Chapter 156: Trials and Tribulations in the Capital (1/2)
Chapter 156: Trials and Tribulations in the Capital
Translator: Sparrow TranslationsEditor: Sparrow Translations
...
Fang Zhengzhi did not rush to the capitol. If he had galloped the entire way, the Snow Treading Dragon Stallions would have only required a month to get here.
But, he was not in a hurry.
For one, he wanted to prepare well for the Imperial examination. Secondly, he wanted to see what everyone was saying about him breaking through to the Heavenly Reflection State.
Fang Zhengzhi had travelled to the capitol from the Northern Desert. Along the way, in the various teahouses in the cities and towns, he had heard the storytellers weave a tale about his breakthrough although each edition was slightly different. The kids playing on the streets had also composed poems and songs about his breakthrough.
The gist of it was that Fang Zhengzhi came from a poor mountain village, but managed to top both the County and Capital Examinations. He even managed to attain the Heavenly Reflection State at 15.
All in all, Fang Zhengzhi's reputation was much better than it was when he had participated in the River of Trust Province Examination. He was now a role model for kids everywhere.
He was particularly popular amongst the younger generations.
Kids in the streets frequently wore blue long sleeved shirts and held wooden swords as they announced Fang Zhengzhi's arrival.
The first time Fang Zhengzhi heard it, he was shocked. Those kids were incredibly haggard, but yet, they got the job done.
He had to admire Su Jiu's methods.
Teahouses...
And kid's songs. These were really the fastest ways for news to travel.
He made many stops along the way, reading up and enjoying the scenery. Every time he saw a place he liked, he would stop for a rest to read his books and taste the tea.
Fang Zhengzhi wasn't particularly lazy.
However, he had a feeling that he should enjoy this lifestyle while it lasted. Once he reached the capitol, he probably had to fight for his life.
Even so, the Snow Treading Dragon Stallions got him to the capitol in two months, faster than Fang Zhengzhi had expected.
”We're finally here...” He raised his head and stared at the words ”Yan Capital”. Fang Zhengzhi shifted into a more comfortable position and nodded as he approached the gates.
”I think that most of the hostels here are full, why don't you stay with me?” Yan Xiu was keenly aware of the crowd during the Imperial Examination period.
This was something that happened every other year. Not only were people rushing here for the exam, there were people coming as spectators, and there were officials who came to relive their experiences from back in the day.
”Stay with you? I expect quite a bit of trouble whilst we are here, can you handle it?” Fang Zhengzhi knew that Yan Xiu was just using a cover reason to mask his worry for Fang Zhengzhi.
”I'll try.” Yan Xiu replied calmly.
”Okay, let's do it then.” Fang Zhengzhi did not reject the offer. They were friends, and pleasantries were unnecessary.
...
The two of them passed through the city gates. Upon seeing the Snow Treading Dragon Stallions, the guards at the gate were stunned for a moment, their eyes glimmering.
The Snow Treading Dragon Stallions were the mark of the Northern Desert Divine Constabulary.
News that Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu were riding the Snow Treading Dragon Stallions had spread very quickly. Seeing the two men outfit riding towards the gate, two names flashed in the minds of the guards.
”Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu are in the capitol!”
The moment they came to that realization, one of the guards rushed towards the city centre hurriedly, probably to deliver a message.
Fang Zhengzhi and Yan Xiu looked on calmly. They had seen this happen too many times along the way and thought nothing of it
”Let's go!”
”Mm.”
...
The Fragrance Restaurant is the oldest teahouse in the capitol. It is said that it was founded centuries ago, and has always been a melting pot of ideas and conversations.
Then, the people would write poems on the walls. There were love poems, poems describing scenery, but most spoke of revenge and armies.
The ancient writings on the walls of the teahouse attracted many tourists.
With business flourishing, the teahouse managed to blossom. Even the teacups had a natural tea aroma as a result of the number of cups of tea they had held.