HMHSE - 2

The country has recently undergone a significant change.

The late emperor passed away last winter, and the crown prince he designated has ascended to the throne.

This new sovereign, not long after his enthronement, does not show favor to the important ministers who served under the previous emperor. In fact, some of them have been accused of crimes one after another.

The Changsun family, hereditary holders of the title Duke of Zhao, naturally belong to this group of key ministers.

What’s more troublesome is that when the former emperor was alive, their family had secretly participated in the struggle for the succession, supporting another contender.

Although it was understandable at the time, if uncovered now, it would be seen as opposing the new ruler.

As an aristocratic family, being vigilant in times of peace is fundamental to survival. The Changsun family could not afford to wait idly for retribution; they needed to take the initiative to turn things around.

Soon, the family reached a consensus and submitted a memorial to the imperial court—

Changsun Xin, the Vice Minister of Works, requested to alleviate the national treasury deficit caused by recent border conflicts. He sought an imperial decree to travel and explore the mountains and mines for the benefit of the state.

The next day, the imperial edict was issued, granting permission.

Thus, the Changsun family embarked on this journey. And this was what Changsun Xin referred to as the important matter.

When Shen Rong looked out of the carriage again, two days had passed since leaving the Taoist temple.

The caravan was traveling on a vast, straight road, with no signs of human habitation in sight. Only the dust stirred up by their procession lingered behind, soon dispersed by the autumn wind.

She turned her head and asked, “Where are we?”

Zirui, sitting guard by the carriage door, replied, “My lady, an hour ago, Master said we had already entered Youzhou territory.”

As they spoke, Changsun Xin rode over from behind: “The abbot wasn’t wrong; it’s close. Look, we’re here.” He pointed ahead as he spoke.

Shen Rong followed the direction of his finger and saw a majestic city gate blocking the horizon in the distance. The walls stretched out like a barrier dividing the heavens and the earth.

Earlier, a guard had gone to investigate the gate and had just returned to report to Changsun Xin that the gates were currently closed.

Because during the autumn and winter seasons, Youzhou enforced strict curfews, and the city gates were only open for a few hours each day.

They had traveled too fast, arriving early, and would have to wait another half hour for the gates to open.

Hearing this, Changsun Xin couldn’t help but grumble: “That abbot was right again. This isn’t a good place; there’s so much trouble.”

After pondering for a moment, he called into the carriage, “Arong, let’s start without waiting to enter the city.”

Shen Rong looked at him: “In such a hurry?”

He smiled gently: “It’s not about haste. I’m afraid you’re tired from the journey. Starting earlier will allow you to rest properly afterward, won’t it?”

Shen Rong was used to hearing such flattering words and remained noncommittal.

Changsun Xin stared at her through the window grille, riding his horse slowly. Though he proposed the idea, he seemed to be waiting for her decision.

Finally, she nodded: “Let’s begin then.”

Changsun Xin immediately reined in his horse, waved his hand, and everyone stopped accordingly.

“Bring the scrolls.”

At Shen Rong’s command, the entourage quickly shifted.

Changsun Xin dismounted and stood by the carriage door. With a gesture, a dozen guards surrounded the carriage protectively.

From the rear of the convoy, a servant carefully soaked a white cloth with water and handed it over with both hands.

Zirui took it, wrung it dry, bowed, entered the carriage, and presented it respectfully.

Shen Rong rolled up her sleeves, took the cloth, and wrapped her slender fingers with it—first her left hand, then her right, meticulously wiping each finger.

Then she set the cloth aside, pulled out a hidden compartment beside her seat, lifted a thin brocade, and revealed an ancient-patterned rosewood box.

This was the wooden box she had held in her arms all along.

Shen Rong knelt upright, placed her hands together at her left chest, right hand over left, bowed her head, and performed a grand salute before the box.

Beside her, Zirui had already lowered his head and body, not daring to move an inch.

After the ritual, Shen Rong sat upright, placed the box on her lap, opened it.

Inside was a thick bundle of scrolls written on yellow silk.

