Chapter 3, The Foundation of Life

Under the brim of the hat, Xie Jiu's red lips revealed a delicate and pleasing curve as she softly uttered a sound, yet remained silent. On the other hand, Wei Chi, coming back to his senses, felt a bit embarrassed and quickly released the beauty's hand, staring blankly at the majestic and ancient city wall, unable to hold back his tears any longer

Wei Chi put on the remaining hat, and although it still looked quite strange, there were many Hu people in the Tang Dynasty, and their attire was generally peculiar. Particularly in the city of Chang'an, where there were even more Hu people, aside from Wei Chi's short hair and clothing, people had already grown accustomed to such appearances, merely assuming that the two of them were Hu people

Did you not sleep at all last night

Wei Chi awkwardly touched his crew cut and quickly explained: "My dear sir, I am not a monk. I have returned from overseas, where men typically have short hair like mine."

Following yesterday's route, Wei Chi carried Xie Jiu on his back, with a travel bag slung over his shoulder and a long knife in hand, making his way down the mountain. Sweat dripped continuously; despite being very slender at a height of 170 centimeters, carrying that weight along the mountain path was no easy task.

Zhao Laoda, with a simple smile, led Wei Chi into the city. After entering the city, Wei Chi carried Xie Jiu on his back again, sincerely thanked Zhao Laoda, who had seen them off, and inquired about the location and name of the largest pawnshop in Chang'an City before taking his leave.

Xie Jiu groggily opened his eyes and saw Wei Chi busily extinguishing the campfire.

Wei Chi sincerely bowed and expressed gratitude to the old farmer

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, the sky was already bright. In the fields, a few farmers were starting their work. Upon seeing Wei and Xie, they all stopped their tasks and stared at the two of them with a peculiar expression.

Only by being immersed in the environment can one truly appreciate the greatness of the ancients. The Tang Dynasty, the most prosperous dynasty in Chinese history, has led to the term "Tang people" becoming synonymous with the descendants of Yan and Huang. Over a thousand years later, any place inhabited by Chinese people is referred to as Chinatown.

Little... Little Master?

The old farmer led the two individuals to his eldest son, moved the horse-drawn cart out of the way, and allowed Xie Jiu to sit on it

Thank you, esteemed elder, thank you

Wei Chi disregarded their expressions and walked over with Xie Jiu, seeking out an elderly farmer who appeared relatively amiable. Without concern for proper etiquette, he approached with a cupped fist salute and inquired: "Esteemed elder, we, as a couple, have lost our way. May I ask where this place is? What dynasty is it? What year is it?"

In the future, if one wishes to drink tea, it is necessary to study the process of tea roasting. During his university years, he had a classmate whose family owned a tea factory. When he visited his classmate's home, he had the opportunity to try it and learned about the tea roasting process. However, his skills were lacking, and the tea he roasted did not taste as good as that produced by experts.

Throughout the journey, Xie Jiu silently reached out from behind to help Wei Chi wipe away his sweat. However, Wei Chi couldn't shake the feeling that the more he wiped, the more sweat there seemed to be, and his neck always felt damp.

Wei Chi slowly twisted open the bottle cap, and the aroma of Wuliangye wine wafted through the air. The plump shopkeeper's throat moved slightly, indicating that he too was a connoisseur of wine

The journey of twenty li by horse-drawn carriage took only half an hour, and from a distance, the majestic and ancient city wall came into view. In modern times, Wei Chi graduated and immediately entered the workforce, having never visited Xi'an; he had only seen the ancient city wall on television. However, the experience of seeing it in person was entirely different from watching it on TV. Wei Chi felt a warmth in his eyes and a tingling in his nose, unable to help but grasp Xie Jiu's hand tightly, excitedly exclaiming: "Deputy Xie, we have arrived in the Tang Dynasty! The Tang Dynasty, where nations come to pay homage, the Tang Dynasty that is a dream for the Chinese people!"

Please wait a moment, young master. I will send someone to invite the owner over. Attendant, serve tea to this young master.

Wei Chi smiled indifferently, unzipped the travel bag, and took out one by one the Wuliangye set from which he had removed the labels and other modern traces. The exquisite and beautiful glass bottles, along with the four crystal glasses included, are still considered exquisite glassware even in modern times. The plump shopkeeper's face was filled with excitement: "This... this is..."

Ah, I apologize... I got a bit too excited, just a moment of excitement

Young Master Wei

For those who traverse through time, as long as they pay attention, there are treasures of gold everywhere in books and illustrations! Wei Chi could not help but feel elated, and at this moment, he truly set his mind at ease regarding his livelihood.

