Chang'an was far more prosperous than Xue County, where Lin Qiye had been before.
Just judging by the pedestrians on the roads, there were at least four or five times as many as in Xue County. The shops lining both sides were neat and imposing. Though the sun had only just risen, the cries of vendors already rang loudly through the streets. Rich wine fragrance wafted from nearby taverns, blending with the sight of finely dressed riders galloping past now and then into an intoxicating atmosphere.
Having grown up in modern society, Lin Qiye had never seen such a scene before. He found it quite novel and kept looking around.
Wu Quan followed behind Lin Qiye, showing little curiosity toward their surroundings. His gaze passed over the dense, bustling streets and reached the vermilion palace walls in the distance. Behind them, several exquisitely crafted, magnificent rooftops appeared and vanished from view.
"Lin Qiye, this marquis must enter the Imperial Palace to see His Majesty. Feel free to look around the city. Once I leave the palace, I'll send someone to fetch you." Huo Qubing turned to Yan Zhong. "You needn't enter the palace with me. Take good care of them outside."
"Yes," Yan Zhong answered respectfully.
Lin Qiye nodded. Together with Yan Zhong and Wu Quan, he watched as Huo Qubing and the others mounted their horses and rode straight toward the Imperial Palace.
Lin Qiye had no objection to this. Though he was somewhat curious about the Imperial Palace as well, he was an outsider after all, and getting in would probably not be easy.
"What, are you interested in the Imperial Palace too?" Lin Qiye turned back and saw Wu Quan still staring in that direction.
"Ah? Yeah... a little." Wu Quan came back to his senses. "Brother