Carefully unrolling them, she found the section she needed, stopped, and laid it on her lap to read attentively.

No one disturbed her as she quietly read the scroll inside the carriage, deep in thought.

Outside, everyone stood guard in silence.

Only after two hours, when the sun had risen higher, did she stop, carefully roll up the scroll, put it back, and close the box.

“Map.”

Zirui quickly retrieved a folded sheet of yellow hemp paper from his chest and unfolded it, presenting it to her.

It was a hand-drawn map of Youzhou. Shen Rong examined it thoroughly, paying particular attention to the borders. Finally, she extended a finger, lightly touched two spots, and looked up to ask, “Where is Donglai?”

Zirui turned, lifted the curtain, and exited the carriage: “Summon Donglai.”

From among the guards outside, a lean youth quickly stepped forward, kneeled by the carriage, and said, “My lady.”

Donglai, like Zirui, had served Shen Rong for many years, primarily responsible for her personal protection.

Shen Rong instructed through the carriage curtain: “Take a few men and scout the locations I marked on the map. If you encounter any mountains, rivers, or streams, note their flow and return immediately.”

Donglai accepted the order, took the map from Zirui, confirmed the locations carefully, bowed to Changsun Xin, called a few people, and departed.

By this time, Changsun Xin, standing beside the carriage, finally lifted the curtain to peek inside: “You’ve worked hard, Arong.”

Shen Rong had just finished putting the box away neatly and wiped her hands again with the cloth: “It’s not about working hard; it’s just more troublesome than usual.”

He replied: “How can it compare? Before, it was just small-scale operations within our own fiefs. Now, we’re dealing with serious matters.”

Shen Rong sighed: “Indeed, even the preliminary exploration of the land requires such caution.”

Hearing this, Changsun Xin laughed.

The previous arrangement was called “land exploration,” the first step in searching for minerals.

In the past, valuable copper and iron ores had also been discovered in the Changsun family’s fiefs, all urgently needed by the state.

Later, their father, Duke Zhao, reported these mineral resources to the imperial court and voluntarily handed them over to the government.

Although the national law stipulated that all mineral resources belonged to the state, it also granted privileges to those of high rank, allowing them to mine resources within their fiefs for two years to replenish their treasuries.

But the Changsun family selflessly handed over not just one site.

Because of this, their family became one of the major clans trusted by the former emperor, and Changsun Xin was promoted to the Ministry of Works at a young age.

When the former emperor praised the Changsun family, even three-year-olds in the capital Chang’an sang: “The sons of Changsun shake the mountains and rivers, bringing gold mines to offer to the holy king...”

Everyone said the Changsun family was blessed, but only they knew it was due to their own abilities.

Strangely enough, although the Changsun family was noble, they possessed a skill passed down through generations—the expertise in mountains, rivers, and marshlands.

Without this, there wouldn’t have been that proactive memorial.

However, despite the importance of this trip, Changsun Xin didn’t bring other helpers, only Shen Rong.

This was because Shen Rong was the most accomplished in their family.

The scrolls she had just reviewed contained the family’s secret traditional knowledge, now passed into her hands.

This mission was extraordinary and required none other than her.

Therefore, Changsun Xin’s actions throughout the journey were not exaggerated. While he was addressed as Lord by his subordinates, she was respectfully called Young Master, indicating her esteemed position.

She was like an ancestor whom everyone in the Changsun family cherished.

Another guard went to check the city gates and reported back that it was time; the gates would finally open.

Changsun Xin ordered everyone to their positions and continued chatting with his sister: “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you perform the scroll ceremony in public. I don’t remember when I last saw it.”

Shen Rong leaned back: “Naturally, I sealed these scrolls a long time ago.”

Not knowing about this, Changsun Xin curiously asked: “When did you seal them?”

“When I got married.”

Her expertise, typically useless for a woman, was naturally sealed during marriage.

Only now, when necessary, was it put to use again.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Xin fell silent, thinking, “Unfortunate, why bring this up again?”

He quickly changed the subject: “Let Donglai scout ahead while we enter the city to wait.”