Patiently explaining that he is not a monk, the old farmer's attitude improved somewhat. Wei Chi repeated the question again, but the old farmer seemed unable to understand Wei Chi's modern Mandarin, only comprehending when Wei Chi spoke very slowly. The old farmer said: "This is the Guanzhong region, and it is now the ninth year of the Zhenguan era of the Great Tang. Where are you from, young man? Why do you dress so strangely?"

There are still twenty miles to go

The old farmer chuckled heartily and said, "Young man, you might want to wear a hat to cover your hair, lest others misunderstand."

Wei Chi opened his travel bag. Fortunately, due to his laziness and reluctance to wash his hat, he always brought two sun hats whenever he went out. He gave one to Xie Jiu, asking her to wear it to shield her beauty, in order to avoid any unnecessary complications. Wei Chi did not want to encounter the clichéd scenario of Xie Jiu being harassed by young rascals.

Do not call me Vice Xie anymore

The old farmer told Wei Chi one by one, and Wei Chi felt both astonished and delighted in his heart

Oh, the cake seller! How did I return to the Tang Dynasty? Fortunately, I have arrived during the prosperous Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, rather than the chaotic end of the Sui Dynasty. To witness the legendary prosperity of the Tang Dynasty has always been a dream in Wei Chi's heart. It seems that Xie Jiu, who is leaning on his back, also feels a sense of relief, which puts Wei Chi in a good mood

Rest assured, Deputy Xie, I have already noted down the addresses of Old Zhao's home and the bookstore. Once we have the means, we will certainly repay you

After inquiring all the way, Wei Chi arrived at the largest pawnshop in the eastern market of Chang'an City. Taking a moment to compose himself, he walked into the pawnshop with his head held high and chest out, deliberately ignoring the approaching attendant. He placed his travel bag directly on the counter and addressed the middle-aged, portly shopkeeper, saying: "Please have your owner come out; I have a rare treasure I wish to pawn."

Zhenguan

It is unsafe in the forest; it is better with the fire. How do your legs feel? I will take you into the city right away

Wei Chi smiled and nodded, carefully placing Xie Jiu, who was on his back, down and helping her sit on the chair.

The beauty behind has surprisingly fallen silent at such a moment, leaving only Wei Chi with a frown, what else could he call Vice Xie?

Before long, the attendant brought in the tea. Wei Chi had not had a sip of hot water for a day and a night, so he lifted the cup and began to gulp it down. Just as it reached his mouth, he nearly spat it out. Glancing at the tea, he suddenly remembered that at this time, the tea leaves were still in the form of compressed cakes, bitter and astringent, with an extremely poor taste

Indeed, indeed, I understand now, thank you for your guidance, esteemed elder.

Young man? Young man?

The old farmer saw Xie Jiu with his leg in a splint, looking at Wei Chi, whose face was covered in dirt and whose white shirt was tattered, with a face full of sympathy. He warmly said, "My eldest son is taking a load of firewood into the city this morning. If the young man doesn't mind, he can go with him."

Oh. What should it be called

Suppressing the urge to swallow, Wei Chi no longer wished to touch that cup of tea. Beside him, Xie Jiu also set the tea aside after just one sip.

Tending to the campfire, dragging over the chopped branches to cover the vehicle, carrying a travel bag, tearing a few shirts to make a makeshift backpack, and carrying Xie Jiu on his back, Wei Chi stepped out with the gait of one who has traversed into a new world, moving toward an unknown future

The old farmer, with a face full of astonishment, pointed at Wei Chi, filled with righteous indignation

The plump shopkeeper glanced at Wei Chi without making any move, and with a friendly smile said, "May I ask what the esteemed guest wishes to purchase? Could you allow me to take a look first?"

Ah, esteemed elder, I have no particular matters at hand; I am merely returning to my homeland. My heart is filled with joy, which has caused me to lose my composure. I am grateful to you, esteemed elder. May I inquire how far this place is from Chang'an?

Husband and wife? Amitabha, how can a young monk, a person who has renounced the world, possibly marry?

Thank you, esteemed elder. Please inform the younger generation on how to travel to Chang'an, as my wife has been injured and requires medical treatment

The ancients were very simple and sincere, especially Wei Chi. In the future, we must certainly repay the Zhao family.

Xie Jiu wore Wei Chi's baseball cap, obscuring her splendid, flower-like face, and remained silent throughout the journey. Wei Chi fully expressed his optimistic and enthusiastic personality, engaging in conversation with the old farmer—Zhao Laoda, the son of Zhao Laopo. In just twenty miles, he managed to draw out this quiet and honest man to the point where it seemed he was ready to share his innermost thoughts, nearly revealing the entire lineage of the Zhao family.