Summer gave way to autumn. As the eighth month arrived, the weather gradually grew cooler, and the merchant caravans traveling the official road multiplied severalfold compared with the blazing days of summer.
On the vast plains northwest of Yunzhou, golden ears of rice stretched out on either side of a straight official road leading toward the distant northwest. The breeze sent golden waves rippling through the paddies and stirred the bells around the camels' necks.
Jingle, jingle~~ Jingle, jingle~~
A caravan hauling several wagons of silk moved briskly along the official road, escorted by more than a dozen armed guards. Several carriages followed behind. Now and then, a curtain lifted to reveal a woman's face, and quiet conversation drifted out from within:
"Wuguan Pass is just ahead, isn't it? I've often seen it on maps, but this is my first time here. Miss Fan, did you come through here last time?"
"Yes. Now that the two countries trade with each other, the caravans all travel through Liangzhou and Yanzhou. There are too many mountains over in Yazhou. When I came alone last time, that was the route I took..."
"Chirp, chirp, chirp..."
"What are you chirping about now? You've already eaten two boxes of jerky. You're as fat as a ball..."
"Chirp..."
Inside the rearmost carriage, Ye Jingtang sat cross-legged on a small couch, his body still wrapped in bandages. After spending some time meditating and circulating his energy, he paused for a rest, lifted the curtain, and looked out at the open country he had seen once before.
Because the Empress Dowager's condition allowed no delay, the Imperial Court dared not waste time. On the morning after the trouble at Jade Pool Manor, Dongfang Liren had the vehicles ready, and they set off directly for the lands beyond