Chapter 81: Yinshan Pass
The Northern Frontier was the common name for this region, a habit everyone had adopted. Mention Yinshan Pass, and many would need a moment to recall that this was the area’s actual official name.
Since ancient times, Yinshan Pass had been a crucial military stronghold, far larger than ordinary cities. Patrols of soldiers were a common sight throughout the town, and even the civilians dressed practically, their tall stature and rugged demeanor making their presence strongly felt.
Hua Zhi observed her surroundings from horseback, and the anxiety and worry she had carried with her gradually eased upon arrival.
Even though this was a place of exile, it wasn’t as she had imagined—populated solely by overseers and laborers. At first glance, it didn’t seem much different from other places. The main distinction, perhaps, was the lack of freedom.
As long as silver could still work its magic here, she dared not ask for more.
Entering through the eastern gate, it took nearly half an hour to reach the southern part of the city. Compared to the eastern district, this area was noticeably more chaotic and crowded, with a corresponding increase in patrolling soldiers.
Hua Zhi and her companions, laden with bundles large and small, were unmistakably outsiders. Strangely, however, they encountered no hostility. Some even smiled at them kindly. One man, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, pointed toward a distant inn and said, "Stay there. The rooms are clean, and the prices are fair."
Hua Zhi was taken aback but promptly thanked him and headed in the direction he had indicated.
Seeing her approachable demeanor, the man drew closer and introduced himself, "I’m Hu Gua. You’re here to deliver supplies, aren’t you? It’s been a while since we’ve seen outsiders."
Hua Zhi had already harbored a vague suspicion, and his words confirmed it. The southern district was unique, and the purpose of any outsider’s visit was likely common knowledge.
While the laws of Daqing forbade exiles from leaving without permission, they did not prohibit family members from visiting. Everyone had relatives and friends, yet few ever journeyed to this land of exile. Over time, it had become a testing ground for human loyalty. Those who came didn’t need to be exceptional; even a servant would earn the respect of those living here under various circumstances.
That explained the kindness they had encountered upon entering the southern district. Hua Zhi felt a pang of complex emotions, and her guard lowered considerably. "The north is harsh and cold," she explained. "I feared my family would suffer, so I brought them some warm clothing."
"That’s thoughtful, truly thoughtful. Winters here are indeed hard to endure," the man replied. He walked with a slight limp but maintained a brisk pace. Noting that Hua Zhi treated him no differently than anyone else, without even a second glance at his disability, he felt an increased fondness for her. To him, such ordinary treatment was the rarest form of respect.
"Who is it you’re looking for, young master? I know this place well and might know them."
Hua Zhi’s mind raced, and she made a quick decision. "I’m looking for the Hua family. They should have arrived here in September. Do you happen to know them, brother?"
"The Hua family? Of course, I know them. They live not far from here. I even know one of their servants. It’s almost mealtime—we should hurry."
As if heaven itself had smoothed her path, Hua Zhi let out a soft sigh of relief and sincerely thanked him, "Thank you, brother.""Hey, no need to be so polite. Just seeing your slight frame willing to make this journey makes me happy to show you the way." As he spoke, Hugua moved to pat Hua Zhi's shoulder, but Gu Yanxi swiftly stepped between them and pulled her hood up.
Hugua was momentarily taken aback, but seeing his action, he laughed. "Yes, better keep that on. This place is much colder than elsewhere."
Hua Zhi gave Gu Yanxi a grateful look and smiled at Hugua. "I never knew it could be this cold until I came here."
"Absolutely." Hugua suddenly pointed ahead. "That person over there - do you recognize him?"
A young man in a short cotton-padded jacket was walking quickly from the west, his arms full of something. Hua Zhi did recognize him - this was Chen Shan, who had come with her father.
She glanced back, and Dongzi understood, quickly running over.
When Chen Shan saw Dongzi, he froze. Upon hearing the young mistress had come, he nearly dropped everything in his arms, but Dongzi swiftly caught the items.
Freed from his burden, Chen Shan rushed over and knelt. "Chen Shan pays respects to—"
Dongzi kicked him, and looking up to see the young mistress's current disguise, he immediately changed his words: "Chen Shan pays respects to young master."
"Rise quickly. Are you taking food to my father?"
"I'm bringing meals to the First Master and Third Master. The masters have been separated now, so I look after the First and Third Masters while others care for the remaining masters."
Hua Zhi nodded and signaled Dongzi to take a porcelain bottle from their bundle and hand it to Hugua. "This is a frostbite ointment prepared by an old physician. They say it works very well - you might want to try it, Brother Hu."
Hugua might have put on a stern face if offered silver, but he couldn't refuse such useful frostbite ointment. Grinning widely, he accepted it. "Then I won't stand on ceremony. I've lived in this city many years - if you have any questions, young brother, just come find me. Chen Shan knows where I live."
"Yes, I'm sure I'll need to trouble you later, Brother Hu."
As soon as Hugua left, Chen Shan, who had been restraining himself, immediately reddened around the eyes. "Young mistress, I never expected you to come."
"Let's walk and talk. The food will get cold."
"Yes." Chen Shan wiped his eyes with his sleeve and took the tightly wrapped large lunch box from Dongzi, hugging it to his chest.
"How is Grandfather's health? And the others? What are they doing now? Are they adjusting well?"
"The Old Master developed a cough during the journey that hasn't improved despite seeing physicians. The Fourth Master managed to secure him a light copying job after some maneuvering. But there aren't many light jobs here to begin with, and our Hua family arrived later. Though we spent considerable silver, we only managed to arrange suitable work for the Old Master and a few other senior branches. Everyone else has suffered somewhat, especially the young masters - several have fallen ill recently."
Chen Shan's eyes reddened again as he spoke, but with both hands occupied, he could only rub his face against his shoulder.
Hua Zhi's expression remained unchanged. Young people could endure some hardship - what mattered was that Grandfather and her father could have easier circumstances. Though even "easier" was only relative to hard labor here.
"Have you encountered any troubles?"
"There were some who bullied newcomers when we first arrived, but the Fourth Master handled them. Recently, the Fourth Master has improved relations with those in charge, and combined with our Hua family's substantial numbers, few dare cause trouble now.""Are all external affairs being handled by Fourth Master?"
"That's correct."
Just as she had expected, these mundane matters still had to rely on Fourth Uncle. With her father's scholarly temperament, he'd likely offend people the moment he opened his mouth. Neither Second Uncle nor Third Uncle would be suitable either.
PS: Thank you for your concern, ladies. Kongkong's just suffering from lack of sleep - all sorts of ailments have been appearing. I'll be fine after getting proper rest.
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