Green Mountain
Chapter 276 - 218, What a pity

Chapter 276: 218, What a pity

In the winter air so cold it scraped the bones, Zhang Zhuo, clad in a green robe, waved from afar at Chen Liqin, his face wearing the cordial smile of reuniting with an old friend.

Yet Chen Liqin’s expression subtly changed, "Lord Zhang, forgive my bluntness, but you and I are not of the same path. Why insist on returning to the Imperial Capital together?"

Zhang Zhuo laughed heartily, "Mr. Chen, what are you saying? If you and I from Luocheng City do not return to the Imperial Capital together, others will think neither of us has the broad-mindedness and tolerance to coexist."

Chen Liqin replied grumpily, "Lord Zhang, there’s no need for veiled criticism or indirect insults. We have no private relationship; it would be better not to start the journey together."

Zhang Zhuo stroked his beard, his interest piqued as he asked, "Mr. Chen, are you worried that with me by Chen Ji’s side, you’ll be outshone as a father?"

Chen Liqin retorted angrily, "Lord Zhang, do not make groundless speculations! I see your Zhang Family’s caravan is so vast and impressive; I dare not get too close!"

The Chen family valued their reputation and the dignity of their household, priding themselves on their nobility. How could Chen Liqin possibly wish to embark on a journey together with Zhang Zhuo flaunting such ostentatious wealth as he departed from office?

If seen by others, they might even think he was in cahoots with Zhang Zhuo in embezzlement!

Zhang Zhuo wasn’t offended. He stepped forward to take Chen Liqin’s hand in a gesture of intimacy, but Chen Liqin quickly withdrew it back into his sleeve, "Lord Zhang, speak plainly if you have something to say!"

Zhang Zhuo chuckled, "Mr. Chen need not worry so much. Later, the Chen Family’s caravan can lead the way, and the Zhang Family will follow behind at a distance. This way, nobody will misunderstand you!"

Chen Liqin became suspicious, "Lord Zhang, why do you so insist on accompanying me?"

Zhang Zhuo patted his shoulder, smiling, "Mr. Chen is about to join the Eastern Palace Office, is it wrong for Mr. Zhang to want to grow closer to a future esteemed official? You represent the Crown Prince now. Are you going to reject the Zhang Family, the Xu Family, from thousands of miles away on behalf of the Crown Prince? Does the Crown Prince know about this?"

Chen Liqin opened his mouth but could not find the words to respond.

In recent years, the strife for the heir apparent had intensified. Rumors about the Crown Prince, Prince Fu, and Prince An circulated openly in casual conversation. At such times, naturally, the Crown Prince would want as much support as possible. The Xu Family had always been noncommittal in the struggle for the heir apparent. If Chen Liqin antagonized Zhang Zhuo now, how would the Crown Prince view him?

Thinking this, Chen Liqin found himself indeed caught in Zhang Zhuo’s ploy, unable to rebuke.

Zhang Zhuo laughed heartily and turned to depart. He walked along the Chen Family’s caravan, calling out loudly, "Chen Ji, Chen Ji! Which carriage are you on?"

Chen Ji gently lifted the curtain and jumped down from the carriage, bowing, "Lord Zhang."

Zhang Zhuo leaned in, his voice very low, "Has Wang Chongli’s death been linked to you?"

Chen Ji also lowered his voice, "To report to Lord Zhang, there has been no such connection to me."

"That’s good. I didn’t sleep all night, worried about any further disturbances," Zhang Zhuo sighed in relief and then earnestly continued, "Given that the case of Prince Jing remains unresolved and Wang Chongli’s identity was sensitive, his death has broad implications. We will encounter checkpoints and inspections by the Spy Department’s agents all along the way north. When the time comes, I hope you can intervene and prevent them from inspecting my Zhang Family’s goods. These hundreds of caravans must reach the Imperial Capital safely; otherwise, my life, Zhang Zhuo, is at great risk."

Chen Ji realized, so Zhang Zhuo wanted to use his identity as Hai Dongqing to escort and protect the convoy. That’s why he had been waiting here so early on.

