A Pawn's Passage

Qi Xuansu led Shangguan Dun over and caught up with Zhang Yuelu and the group. At this time, Zhang Yuelu chose a decent spot to set up camp. When she saw Qi Xuansu, she spoke to Lingquanzi and motioned for Qi Xuansu to talk in private.

Zhang Yuelu and Qi Xuansu walked aside, while Shangguan Dun stood far away. Shangguan Dun was tactful enough to give them space.

Qi Xuansu roughly recounted the conversation between him and Shangguan Dun. Zhang Yuelu did not care about the expenditure of 500 Taiping coins since they did not have to pay this money out of their own pockets. Tiangang Hall had a special fund for foreign affairs.

What Zhang Yuelu cared about was Shangguan Dun’s identity. “Is a quack reliable?”

Qi Xuansu said, “Such people are naturally unreliable, but as long as they are given sufficient money, they will do anything for you. Normal people won’t dare to provoke this group of vicious demons. But, of course, we cannot fully count on him. As you mentioned earlier, we just need a guide to show us around.”

Zhang Yuelu pondered for a moment and nodded. “I guess we have no other choice.”

Qi Xuansu waved to Shangguan Dun.

The latter hurried over and wanted to salute Zhang Yuelu again.

“No need for pleasantries.” Zhang Yuelu waved her hand and took out two large notes worth 100 Taiping coins each from her magical receptacle. “This is the deposit.”

Shangguan Dun glanced at the magical receptacle on Zhang Yuelu’s wrist with some envy, but he did not reach out to take the cash notes. He whispered, “If I may, Respected Mage, only big cities like Loulan have banks. Will you be so kind as to offer me coins instead?”

Zhang Yuelu put away the cash notes and took out two small bags of Wuyou coins, tossing them to Shangguan Dun.

One Wuyou coin equated to ten Taiping coins. Thus, 200 Taiping coins were equivalent to 20 Wuyou coins. The biggest advantage of Wuyou coins was that they were more convenient to carry. Thus, they could be used to deal with situations where cash notes could not be used, such as at this moment.

Shangguan Dun caught both money pouches, with the inscription “10 Wuyou coins” on each of them. The name TiangangHall was also printed on the pouch. He was shocked, but he dared not open the pouch to count the money. He merely held the pouches and glanced at Zhang Yuelu.

Zhang Yuelu reminded him. “Remember, you are taking Tiangang Hall’s money.”

“Yes, Mage.” Shangguan Dun bowed. Of course, he understood the implication of Zhang Yuelu’s words. Tiangang Hall’s money was not so easy to earn. Although Tiangang Hall would not break their promise, they were vicious if provoked.

Zhang Yuelu turned to Qi Xuansu. “Give him a horse.”

Qi Xuansu responded.

Tiangang Hall did not issue two horses per person, but they had spare horses to carry supplies. Thus, it was no big deal to provide a horse for Shangguan Dun.

Qi Xuansu found his subordinate, Cao Liyou, and asked him to prepare a tent and a horse for Shangguan Dun.

Since leaving Jade Capital, Qi Xuansu has shown the group his capability. His status as the deputy hall master’s confidant also made others fear him. Thus, they would not openly show their defiance.

Qi Xuansu grabbed a handful of grass from the saddle’s side, fetched a bag of beans from the saddlebag, mixed them together, and fed his horse.

There was not much choice. Amidst the snow and desert, finding grass along the way was impossible, so they had to prepare ample fodder in advance. Thankfully, Bishan Temple had a reserve, so they replenished their feed.

Once the horse was tended to, Qi Xuansu proceeded to have his dinner, consisting of the usual rock-hard rations and chilled water. Having traveled for years, Qi Xuansu was used to such conditions, but many Daoist priests accustomed to the comfort of the Jade Capital found it challenging. Thus, many resorted to taking Army Pills to stave off hunger.

While Qi Xuansu ate, he cast another glance at Zhang Yuelu and noticed her sitting alone in the distance, quietly sipping her drink. With her magical receptacle, she seemed to have an endless supply of wine, but it was evident she had not brought any of the cold, hard rations the others were having.

Zhang Yuelu sensed his gaze and suddenly turned to look at Qi Xuansu. He then quickly averted his gaze and focused intently on his meal. After a night’s rest, they resumed their journey the next day.

With Shangguan Dun leading the way, Zhang Yuelu saved considerable time not having to confirm their route every so often. Three days later, a city with a distinct exotic flair came into view.

Wugeshanli was the group’s destination. Once one of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Region, it later came under the jurisdiction of the Great Xuan Dynasty, which established Xizhou. Most of the smaller kingdoms were incorporated into the imperial administration, becoming prefectures and counties. Those outside of Xizhou’s jurisdiction stopped calling themselves kingdoms. Instead, they became small city-states that acknowledged the Great Xuan Imperial Court as their suzerain, to which they paid tribute.

The Great Xuan Dynasty established the Administrative Envoy Department across all states. But in Xizhou, they established a Xizhou Protectorate, serving as both a local government office and an army camp in the western front.

The Xizhou Protectorate, stationed in Loulan, wielded military and political authority similar to that of a state governor. Furthermore, the Protectorate would report directly to the Director General, granting them a unique status.

