Central State Imperial City
After the farce, Ao Canghai led Ao Changge and the others back in disgrace.
Hua Qiang did not go with them; instead, he stayed behind with the sisters Ao Shanshan and Ao Miaomiao.
Hua Qiang accepted Long Ritian's invitation to go to the Central State Imperial City, and Ao Shanshan, who loved excitement, naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
It was also from his introduction that I learned that Black Wind Cliff was a training ground for his personal guards, and all these people were his subordinates and core members.
Hua Qiang glanced at Long Mo'er, who was clinging to his arm, and felt a headache coming on.
Why is this girl so clingy?
Long Mo'er also noticed Hua Qiang's gaze, her face flushed, and she lowered her head, but did not let go of his hand.
Looking at the two of them, especially Long Mo'er's expressions and actions, Long Ritian couldn't help but reveal a meaningful smile.
At the same time, he muttered to himself.
"Third Elder, your rival in love has appeared."
Once we get to the capital, there's going to be a good show!
Long Ritian took out a flying magic weapon.
A strange object appeared out of thin air. It was neither gold nor silver, neither copper nor iron. Its texture was as ethereal and illusory as clouds and mist, yet it emitted a unique luster.
Ao Shanshan, feeling playful, jumped up first and bounced around happily.
The group exchanged glances, then stepped onto the flying magical artifact and stood firmly.
With a soft shout, Long Ritian sent the magic weapon hurtling out like an arrow, tearing through the sky.
Everyone felt the wind whistling past their ears, and the scenery on both sides rushed by like shooting stars.
Soon, they entered the Central State region.
As they drew closer, a magnificent and vast city gradually came into view.
From afar, the towering city wall is imposing, with thick stone bricks stacked tightly together, and banners fluttering on the wall.
Several towering towers stand on the city wall, connected by wide passageways. Armored guards stand tall and scan the surroundings with sharp eyes.
As the group flew closer to the city and slowly descended, they truly felt the city's prosperity and bustle.
The city gates were wide open, and people came and went, with the cries of various vendors rising and falling.
The food stalls were steaming hot and fragrant, attracting many people to stop and sample the snacks.
Shops selling rare and exotic treasures, adorned with dazzling jewels, attract wealthy gentlemen to compete for their selections.
Merchants and laborers hurried along, some carrying heavy loads on their shoulders, others driving horse-drawn carriages, shuttling through the streets and alleys.
The most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly the giant dragons.
They are either as large as mountains or as agile as eagles, moving in and out of the city.
Some dragons carried enormous cargo crates, flying slowly through the air; others carried majestic knights, roaring past amidst the gasps of the crowd.
The roar of the dragon mingled with the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, creating a vibrant and fantastical scene.
As Hua Qiang and his companions stood at the city gate, gazing at the bustling scene, a sense of awe and anticipation welled up within them.
The warm sunlight shone on the street, illuminating the bustling crowd.
Overjoyed, Ao Shanshan held Hua Qiang's hand tightly, her steps light as a happy little deer, skipping and hopping among the dazzling array of stalls on both sides of the street.
Her eyes sparkled, brimming with curiosity and longing.
Whenever I passed a stall, I would immediately stop if I saw something novel and interesting, or food with an enticing aroma.
She tilted her head slightly, her big, watery eyes full of expectation. Her greedy and longing little face made Hua Qiang feel helpless yet doting.
Looking at her adorable expression, Hua Qiang could only smile helplessly and obediently take out his money to fulfill her little wish.
Long Mo'er and Ao Miaomiao stood side by side, and upon seeing this scene, they couldn't help but smile at each other.
Their smiles were like flowers blooming in spring, charming and captivating.
Long Ritian followed behind the group at a leisurely pace.
As the Fifth Prince, he was known by many people.
People kept coming up to him respectfully to greet him.
He nodded repeatedly, a gentle smile on his face, his eyes showing no arrogance or aloofness.
Long Ritian responded warmly to everyone, exchanging pleasantries or inquiring about their recent situations. His demeanor was approachable and down-to-earth, showing no airs of a prince.
The streets were bustling with people, and the sounds of vendors selling their wares and laughter rose and fell, weaving together a vibrant symphony of life.
Suddenly, a commotion arose ahead, and pedestrians stopped and slowly gathered around.
People from all eras seem to enjoy watching a spectacle.
Hua Qiang and his group were no exception, especially Ao Shanshan, who wished she could jump up and rush into the center of the crowd and join in the commotion.
"Eldest Brother, hurry! There's something interesting up ahead, let's go take a look."
"Don't be late and miss the train."
It's the same familiar recipe, made by this little guy.
Just as the group walked to the front of the crowd, someone said, "The Fifth Prince is here, everyone make way."
Let the Fifth Prince preside over justice.
With a whoosh, everyone readily made way for them.
Long Ritian was taken aback, but had no choice but to walk inside.
Ao Shanshan quickly pulled Hua Qiang along to catch up.
In the crowd, the two people who were originally arguing and pulling at each other were an honest and kind-hearted old farmer with white hair and a slightly hunched back.
Years of farm work have etched deep lines on his face, and the skin on his hands is as weathered as tree bark.
One was around thirty years old, big and burly, and covered in grease.
His hands were covered in oil stains, and there was a scar on the corner of his mouth, which looked a bit scary.
The two knelt down before Long Ritian.
"Fifth Prince, please do justice for this humble subject!"
The old man spoke first, his expression filled with anger, mixed with sadness and helplessness.
"Fifth Prince, this scoundrel picked up my money and won't give it back. This money was for my wife's medicine."
His wife was waiting for him to bring back the medicine to save her life!
"Fifth Prince, you must do me justice and help me get back my life-saving money!"
The old man's voice choked as he spoke.
The man looked at the Fifth Prince with great anger and said, "Fifth Prince, don't listen to his wicked words."
This money is mine, you scoundrel!
I'm not very good at this, but I accidentally dropped it on the ground when I was taking it out of my pocket.
The old man lunged at me, trying to snatch it, but I was quick enough to grab it back.
This is my own hard-earned money, Fifth Prince, don't listen to his lies.
That old man is a wolf in sheep's clothing, with ulterior motives. He dares to covet my money. He is truly hateful!
I implore the Fifth Prince to do me justice and sentence him to fraud and theft!
Long Ritian was now in a dilemma, as both sides had their own reasons.
Everyone says that the silver is his, but there's nothing written on it, so how would he know whose it is?
Besides, even if you call it, it won't respond!
This is an inanimate object.
He turned to look at the onlookers and Wen Dao, "Did any of you see who dropped that silver?"
Everyone shook their heads, because they hadn't actually seen who had dropped the silver on the ground.
Although the old man looked miserable, that didn't prove that the silver was really his; some people can't be judged by appearances alone.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Long Ritian was dumbfounded. He didn't know how to judge the situation.