When Hu Xiaotian and Xia Changming arrived at the gates of Sea-Viewing City, they found that the walls of the Bohai Kingdom's capital were neither as tall nor as imposing as they had imagined. Even the garrison at the gates was smaller than the one in Eastern Liang Commandery. Travelers and merchants bustled to and fro in a scene of peace and contentment, utterly unlike the tight security and individual inspections they had expected.
The soldiers guarding the gates were all smiles, treating everyone who passed with courtesy. Hu Xiaotian noticed that almost everyone entering or leaving Sea-Viewing City wore splendid clothes. Fine horses and fragrant carriages streamed past without end. Even those traveling on foot took great care with their appearance, their hair crowns and footwear immaculate. Thanks to the fresh air and clean roads, not a speck of dust clung to anyone.
"The Bohai Kingdom is known as the wealthiest land beyond the seas," Xia Changming murmured admiringly. "Now that I've seen it, its reputation is certainly well deserved."
"It's just window dressing," Hu Xiaotian said with a smile. "Perhaps their king cares about keeping up appearances. Who's to say it isn't gold and jade on the outside, rotten stuffing within?"
"My lord's insight is profound," Xia Changming said, smiling. "Even riding a horse, I couldn't catch up."
"Then stop riding my coattails!" Hu Xiaotian teased.
They exchanged a look and burst out laughing. Though the guards were courteous to passing travelers, they still carried out the necessary inspections. Xia Changming presented a travel document they had brought from Eastern Liang Commandery. Since merchants from Great Kang and Great Yong often came to do business in the Bohai Kingdom, visitors from both countries received favorable treatment. After looking at their document, the guards let them through without much