Chapter 60
Perennial drought and scarce rainfall, with harsh winters and dry summers, had left this city—standing tall amid endless yellow sand and howling winds—covered in a layer of ancient, rugged desolation.
Huo Shu sat atop his horse, watching the fiery, gold-like glow of sunset fall upon the gates of Northern Territory’s prefectural city. His gaze was distant. When he had gone south, he had assumed it would take at least eight to ten years before he set foot on this dust-covered land again. He never expected to return so soon.
"Who seeks entry to the city?"
At this hour, the massive city gates were already sparsely populated. Huo Shu’s group, a team of over ten people, moved toward the entrance, their numbers making them conspicuously large.
Patrolling soldiers at the gate crossed their blades, blocking their path.
The Northern Territory was wild, and with frequent conflicts, the city gates were always guarded, with everyone entering or leaving subjected to questioning.
Not only that, but the gates closed by the end of youshi (5–7 PM), and no one was allowed passage without official orders from the government.
With the gate’s closing time fast approaching, their unfamiliar faces and the goods they carried naturally drew scrutiny.
Tian Fu and the others, seeing the sternness of the guards, grew worried they might face trouble. After all, in unfamiliar territory, locals often distrusted outsiders.
"We’re a merchant group from the south. These are all trade goods."
"A merchant group from the south?"
The guards were surprised. While merchant groups from other regions weren’t uncommon in the Northern Territory’s prefectural city, most came from nearby prefectures. A group from the far south was rare, even for guards who dealt with travelers daily.
Scarcity breeds value - the Northern Territory had always treated merchants favorably.
In a place like this, where conflict was frequent and peace scarce, the locals’ mindset differed greatly from the etiquette-obsessed south.
Due to the harsh climate, resources were scarce in the Northern Territory. Those willing to traverse mountains and rivers to bring goods from other regions were welcomed and respected. Merchants faced little disdain here, nor were they looked down upon.
Hearing they were southern merchants, the guards visibly softened, sheathing their blades. "So you’re merchants from the south. Still, we must inspect your goods."
Huo Shu tilted his chin, and his men quickly guided the soldiers to examine their cargo.
"Tea and fabrics!"
"Yes, yes, sir. These are all fine goods from the south."
The guard carefully closed the crate. "The Northern Territory welcomes southern merchants."
Relieved, Tian Fu and the others broke into smiles.
Such respect for merchants was rare, and it made them stand a little taller.
The guard waved his hand. "Let them pass! They’re merchants from the south!"
Huo Shu’s group entered the city without further trouble.
"Merchants from the south?"
"I heard the guards say they’re from the south!"
No sooner had the merchant group entered than onlookers crowded the streets, drawn by the novelty.
The customs of the Northern Territory weren’t too different from Baiyunjian’s. Having passed through Baiyun’s towns on their way here, the group wasn’t completely awestruck.
Still, this was the Northern Territory’s prefectural city—more populous, with wider streets and more shops.
Even in the fourth lunar month, the wind carried the dry scent of summer. Bare-chested men walked the streets unbothered, and the locals seemed accustomed to the sight.
They had heard of the north’s wild ways, but seeing it firsthand was still a minor shock.
Most passersby were tall and burly, carrying longbows or broadswords, exuding an intimidating air. In the south, they’d all be hunters or butchers.
Huo Shu, standing a full head taller than most men, had been an oddity in Tongzhou. Here in the Northern Territory’s prefectural city, he fit right in.
That said, even here, his size made him exceptional—not everyone matched his stature.
Ji Taoyu noticed that many shops still open along the street were archery suppliers or furriers, with pelts like fox tails and deer hides hanging at their entrances. Such stores were everywhere, utterly commonplace.
The Northern Territory seemed bleak. Even in the prefectural city, the streets were nearly empty at this hour. The northern winds howled, unchecked by trees, kicking up waves of dust that veiled the entire city in a fine, sandy haze.
The difference between this place and Tongzhou—where streets bustled day and night with tea drinkers and entertainers—could not have been starker.
Seeing this, Ji Taoyu couldn’t help but worry.
With such desolation, would their goods sell well?
Yet his concerns were unfounded. Before the group could even settle at an inn, bold locals approached, stopping them in the street.
"A merchant group from the south? Southern goods?"
The men in the group tensed, instinctively reaching for their weapons.
But Huo Shu raised a hand, signaling them to stay calm.
From atop his horse, he coldly eyed the middle-aged man who had approached. "Goods from Tongzhou."
"Tongzhou!"
The man’s excitement grew. "Let me see the goods!"
This was the first time the group had seen business come to them so eagerly, and they were thrilled.
Yet Huo Shu remained indifferent. "Come to Hechang Inn tomorrow morning."
The man, his curiosity piqued, didn’t leave discouraged. Instead, he pulled out a hefty purse and handed it to Huo Shu. "My apologies for the abruptness, brother."
"I’m serious about buying. If the goods are good, price isn’t an issue."
Huo Shu took the purse without hesitation. Only after receiving payment did he engage further. "Top-grade silk and tea."
"Tongzhou tea?"
"Yes. Also Liu’an, Qimen black tea, and other famous varieties."
The man grew eager. "Name your price! Just do me this favor."
Huo Shu cut to the chase. "I want horses. Good ones."
"If you can get them, you’ll see the goods first."
The man nodded. "I have connections! Last year’s northern conflicts ended, and I know a stable that’s selling mature horses—top quality."
Huo Shu’s brow relaxed slightly. He gestured, permitting the man to inspect the goods.
The group settled at Hechang Inn, where Huo Shu was familiar.
Once settled, they led the eager merchant to their cargo.
Since the man wanted tea, Huo Shu opened two crates for inspection.
Thank you for the update 😍😍
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