After parting ways with Zhao Changlin, the group traveled for another half month before finally arriving at Peace Prefecture Administration City.
The majestic, sprawling Peace Prefecture Administration City came into view, like a colossal beast crouching upon the earth.
Its towering walls were built from enormous blocks of bluish-gray stone, thick and solid, stretching straight toward the horizon.
Banners fluttered atop the gate towers, while the garrison stood armed and armored, spears in hand. Their imposing presence rushed over them, fully displaying the grand might of this vital border stronghold.
Watchtowers and defensive works stood along the crest of the walls, their mottled stone surfaces etched with the marks of time and war.
As they neared the city gate, a tide of clamor instantly engulfed them, utterly unlike the desolate bleakness of the official road they had traveled.
"It's so lively!"
Father Li, Mother Li, and the others lifted the curtains of the carriage, their eyes filled with astonishment. The prosperity here dazzled them senseless.
On the broad official road leading into the city, carts and carriages flowed endlessly, with people coming and going in an unceasing stream.
Commoners in all manner of clothing hurried back and forth like shuttles. Vendors carrying goods on shoulder poles, traveling merchants leading mules and horses, scholars walking in groups, and caravan hands escorting cargo all pressed together, their steps hurried.
Horse carriages and ox carts came one after another, their wheels rumbling over the bluestone road.
Many temporary stalls had been set up on both sides of the city gate.
Shouts, hawking cries, bargaining voices, and the neighing of horses and braying of beasts intertwined into a bustling scene of everyday life.
Those entering the city formed long lines. There were villagers from nearby areas bringing local goods to sell, merchant caravans traveling