He sincerely replied, "Understood, please be assured, Lord Zhang; I will ensure the Zhang Family’s goods safely reach the Imperial Capital."

At that moment, Zhang Xia approached in her fiery red outfit leading Zaozao, and handed the reins to Chen Ji.

Chen Ji asked in confusion, "Second Miss Zhang, what’s this for?"

Zhang Xia touched Zaozao’s cheeks and explained, "My mother won’t let me ride horses openly anymore. Knowing you’re not one to sit in a carriage, I thought I’d lend Zaozao to you for a few days. You can return him to me once we reach the Imperial Capital."

While speaking, she patted the saddle and pointed to a long bag lying across its front, whispering, "The knife you entrusted to me is in this bag. Since it didn’t have a sheath, I had one made for you... I’m not sure if you’ll like the style of the sheath. If not, we can find an opportunity to make a better one soon."

The Whale Blade.

The blade was nearly as tall as a man, five feet and five inches in length, and exceptionally striking. Chen Ji had not been able to bring the blade back to the Chen family before, so he left it at the Zhang Mansion, entrusting it to Zhang Xia’s care.

Someone had once promised to help him find a sheath for it, but they never had the chance. He hadn’t expected Zhang Xia to take care of it.

Chen Ji ran his hand over the bag, "Thank you, Second Miss Zhang."

Zhang Xia laughed, "You’ve helped my Zhang Family so much; there’s no need for thanks."

As they spoke, the former wife of Zhang Zhuo, Mrs. Zhang from the Xu Family, emerged elegantly from the tea house, followed respectfully by Zhang Zheng, who lacked his usual vivacity.

Mrs. Zhang dressed simply, her plain white robe unadorned with complex designs, gold, or silver threads, and her hair casually secured with just two wooden hairpins, unlike Mrs. Liang’s ostentation.

She walked calmly up to Chen Ji and smiled warmly, "Are you Chen Ji?"

Inside the carriage, Xiao Man saw Mrs. Zhang approaching and immediately lifted the curtain, pricking up her ears to eavesdrop.

A noise came from a wooden chest inside; she quickly sat on top of it, lest Su Zhou suddenly emerge.

Outside the carriage, Chen Ji bowed, "To answer Lady, I am Chen Ji."

Mrs. Zhang said nothing, but scrutinized him from head to toe, and then from toe to head, before slowly asking, "I’ve heard you were an apprentice at Doctor Yao’s before and now wish to return to the Chen family to pursue your studies and earn a title?"

With just that one sentence, Chen Ji knew that Zhang Zhuo had not informed his wife about his affairs... Did Zhang Zhuo not trust his own wife?

Zhang Zhuo interjected with a chuckle, "Lady, it’s getting late. Let’s go back to our carriage."

Mrs. Zhang glanced at him sidelong, not responding to his comment.

Zhang Zhuo chuckled awkwardly twice, "Then, I’ll head back to the carriage first!"

Xu Family watched Zhang Zhuo leave and, moments later, returned her gaze to Chen Ji, saying warmly, "There’s a saying, ’A prodigal who returns is more precious than gold’, and you’re still a good child for having been able to rein in at the cliff’s edge. However, to excel in your studies, you must devote a hundred, a thousand, even ten thousand times more effort. You should concentrate solely on your scholarship and avoid letting other matters distract you."

Chen Ji replied softly, "Lady speaks the truth, I shall heed your instruction carefully."

Xu Family saw that he was not defiant and finally smiled, asking, "Chen Ji, do you have a woman in mind whom you fancy?"

After a moment of silence, Chen Ji responded, "To reply to Lady, no, I do not."

Xu Family nodded, "There are many fine women in the capital. Once we return to the Imperial Capital, I can also keep an eye out for you, to see if there is a suitable match from a good family."

Zhang Xia’s eyes widened, "Mother, Chen Ji and the county..."

Before she could finish, Xu Family grabbed her wrist, "Getting married and starting a family is of paramount importance in a person’s life. How can we delay it? Chen Ji, am I right?"

