Chapter 6 (Revised)

Chapter 6 (Revised)

The Changping Station in Cang County was a modestly sized official post, which had gradually adapted for both official and commercial use due to recent government corruption. Despite its dual function, it maintained the basic requirements of an official station, with station masters, attendants, grooms, veterinarians, and physicians as essential staff. In more remote and poorer stations, veterinarians often doubled as physicians, a necessary compromise.

Opposite the station were several small tea houses and eateries, all closed for the night.

The land around the station was leased out, generating annual rent. The station master turned a blind eye to this arrangement, as the station primarily served officials, and their clientele was different. Commoners, even wealthy ones, were not permitted inside the station.

However, the well-maintained imperial road was open to the public, serving as the only major route from nearby villages to the county town. The bustling traffic not only brought vitality to the area but also a bit of prosperity to the station.

Li Da yawned, adjusting the lamp wick for brighter light. He sat in the main hall of the station, dozing off. It was his turn to keep watch overnight, as the station had to stay open around the clock for any urgent military dispatches.

A few months ago, Li Da had heard about unrest in the southern Chongzhou region, but what did that have to do with him? He was just a lowly attendant in a small post in Youzhou, never having left the region since birth.

Li Da patted the thick letters in his pocket and then pulled out a cloth bag from his waist, spilling out five copper coins with a goofy smile.

As a station attendant directly under the central government's Ministry of War, Li Da knew the station master reported to the local county office and was considered a county official. Funding for the Changping Station, where Li Da worked, was allocated by the Cang County magistrate from the county's finances, based on the population.

Cang County was poor. If it were as wealthy as the southern regions, the lives of station attendants like Li Da would be much better. Besides the monthly stipend from the government, Li Da had additional income from delivering private letters and small items for the wealthier villagers to their relatives in the county town, charging a fee each time.

Counting his copper coins, Li Da felt a bit more spirited. He was about to drink some water when he suddenly heard the sound of horse hooves.

The sound, distant at first, snapped Li Da to full alertness, dispelling his sleepiness. Their station had a stable with nine chestnut horses, the pride of Changping Station, meticulously cared for by the grooms. But the thunderous sound indicated a considerable number of horses.

Quickly, Li Da opened all the doors, and soon the station master and manager arrived.

The lanterns at the entrance swayed in the cold night breeze. The elderly station master, Qian, wrapped in a thicker robe, instructed Li Da, "Get the kitchen staff up. Prepare meals and hot water quickly."

Judging by the sound of the hooves, the experienced Qian knew tonight's visitors were extraordinary.

Li Da nodded and hurried to the back yard to make arrangements.

Squinting, Qian soon saw a group of riders on black horses emerge from the dark night.

His eyes widened at the sight of the black horses, recognized as the famed Northern black steeds, the Heiyun horses.

Observing the commanding figure leading the group, followed by dozens of silent and disciplined riders, Qian quickly put on a sycophantic smile, "I am the station master of Changping Station. May I know if the distinguished guests wish to rest here or change horses?"

Qian's polite inquiry was just a formality. His station's horses couldn't compare to the Northern black steeds, and he speculated about the origins of these visitors.

Only high-ranking officials like provincial governors or military commanders could afford Northern black horses. Such positions were far beyond Qian's reach; he was just a minor station master in a small county under Taiyang Prefecture, which itself was one of several counties under the administration of Youzhou.

In Youzhou, Taiyang Prefecture wasn't even the largest; neighboring Xunjiang Prefecture, bordering Xun River, and passing Nanning Prefecture, led to Youzhou's largest city, Langge.

Zhao Qingshan dismounted first, presenting a silver badge to the station master, "A noble lady has been injured. Send for a doctor immediately, and prepare some hot meals in the hall."

Qian instantly recognized the badge's inscription - Chief Secretary of Langge, the Grand Military Governor, Zhao Qingshan.

It took the elderly station master, Qian, a moment to recall that in Youzhou there was a Grand Military Governor, the Prince of Bao. Indeed, it had been five or six years since the central government began dismantling the military governor offices. While those in border areas weren't officially abolished, they had largely become nominal, explaining his surprise at seeing the Chief Secretary of the Grand Military Governor.

Quickly regaining his composure, he bowed deeply, "Esteemed guests, please enter."

The stable hands took charge of the Heiyun horses from the light cavalry.

Lei Hu spoke loudly, "Ensure the feed is of the best quality. If I find any moldy beans, you'll have to answer to me."

The station manager assured with a smile, "Don't worry. Our station has top-quality bean cakes, wheat bran, and alfalfa. There's also fresh water with added salt near the mangers to ensure the horses are well cared for."

In reality, such luxurious care for horses wasn't the norm at their station, but with important guests arriving, the station manager and his team exerted extra effort, tightening their standards.

