Chapter Bonanza (4/10)

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Having become close with Hao Yun over the past month or so, Yan Xiaoyu had deliberately inquired about the Zhenwu Escort Agency and the “Head of the Huo Family”—who would be escorting them to Lingbei—and had gained some understanding of them.

The head of the Zhenwu Escort Agency was named “Huo Haowu,” and he was quite well-respected in the martial arts world. He, too, had retired from the battlefield and had previously been commended by the Emperor for assisting the imperial court in suppressing bandits.

The “Autumn Charm Pavilion,” where Yan Shaoxuan bought his rouge, was run by Huo Haowu’s Fulang—a man who was not entirely unfamiliar to Yan Shaoxuan either.

—This young man named “Ruan Yimian” turned out to be Governor Ruan’s own younger brother. 

When Yan Shaoxuan first heard in the capital about the connection between Governor Ruan and the Autumn Intent Pavilion, he was still half-convinced, half-skeptical, but this time he had it confirmed by Hao Yun.

Hao Yun held them all in the highest regard and spoke of these matters with great enthusiasm. 

“Governor Ruan is our boss’s brother-in-law. When Governor Ruan first came to the capital to take the imperial exams, he was nearly framed—it was our boss who cleared him of all suspicion! Our boss’s martial arts skills are second to none, and he’s sharp as a tack. Over the years, he’s led us brothers to make a fortune! He’s a flawless guy—except he’s a bit clingy with his Fulang. My brother-in-law is frail, and he cherishes him like the apple of his eye. Since he has to stay by his Fulang’s side, ordinary people can’t persuade him to come along.”

Yan Xiaoyu was a bit curious: “Then why is he willing to leave Fulang behind this time and come with us to Lingbei?”

“This is a special situation,” Hao Yun’s smile faded as he sighed. “A brother who used to serve in the military with us is in trouble right now. He’s up in Lingbei, and our boss took on this escort job mainly for his sake.”

Fearing that Yan Xiaoyu and Yan Shaoxuan might feel uneasy, Hao Yun quickly added after speaking: “Although we do have our own motives, rest assured—since our boss has taken on your escort mission, he’ll protect you at all costs! He’s not the type to be careless, and in over a decade of escort work, he’s never failed a single mission!”

Yan Shaoxuan’s expression remained calm: “Master Huo is a man of honor and loyalty; we have no reason to worry.”

Yan Xiaoyu nodded repeatedly: “Exactly so.”

The fact that Huo Haowu was willing to risk his life to venture into Lingbei for a comrade from over a decade ago clearly showed he was a man of honor. Following him to Lingbei meant, at the very least, they wouldn’t have to worry about being abandoned in the face of danger.

Hao Yun had said they were all sharp-witted and good at making money, and Yan Xiaoyu soon saw for himself.

The inn where they’d agreed to meet was run by the Zhenwu Escort Agency. It not only provided lodging for the agency’s staff but also welcomed ordinary guests, and its business was better than that of the other inns along the route.

In addition, the inn offered a carrier pigeon service.

Although it could only deliver to a fixed number of destinations, according to the clerk in charge of the carrier pigeons, a message could first be sent to one location and then relayed onward. Although it required some effort, with a few relays, it could reach more than half of the Great Chu’s territory.

However, the price is correspondingly higher—so expensive it’s jaw-dropping.

If the carrier pigeon fails to deliver the message, you can also ask a courier traveling in that direction to deliver it, though delivery times cannot be guaranteed. After hearing this, Yan Shaoxuan took a sheet of stationery and prepared to write a letter to Ji Wenyan.

Carrier pigeons are much faster than the postal couriers at the relay stations, and the area where Ji Wenyan was located happened to be within the delivery range of this inn’s pigeons.

By the time Yan Xiaoyu and the others arrived, Huo Haowu was already there.

The inn’s waiter was very familiar with Hao Yun and his group. As soon as he saw them approaching, he smiled and said, “You’ve all been here for several days now. Hao Yun, you lot, take a seat for a moment—I’ll go fetch everyone!”

Hao Yun nodded, and the waiter nimbly headed upstairs.

Yan Xiaoyu’s family waited in the lobby with Hao Yun and the others, and before long, they saw an extremely tall man come downstairs.

The man wore a dark blue, narrow-sleeved long robe. His features were sharp, his brow bones deep-set, and a scar on the side of his face slanted diagonally into his temple, making his appearance all the more fierce. However, he was holding the hand of a petite ger. As if afraid the other might fall, he shielded him carefully the entire way, revealing a touch of tenderness that softened the grim aura surrounding him.

The ger was dressed warmly, wearing a moon-white, thin cotton robe with a hooded cloak draped over it. The cloak’s hem was trimmed with a ring of snow-white rabbit fur, which set off his picture-perfect, ethereally beautiful features.

These must be Huo Haowu and his Fulang, Ruan Yimian.

