Two clear rivers coiled across the land, and at their confluence stood a grayish-white city.
Jiaohe City.
Across Gaochang, Deng Zhong had many places to choose from that could serve as the seat of his commandant's office.
But the surroundings here were the best, and Deng Zhong found them quite appealing.
When they had first entered Gaochang territory, local officials had come to welcome them.
Naturally, they had come because they had received word.
Deng Zhong and Liu Shi followed these men and soon arrived at Jiaohe City.
The city was clean and tidy, its roads level, and a towering Stupa could be seen in the distance.
From time to time, commoners hurried past in a dazzling variety of clothing.
The glaring sun hung high overhead, shining down on everything. Even Deng Zhong felt uncomfortable, his exposed skin seeming to burn and ache. Wasn't it a little too hot here?
Deng Zhong and Liu Shi arrived at the official residence, which was built below ground and had to be reached by descending a flight of steps.
Most buildings here were made by hollowing out the ground and building rooms around the sides, while the sunken central space was left uncovered, directly open to the sky.
But with tall walls on every side, anyone sitting here would not face the sun directly.
Deng Zhong and Liu Shi took the seats of honor, and the officials hurriedly sat down on either side.
Grapes filled the space before them.
These were a specialty of Gaochang.
Deng Zhong surveyed his surroundings and remarked, "This is my first time seeing an official residence like this."
One of the commandants under him explained with a smile, "Commandant, it is simply because this place is so hot that most houses are built this way..."
Deng Zhong smiled.