Luo Chong and Dashu discussed affairs of state over tea as the train rolled steadily onward. From early morning until dusk, they finally reached the outskirts of the capital—the Temporary Station at the Youqiao Clan Settlement.
Dirty, dirty, dirty.
A whistle sounded ahead, and the train began to slow. Just then, a guard came over to ask,
"Chieftain, we've reached Jingjiao Station, and it's also dinnertime. Shall we stop here and rest for the night, or make a quick resupply and continue to the capital?"
"Stop and rest for the night. Arrange for everyone to rest, then we'll continue at dawn tomorrow."
Hearing the question, Luo Chong answered without a second thought. He had just been discussing the Youqiao Clan joining the Han Tribe with Dashu. Now that they had arrived, he naturally had to meet the clan and discuss it with them properly.
Besides, it was already evening. By the time they reached the capital, night would have fallen completely. What could he inspect at the construction site in the dead of night? He might as well rest at the Youqiao Clan Settlement, where at least he could eat fresh vegetables.
"Yes!" The guard cupped his fists and withdrew.
Before long, the train came to a steady halt at the station, and Luo Chong followed Dashu and the others out of the carriage.
Standing at the carriage door, Luo Chong's first impression of the scene before him was that it was crude.
This was called a station, but in reality, it was merely a rammed-earth platform built beside the railway. A layer of wooden boards had been laid over it, and a simple shelter of bamboo poles and rice straw erected above. This was a platform so crude it could hardly have been cruder.
Moreover, this station had only