Listening to the bustle behind him, Zhao Qingshan rubbed his temple and tossed two pieces of silver to the station manager, "For your service."

The station manager's face lit up with joy at the generous tip, becoming even more attentive. He quickly summoned the station's elderly women to carefully transport the noble lady on the stretcher to a guest room. A physician was already waiting outside, and Zhao Qingshan, after a glance at his lord, led the doctor inside to attend to Lady Xiao's daughter.

Qian, the station master, watched the orderly bustle with satisfaction.

Then he bowed even lower, "This way, please."

The astute Qian quickly discerned that the man leading the group was the true leader. While Zhao Qingshan was busy attending to the needs, the riders behind the man stood motionless, clearly waiting for his command.

Could it be Prince Bao? Or perhaps... Qian speculated. He knew that Prince Bao should be around sixty years old. This leader appeared to be in his early forties, in the prime of his life, certainly not Prince Bao. It must be him!

Containing his excitement, Qian noticed the middle-aged man carrying someone, concealed under a cyan cloak, with only a pair of delicate, mud-stained embroidered shoes visible.

Zhou Xu entered the main hall.

Inside, hot meals and several jars of wine were already prepared.

Zhou Xu turned to his riders, instructing, "No drinking."

The riders responded in unison, "Understood."

Station Master Qian apologized with a smile, "My mistake, esteemed guests. You surely have important matters at hand and shouldn't be drinking. Alcohol can lead to mishaps. Forgive this old fool," he said, patting his head. "Li Da, Li Da, quickly remove the wine."

Li Da promptly took away the wine jars.

Although Lei Hu had a liking for wine, he dared not disobey the order and could only watch longingly as the jars were taken away.

"Lei Hu, Lei Bao, after you've eaten, each of you take your rest."

"Yes!"

Seeing his master ascend to the upstairs guest room, Lei Hu called his brothers to dine. Lei Bao, seeing him grinning, slapped him on the head, "What are you laughing at, Lei Hu?"

Unperturbed, Lei Hu tore off a large chicken leg, chewing noisily, "I'm just envious of our master."

If he were the master, he wouldn't let go either.

"Stop your nonsense. With that mouth of yours, you'll get into trouble one day," Lei Bao frowned. As members of the Lei clan attached to the Zhou family of Youzhou, they needed to be mindful of their status, especially since they weren't part of the main Zhou clan.

"Got it," Lei Hu nodded repeatedly, though it was unclear if he truly listened. Lei Bao sighed, feeling a premonition that the woman's presence would cause a stir once they returned to Langge in Youzhou.

"Please come in. This is the best room in our station," Station Master Qian said, opening the door and lighting a lamp.

Zhou Xu looked around and smiled, "You've been most kind, old man."

Qian was flattered, "Not at all, not at all. It's our duty."

"Hot water and food will be sent shortly. If you need anything during the night, just give us a call."

Zhou Xu placed Lady Xiao on a soft couch near the window, "No rush for that, call the physician first."

Qian agreed repeatedly, then hurried off after closing the door.

The room was quiet and peaceful, elegantly furnished, a typical upper-class chamber.

Zhou Xu unfastened his light armor and set it gently on the table. He wore a dark round-necked robe, a leather belt around his waist, and black leather boots. He then carefully removed the cloak that had been thoroughly covering Lady Xiao.

Beneath the dim candlelight, a painting of begonias in spring slumber was revealed.

Zhou Xu sat with a commanding posture beside the couch, leisurely admiring the scene.

The beautiful woman's face, flushed with the deep hue of sleep, slightly furrowed her delicate brows as if not resting peacefully. Her lips, dry and chapped, showed a hint of exhaustion, evoking a sense of pity.

Zhou Xu picked up a peony from Lady Xiao's hair, recalling how in recent years, the aristocracy in Chang'an had popularized wearing flowers, a trend now followed by all, regardless of age or gender.

This fashion had even reached Youzhou, where many ladies, young mistresses, and young masters adorned themselves with flowers during spring outings.

Yet, Lady Xiao's flower-adorned appearance surpassed others – the woman more charming than the flower, her maturity exuding a rich allure.

Zhou Xu chuckled softly, taking Lady Xiao's hand in his. Her skin was unbelievably soft, even the fingertips carried a strange sweetness. He inhaled a fragrance he had never encountered before, soft as if to engulf him. It was the sweet scent of cream from Lady Xiao's frequent baking.

The only imperfection was the blisters in her palm and the numerous scratches on the back of her delicate hands.

Zhou Xu noticed that her feet, under the embroidered shoes, bore even more wounds.

One of the embroidered shoes had slipped off.

The feet, wrapped in fine white silk stockings, were unbelievably petite and delicate.

Zhou Xu compared, finding her foot perfectly fit in his hand. His thoughts seemingly wandered, and his eyes darkened before he patiently waited for the physician.