After Emperor Gaozu abolished the Governor’s Office and the Supervisor of Ceremonies, the cabinet became the highest authority in the government, akin to the Daoist Golden Tower Council.

To prevent civil servants from dominating the government, Emperor Gaozu abolished the restriction that only Hanlin officials could join the cabinet and reverted to the ancient system. He also restored the tradition of allowing military officials to serve in the cabinet as ministers.

Additionally, due to the suppression of Confucians, the existing cabinet had no clear division between civil and military officials. Many cabinet ministers were capable of both.

Wugeshanli was outside the jurisdiction of the Xizhou Protectorate and the Western Region Daoist Mansion. Thus, upon entering the city, Zhang Yuelu’s group immediately attracted hostile gazes from the guards.

With a language barrier between them, Shangguan Dun’s role became crucial. Having been in the region for many years, he was proficient in various languages and served not only as a guide but also as a translator.

Zhang Yuelu, having no intention of hiding her identity, presented her insignia and instructed Shangguan Dun to inform the guards that she wished to meet the local city lord.

Despite the city not being under Daoist jurisdiction, the guards were intimidated by the reputation of the Daoist Order and promptly informed their superiors.

Shortly after, a general arrived and warmly welcomed the group, though he showed no inclination to grant them entry into the city. He also relayed that the city lord would soon be arriving.

Zhang Yuelu did not object and instead chose to wait calmly.

Approximately half an hour later, the city lord arrived, somewhat tardily. To Qi Xuansu’s astonishment, the city lord turned out to be an exceedingly young woman.

This woman had brown hair, a prominent nose, deep-set eyes, and a statuesque figure. Although she stood about the same height as Zhang Yuelu, there was a notable contrast in their physique. Standing beside the city lord, Zhang Yuelu appeared somewhat delicate in comparison.

Unsurprisingly, the city lord’s last name was Ai. Her name was Ai Li.

Ai Li met with Zhang Yuelu and spoke in fluent Great Xuan Dynasty Mandarin. “Respected Mage, I would like to invite you to my mansion as a guest, but you have too large of an entourage...”

To everyone’s surprise, Ai Li had the Imperial Capital accent when she spoke Mandarin, reminiscent of a wealthy lady born in the Capital rather than the owner of this remote Western Region city.

Zhang Yuelu said, “Deacon Qi and the guide will follow me into the city while the rest of you will follow the command of Superintendent Lingquan and stay put here.”

Lingquanzi nodded and whispered, “Deputy Hall Master, please be careful.”

Qi Xuansu had not spoken, but he felt for his sword and gun at his waist. He glanced at Shangguan Dun again and found that the old man looked calm.

The three of them followed Ai Li into the city and made their way to the city lord’s mansion.

Along the way, it was evident that the city was quite lively and prosperous. Although it was not as grand as Loulan, the largest city in Xizhou, and could not be compared to Jade Capital, it was similar to the ordinary prefectures and counties in the Central Plains.

The city lord’s mansion was situated in the inner city. It had once been the royal palace of the Wugeshanli Kingdom, thus occupying a large area and quite luxuriously decorated. At the moment, it belonged to the Ai family. It served not only as the government office where the city lord handled various matters but also as the residence of the entire Ai family.

Under Ai Li’s guidance, the trio entered the inner city unimpeded and arrived at the city lord’s mansion.

Ai Li entertained the three of them in the huge living room, which was decorated with stained glass. A gorgeous maid served high-grade tea from the Central Plains and even brought out celadon teacups. This was not something that could be prepared in a hurry. Coupled with Ai Li’s proficiency in Mandarin, it was proof that the Ai family had assimilated into the local culture, perfectly reflecting a blend of East and West cultures.

The young city lord was well-versed in the etiquette of the Central Plains. As a host, she did not pick up the teacup. Zhang Yuelu also had no intention of drinking tea and went straight to the point. “I came to see the city lord this time because I have a favor to ask.”

Ai Li said, “The mage comes from the powerful Daoist Order, and I am just an insignificant city lord. What do you need my help with?”

Zhang Yuelu shot Qi Xuansu a look.

Qi Xuansu responded, “After all, this is not the territory of the Daoist Order. As a guest, it is reasonable to seek help from the local master. To be honest with you, we are looking for a group of demons.”

“Demons?” A look of surprise appeared on Ai Li’s face, making it difficult to tell whether it was genuine.

“City Lord, are you unaware?” Qi Xuansu, who was very good at controlling his expression due to Madam Qi’s guidance, also feigned surprise. “A group of foreign demons entered the Western Region, attacked caravans, plundered property, and killed people. Thirteen Daoist priests were murdered, and the sages were infuriated, ordering the eradication of this group of lawless demons.”

This was why Zhang Yuelu asked Qi Xuansu to speak. She had long discovered that Qi Xuansu was very good at acting, which happened to be her weakest point.

The slight surprise on Ai Li’s face turned into full-blown shock. “How appalling!”

Qi Xuansu said seriously, ”That’s why we need your help, City Lord.”

Ai Li was silent for a moment and said, “Although I am a city lord, I am also a businessman, so I would like to ask. What can I get in return?”

Zhang Yuelu spoke again. “You will gain the friendship of the Daoist Order.”