Zhang Tianliu, unable to bear it any longer, hurriedly said: "That's enough, enough! Is there no end to this? If you don't leave, I will."

The daughter is named Zhao Anxiao. A day and a half ago, while the father and daughter were on a trading journey, they encountered robbers. The assailants were numerous and powerful, and the merchant convoy's guards were unable to withstand them. They fought desperately to carve out a bloody path for the Zhao family to escape.

Feeling the terrifying grip strength of Tang Jingcheng, Zhang Tianliu became honest

A beautiful young woman is sitting at the front holding a small box, her father is sitting behind her with luggage, followed by Tang Jingcheng and at the end, Zhang Tianliu

"Yes, yes, yes, thank you, Sir Tang. Time is of the essence, and my daughter still needs to pack quickly." The wealthy merchant finally found an opportunity to speak and hurriedly called for the light beauty to search for their luggage among the wreckage of the beast cart.

Zhang Tianliu brushed aside his bangs and said with satisfaction: "No matter how handsome I am, I can't compare to how handsome I am after a good meal. Does Miss An Xiao want to experience this?" And books.

"Shut up." Tang Jingcheng was not afraid of what Zhang Tianliu had to say, but he was afraid of others hearing it

Upon learning that the master had returned to the residence, dozens of people from the Zhao family surged out, surrounding them in a dense crowd of men, women, and children. Additionally, some servants were leading a brown-haired lion dog around to the side door.

The beast cart can no longer be used; fortunately, the brown-haired lion dog, which is as large as an elephant, measures over 10 feet in length and can easily carry four to five people. Its speed surpasses that of the beast cart. Unfortunately, it cannot shield against arrows; otherwise, the father and daughter would have long abandoned the cart and ridden the dog away.

Thank you, benefactor. If it were not for you, my daughter and I...

The rescued father and daughter began to express their profound gratitude to Tang Jingcheng, while Zhang Tianliu stood by, watching with a cold smile.

Zhang Tianliu, who was laying out a mat, said with a faint smile: "I don't believe you didn't notice, this father and daughter are not simple. Although they did not witness the scene of the caravan being robbed, the intensity of their desperate escape must have been horrific. The fact that they can still laugh and chat after losing lives shows just how cheap human life is in this world"

Ha!" Zhang Tianliu scoffed, "I am evil, but that does not mean you are good. It is impossible for someone to pursue you for no reason. You are not merchants, are you? Alas, nine out of ten merchants are deceitful, playing tricks and schemes. You wouldn't engage in skinning people, eating human flesh, drinking blood, or licking bones, would you?

"Brother Tang, let's lock this little thief in the woodshed. Anxiao will instruct someone to keep watch, so that Brother Tang can have a good rest." While Zhao Yongdang was comforting his family, Zhao Anxiao made this suggestion to Tang Jingcheng.

Once off the main road, one cannot ride beasts; this is a rule in the city. Fortunately, the Zhao residence is not far from the main road. The four individuals, along with a dog named Tushu, walked for a short while before arriving at the spacious entrance of the Zhao family estate

It is said to be a city, but it resembles more a fortified checkpoint built in conjunction with the geographical advantages. Stationing troops here, one man can hold the pass against a thousand.

"Just him, nothing out of the ordinary..." Zhao Anxiao glanced at Zhang Tianliu, suppressing a smile while her eyes were filled with disdain

The Lianshan City at dusk is beautiful, with pavilions and towers illuminated by the setting sun, rendered in a golden hue. The city features cobblestone streets, and the main road is wide, reminiscent of the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty depicted in films and dramas

His appearance is strikingly handsome, resembling a chiseled figure, with a resolute expression that rarely breaks into a smile; not only is he good-looking, but he is also incredibly cool.

Tang Jingcheng smiled without speaking, seemingly acquiescing.

Light Beauty trembled all over with excitement and was about to retort when Tang Jingcheng suddenly stepped forward and said: "Alright, it is not suitable to linger here for long. May I ask where you both reside? I can escort you home first."

There is no need for excessive courtesy; this is my duty

Therefore, Tang Jingcheng took advantage of his fatigue to stay in a guest room, allowing the Zhao family to bring meals to him, and naturally, Zhang Tianliu was forced to share the room with him

A cry of surprise escaped from the crowd as someone rushed over to help the old man. Tang Jingcheng, however, silently knelt down beside him to gather the scattered gold bars, placing them into a box to return to the wealthy merchant. Throughout this process, he displayed not a hint of greed, embodying the very essence of justice, a nemesis to evil, and a role model for the people, filling the father and daughter with overwhelming emotion and tears of joy.

"Has Brother Tang ever been to Lianshan?" Zhao Anxiao, who was riding in front, turned back and asked with a smile

After a leisurely chat, we finally saw the city of Lianshan as described by the father and daughter, only after passing through a bamboo forest at sunset.