Hao Yun had behaved quite composedly throughout the journey, but upon seeing them, he let his guard down a bit and cheerfully rushed forward to greet them.

“Boss, you brought Brother Ruan along too!”

Huo Haowu nodded and brought Ruan Yimian over to speak with Yan Xiaoyu and the others.

He was a man of few words who acted decisively; after exchanging just a few brief pleasantries with Yan Shaoxuan, he got straight to the point.

“Lingbei is only a ten-day journey from Yulian County, yet the climate is worlds apart—all because Futong Ridge lies between them, blocking the cold air. While Yulian has just entered winter, it’s already starting to snow in Lingbei. The weather is growing colder by the day, so we need to pick up the pace and arrive before heavy snow blocks the road.”

“The terrain of Futong Ridge is gentle, but there are still sections where we’ll have to walk. If we need any more soup or hot water, we can send an inn attendant to get it for us.”

As Huo Haowu spoke, he took out a map and pointed it out to everyone: “We’ll set out tomorrow morning, leaving Yulian at sunrise. It will take five days to enter the mountains, and roughly three days to cross Futong Ridge. Once we’re past Futong Ridge, we’ll be in Liaoyang Prefecture, and after traveling north for another day, we’ll enter the territory of Lingbei County.”

“During these three days on Futong Ridge, the route to Lingbei is rife with wild beasts—and there are quite a few of them. Since we have a large group, these beasts will likely not attack us first, but we must still be vigilant. Everyone must stay together and not fall behind.”

Yan Xiaoyu and the others nodded. Hao Yun glanced at Yan Xiaoyue and said, “After all, Magistrate Yan is a former hunter—he’s skilled in hunting and martial arts, and he holds his own even when sparring with me! Miss Yan possesses extraordinary strength—unlike Shan, who struggled for ages to push the cart without making a dent, Miss Yan effortlessly pushed it out of the mountain. Ordinary wild beasts would surely scatter at the sight of her!” 

As soon as Hao Yun finished speaking, Yan Xiaoyu proudly puffed out his chest; Yan Shaoxuan remained calm and composed; and Yan Xiaoyue’s cheeks flushed red, her eyes sparkling. She wore an expression of shared pride.

Huo Haowu was somewhat surprised. His gaze swept over Yan Xiaoyu and Yan Shaoxuan before settling on Yan Xiaoyue, whom he scrutinized closely.

She certainly had the makings of a fine martial artist. The Zhenwu Escort Agency was currently in need of several female bodyguards to protect the young ladies and wives of wealthy families. Unfortunately, given her current circumstances, she likely wouldn’t choose a career as a bodyguard.

She was a young lady of means herself.

Huo Haowu concealed his thoughts and said gently, “In that case, the escort team has prepared some self-defense weapons. Magistrate Yan, you may also select a few to carry with you.”

Yan Shaoxuan nodded in agreement.

Most of their energy on the journey had been spent preparing food and clothing; they hadn’t specifically prepared any weapons. Although he and Yan Xiaoyu carried weapons with them, the rest of their household hadn’t made any preparations—they only had kitchen knives, sickles, and the like, which were certainly not as lethal as the weapons used by the escort agency.

Once the business matters were settled, the waiter brought out the meal, and Yan Xiaoyu, as usual, shared his family’s food with the men from the Zhenwu Escort Agency. Hao Yun and the others beamed with delight; before Huo Haowu could even speak, they excitedly praised Yan Xiaoyu’s cooking.

“Boss, Brother Ruan, you absolutely have to try this braised duck in soy sauce—the flavor is out of this world! It’s so fragrant and spicy; just one bite and you’ll remember it for the rest of your life! And this dried meat—the flavor is truly unique. It’s meaty with just a hint of sweetness; Brother Ruan is sure to love it!”

The more Hao Yun spoke, the more his mouth watered, and he couldn’t help but swallow hard. “Young Master Yan is in the food business. It’s a shame we’re still a bit far from Lingbei—otherwise, if we could buy some provisions from him, we brothers wouldn’t have to worry about not finding food to our taste on our escort runs!”

Yan Xiaoyu was almost embarrassed by the praise: “Brother Hao, you’re exaggerating a bit. The capital is teeming with talent—there are countless skilled chefs here. Why single me out?”

“Ah!” Hao Yun sighed with regret. “There are indeed many who cook well, but there’s truly no one who can make travel rations that are both delicious and keep well!”

The others chimed in immediately:

“That’s true!”

“Sure, people in the capital sell sweet potato starch too, but the side dishes that go with it aren’t as good as Young Master Yan’s.” 

“The chefs at those big restaurants in the capital are too snobby—they won’t even take orders for road food!”

“I think this braised duck in soy sauce is absolutely delicious, too.” Amid the men’s hearty praise, a soft, gentle voice suddenly broke through—it was Ruan Yimian.

The young man had already eaten a piece of braised duck; his lips were red from the spice, yet he looked at Yan Xiaoyu with a serious expression and said, “Your cooking skills are no worse than any master chef in the capital.”