Seeing that Shen Rong didn’t seem comfortable leaning back, he immediately instructed Zirui to fetch two more cushions so she could comfortably enter the city.

Shen Rong said nothing.

So, the ancestor never asked for anything herself, yet everyone willingly treated her like royalty.

...

Youzhou, known for its mighty and solid lands in the north, was not as prosperous as the eastern and western capitals but was also not as remote as the various frontier protectorates. Since ancient times, it had been a crucial strategic location, defending the heartland and serving as a significant trading hub in the north.

Compared to the desolate outskirts, the city itself was bustling.

Inside the post station, the postmaster was busy when suddenly he heard the clamor of carriages and horses outside. Peering out, he saw many commoners stepping aside, craning their necks to look down the street.

At the end of their gaze, a team of tall horses escorted a luxurious carriage slowly approaching. At the front, mounted on a horse, was a young nobleman exuding elegance and refinement.

The postmaster wondered who this distinguished visitor was. Just then, someone whispered, “The Vice Minister of Works has arrived!” Startled, he rushed out immediately.

As the carriage came to a stop, the postmaster had already rushed forward to pay respects. The attendants scrambled into action, fearing any disrespect toward the important official from the capital.

Changsun Xin was unfazed by this routine. He dismounted and strolled into the post station, glanced around, and said, “We’ll only stay here for a few days. All you need to ensure is that my sister can rest well without disturbance.”

The postmaster bowed in agreement, signaling frantically behind his back for the attendants to help unload the carriage and feed the horses.

In truth, there was no need for them to do anything. Changsun Xin’s followers efficiently carried out their duties, some even taking over the kitchen to manage meals.

All food and provisions were handled and served by the Changsun family themselves.

This was arranged by the Duke and Duchess of Zhao, concerned for their beloved daughter traveling far and ensuring her comfort.

Changsun Xin naturally complied, maintaining this routine throughout the journey, striving to make this trip feel like home despite the remoteness. Heaven forbid his sister lose even a fraction of weight upon returning.

Amidst the commotion, Shen Rong disembarked, and Changsun Xin personally accompanied her inside.

The postmaster caught only a glimpse of a woman’s figure enveloped in a cloak, gracefully walking away under protection. He realized the vice minister’s words were not exaggerated and dared not slack off.

He remembered there were others in the inner courtyard and hurried to arrange a quiet environment for this esteemed lady.

By the time everything was settled, it was noon.

Shen Rong was indeed tired from the journey and enjoyed a fine meal of delicacies, hearty soup, and fragrant tea. Feeling fatigued, she lay down fully clothed for a brief rest.

Awakened by noise outside sometime later, she turned over and listened. A coarse male voice was shouting—

“What kind of noble person is this, causing trouble and demanding we give up our space!”

“Oh heavens, keep it down! They’re from Chang’an...” That was the postmaster’s voice.

“So what? In Youzhou, we only recognize the militia commander. Everyone else can go jump in a lake!”

“Enough, enough, get out of here quick!”

Shen Rong got up, walked to the window, and pushed it open, catching only glimpses of figures darting around the corner.

Good thing they ran fast.

Suppressing her thoughts, she looked up at the sky. Wisps of clouds drifted, and the sun had already tilted westward.

Donglai had been gone for several hours and still hadn’t returned.

Something felt amiss to Shen Rong. He had good horses and was only supposed to scout ahead. How could it take so long?

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Zirui called urgently from outside: “Young Master.”

Shen Rong turned: “Come in.”

Zirui entered, bowed slightly, and blurted out: “Something happened to Donglai.”

“What?”

Zirui quickly explained: Donglai hadn’t returned, so he sent people to assist as usual, only to learn that a troop had detained him.

At this point, she grew worried: “They want the master to ransom him, but Lord Changsun Xin has already gone to the local government office. He might not return for a while.”

Since Changsun Xin had come bearing the emperor’s mandate, it was inevitable that he inform the local officials.

Shen Rong closed the window. She didn’t intend to wait idly for him to handle the situation.

“I’ll go and deal with it myself.”