Chen Ji replied humbly, "I dare not trouble Lady with this matter."

"Zaozao is Xia’er’s most treasured darling. The fact that she would lend Zaozao to you shows that you two are the closest of friends. It’s no bother for me to help a friend of hers. Alright, let’s be on our way," Xu Family said, leading Zhang Xia by the wrist towards the Zhang Family’s caravan.

"Mother, what are you doing? I still have things to discuss with Chen Ji. Don’t make me lose a friend!" Zhang Xia tried several times to break free from Xu Family’s grasp but was unsuccessful.

Xu Family glanced at her sideways and snapped, "Be quiet. If I continue to let you be so willful, who in the capital would dare to marry you?"

Zhang Xia made a face, "It doesn’t matter if no one marries me. I will just stay by your side and serve you for life. Anyway, there’s no man in the capital that I admire."

Xu Family exclaimed angrily, "Nonsense!"

With that, she led Zhang Xia back to the carriage.

A servant quickly knelt down and bowed his body to allow Xu Family to step on his back to climb into the carriage. Zhang Xia, however, did not step on the servant but lightly leaped up herself.

Chen Ji looked towards Zhang Zheng, who coughed slightly, "Don’t take it to heart. My sister and I have personalities that fear neither heaven nor earth; the only one we fear is her. There’s nothing we can do."

Chen Ji said with a smile, "Why would I mind? Brother Zhang need not worry."

After Zhang Zheng had also left, Xiao Man pulled back the curtain in annoyance and said, "Sir, aren’t you angry?"

In an unperturbed tone, Chen Ji replied, "What would I be angry about?"

Xiao Man muttered, "Mrs. Zhang said she would find you a suitable match... This so-called ’suitable match’ means a bastard matches a concubine daughter, and a legitimate son matches a legitimate daughter. She’s not really trying to help you. She’s clearly reminding you not to have designs on Second Miss Zhang."

Chen Ji chuckled, "There were rumors some time ago that the Zhang Family and the Chen family were planning a marriage alliance. It’s normal for her to be anxious. But she doesn’t know that Second Miss Zhang and I are friends, and it’s not like what she imagines."

Xiao Man pouted, "Well, that’s good; otherwise, we’d have to put up with their attitudes!"

Chen Ji couldn’t help but laugh, "You seem to be quite concerned."

Xiao Man mumbled, "It’s because I care about you."

Chen Ji patted Zaozao’s neck, mounted the horse, and rode towards the wonton shop near the city gate.

Upon reaching the wonton shop, the ’diners’ at several wooden tables stood up involuntarily and said softly, "Mr. Chen."

Chen Ji looked down at them from atop Zaozao’s back and said undisturbed, "Please, sit down. The city gates will open shortly, and the following vehicles will be allowed to pass."

After speaking, he turned back, leading the reins. One of the diners wiped his mouth, bowed his head, and left through the back door of the wonton shop, making his way to the city gate to arrange the matter.

When the city gate opened, the long caravan drove through, and the spies didn’t even bother to check the most basic of passes.

Chen Ji felt a twinge of nostalgia; it turned out that, by now, he had also become a significant figure in the eyes of others.

After the entire long caravan had exited the city gates, he too rode Zaozao slowly through the massive, darkly lacquered doors and through the gloomy, mottled gateway.

After riding some distance, Chen Ji couldn’t resist looking back.

Draped in a black cloak, with a long knife lying across the saddle, Chen Ji stood still on the horse.

The heavy lacquered doors slowly closed behind him, gradually sealing off the views of Luocheng City, as if someone was telling him, "Young man, don’t look back anymore."

Chen Ji took one last, deep look before exhaling a white breath, then turned his head and caught up with the caravan.

Xiao Man poked her head out from the carriage and asked, "Sir, you don’t seem very happy?"

Chen Ji smiled, "It’s a pity."

Xiao Man asked curiously, "A pity about what?"

Chen Ji did not answer.

It’s a pity. They say Luocheng City is as vibrant as brocade, yet during my visit, I did not encounter spring.