Yan Shaoxuan nodded, looking thoroughly convinced.

Yan Xiaoyu smiled, his eyes crinkling: “Thank you all for your kind words! Everyone, please dig in!”

“Eat up, eat up! Let’s all have plenty—we’re parting ways tomorrow, and it won’t be easy to taste Young Master Yan’s cooking again!”

No one said another word. Hao Yun and his friends kept their heads down as they ate, and before long, the braised duck and dried pork on the table were all gone.

Ruan Yimian’s eyes were watering from the spice, but he still wouldn’t stop eating. Huo Haowu snatched the very last piece of braised duck from under Hao Yun’s chopsticks, but hesitated, unsure whether to give it to him. Hao Yun glared at him, and only then did Huo Haowu reluctantly place the duck meat into his bowl.

“Go ahead and eat.” 

After that incident at the dinner table, Yan Xiaoyu noticed that Ruan Yimian had become much warmer toward him; even the way he looked at him carried a hint of admiration. He found it amusing and thought this young man was truly adorable.

After dinner, Huo Haowu took the Yan brothers to pick out weapons, so Yan Xiaoyu had a little chat with Ruan Yimian.

He asked about the customs and culinary traditions of the capital, and Ruan Yimian, with a serious little expression, answered very earnestly.

As their conversation flowed, they found they had more and more in common. But just when Ruan Yimian seemed to have lost track of time, she suddenly scampered back to her room and returned with an exquisite rosewood box.

“This contains a hand ointment made from angelica, bletilla, and ginseng. It helps heal cracks and promote tissue regeneration. It’s so cold north of the ridge—when you’re working, your hands will be exposed and prone to frostbite—but if you apply this, you’ll be fine! I brought three boxes; you can give one each to your mother and older sister. Make sure to apply it before entering Futong Ridge.”

Yan Shaoxuan had already bought Yan Xiaoyu quite a few creams for his hands and face, but since this box was a personal gift from Ruan Yimian, Yan Xiaoyu thought about it for a moment and decided to accept it.

After accepting the ointment, he took a packet of dried apricots and a packet of candied peaches from his own small bundle to give to Ruan Yimian as a token of appreciation. Ruan Yimian seemed a little embarrassed, but he clearly liked the gifts.

In just a few hours, the two young men had become friends.

Early the next morning, after breakfast, Yan Xiaoyu and his companions set out once more. Just as Huo Haowu had predicted, they reached the foot of Futong Ridge in five days.

Futong Ridge truly lived up to its reputation as a mountain capable of blocking out the cold. Massive and majestic in appearance, it stretched for a thousand li as seen from afar—a range of blue mountains and verdant ridges that resembled a sleeping giant dragon coiled there.

Before entering the mountains, Yan Xiaoyu and his companions rested thoroughly for a day. They also restocked supplies in a nearby town and carefully inspected the horses, donkeys, oxen, and several carts that accompanied them. They secured anti-slip chains to the wheels and fitted the horses and donkeys with winter coats… ensuring everything was in perfect order before setting off up the mountain.

Futong Ridge was densely forested, with pine and birch groves everywhere. The trees stood tall and straight, their leaves adorned with crystalline rime ice, creating a truly magnificent view.

The river flowing through the woods was crystal clear, and the vegetation along its banks was draped in a silvery blanket of frost; occasionally a squirrel would scurry by, creating a truly unique scene. 

Yan Xiaoyu caught a glimpse of this by chance and stared in amazement.

A brazier had been placed inside the carriage, and though they hadn’t felt the cold when they first entered the mountains, after the group had traveled for an hour, Yan Xiaoyu could clearly feel the temperature dropping. He and Yan Shaoxuan put on their cloaks, stoked the fire in the brazier a little higher, warmed up a pot of tea, and drank it—only then did their bodies begin to warm up. They took a brief rest at noon and continued on their way in the afternoon. It wasn’t until dusk that Huo Haowu ordered everyone to stop and set up camp for the night. 

Yan Xiaoyu pulled back the car curtain and saw that they had arrived outside a log cabin—it looked like a resting place for hunters heading into the mountains. He had no idea how Huo Haowu had managed to find this place.

“Those five hundred were well spent! Master Huo really knows his stuff!” Otherwise, if they’d had to pitch a tent out here, not only would they have slept uneasily, but they’d probably have frozen off a layer of skin off.

Yan Xiaoyu looked deeply moved, while Yan Shaoxuan remained impassive, merely helping him carefully out of the car.

After lighting a fire inside the cabin and settling everyone in, Huo Haowu called over another bodyguard and prepared to go out for a patrol.

Yan Shaoxuan volunteered to go with him. Knowing that Yan Shaoxuan had once been a hunter himself, Huo Haowu didn’t refuse.

“Ying Dong, you and the rest of the men stay here and keep watch. If anything happens, blow the whistle. As soon as I hear it, I’ll rush back.”