Chapter 20: Relay station
The officials keeping guard at the relay station had received the news early on. Before Jiang Changbai had even stepped inside, she saw them reverentially waiting outside.
The Great Li's bureaucracy hadn't originally had women. Even in this small relay station, from the postmaster at the head, to the tea-pouring waiters at the bottom, not a single spot had been given to a woman.
But in the turmoil of a month ago, it had been affected by the flames of war; the ones who'd worked here had died or fled, and once the situation was stabilised, only a single, empty building remained. Then, keeping up with the loosening of restrictions once Jiang Changbai had ascended the throne, now, in all parts of this relay station, the workers were, to the one, actually women.
The postmaster, seeing Jiang Changbai and the group walking in, hurried to welcome them in, saying with a smile, "Daren, you must be tired from your travels; go on up and rest."
Actually, the postmaster had no idea that the one before her was the current emperor, but as she looked carefully, seeing every one of Jiang Changbai's movements, she knew that she wasn't a common person. So, she didn't dare to make a slight.
Once Jiang Changbai walked into the room, she saw the food that had been set out from early on. Steaming rice, a plate of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and a few dishes of pickles. Although the food in the relay station naturally couldn't compare to that in the palace, but it was superbly fresh. Jiang Changbai hadn't eaten anything after breakfast, almost the entire day spent on the road. Now, catching the scent of food, she felt her stomach rumbling.
But she couldn't eat.
"Daren, could it be that this food isn't to your liking?" The postmaster stood at the doorway, and, seeing Jiang Changbai's hesitance, was unable to help but be apprehensive. She had ambitions; even though she'd risen from the lowest position of merchant[1] to take on the new life of an official, she still wanted to advance further. Jiang Changbai and her group were the first officials she'd received since she'd taken this post, and naturally she wanted to act even better.
Jiang Changbai shook her head, forcing out a thread of a smile. "Go, go and rest; if there's something, I'll call for you."
Mount Tongshan was even more dangerous than she'd imagined. Just then, when they were descending the mountain, they'd run into the black bear; so, this time, when Song Juguang ascended the mountain, it was quite possible she'd encounter a wild beast again. Even if Jiang Changbai knew that Song Juguang was highly skilled at martial arts, she hadn't eaten a single grain of rice, and had used up her strength in fighting with the bear, and she even had to safeguard He Leyong, a frail scholar, down the mountain; with the multitude of responsibilities stacked onto Song Juguang, thinking of this, Jiang Changbai couldn't help but worry. So, she closed her eyes, and sighed heavily.
That postmaster had originally been standing hesitantly at the door; seeing this expression of Jiang Changbai's, she knew that she herself couldn't help in any way; she turned, and headed downstairs.
Jiang Changbai didn't know how she ought to treat Song Juguang. On the surface, Song Juguang seemed loyal and devoted to her, but just now, in the doorway of the old woman's courtyard, Song Juguang's former subordinates turned a deaf ear to her commands.There wasn't a qualified emperor who couldn't reliably control the military.
A multitude of emotions turned about in her mind; even if the food before her were even more delicious, Jiang Changbai absolutely couldn't eat it. She turned a few circles in the room, and then decided to go downstairs and get some fresh air. The curtain of night was already deep, the summer's humid breeze wrapping around one. The courtyard was exceptionally quiet, only the occasional sound of some cicadas. Jiang Changbai merely stared at the Big Dipper, countless feelings in her heart.
In this time, the worry in her heart far eclipsed the suspicion. The leaves rustled like sand in the breeze; Jiang Changbai turned her gaze towards a corner of the courtyard. Behind this courtyard wall, which couldn't be counted as thick, was Mount Tongshan. She didn't know whether or not they were safe.
Time passed in a trickle; even the moon was covered up by heavy clouds.
On the other side, Song Juguang led Yan Gaoge and the others back along the original rout to ascend the mountain. The curtain of darkness was heavy; the light of the moon couldn't be seen, only the torches in their hands lighting up the craggy mountain path. Occasionally, the sound of wild animals' howls reached their ears. No one knew what they were.
Yet Yan Gaoge couldn't help but break the heavy silence; although her voice was low, it carried a clear doubt and dissatisfaction. "Jiangjun, in my eyes, that little Emperor is no different from that old dog Emperor Tai; why call her Emperor? If you ask me, it would be best for you to sit on the imperial throne."
Song Juguang turned her head, looking at her coldly, and chided her. "Shut up; my acting like this naturally has a reason. And, what's more, now I'm the Great Li's Regent; you'd better call me Wangjun."
Yan Gaoge had never before dared to disobey Song Juguang, and, hearing this, immediately fell silent, lowering her head, and didn't say any more. Athough her mind was doubtful, she didn't continue pressing.
In the midst of the jungle, the group followed the rugged mountain path, advancing slowly. Song Juguang, carrying a torch, walked at the front, her expression grave. The thick mud couldn't cover up the scent of blood, and the closer they got to He Leyong's home, the heavier the faintly discernible scent of blood grew.
Coming to the gate, Song Juguang's steps paused. The soil had been disturbed, and there were a few snapped-off twigs between the thickets of vegetation; the scent of blood grew thicker and thicker. Song Juguang crouched down, and carefully took stock. Suddenly, she stood up, and said in a low voice, "Everyone, be careful."
Yan Gaoge and the others immediately went on guard, right hands pressing against their jian, gazes sweeping all about. Song Juguang drew a deep breath and pushed the gate of the courtyard open, only hoping that the conclusion behind the door was a good one. Although she didn't have any deep childhood admiration for He Leyong, she wasn't willing to cause Jiang Changbai's hopes to fall through.
The old, dilapidated gate slowly creaked open, yet the situation in the courtyard caused Song Juguang to be greatly shocked. The moonlight scattered across the front courtyard, and He Leyong was sitting on that singular wooden stool; but by her leg was unexpectedly crouching a downy bear cub. Of course Song Juguang could recognise that bear; just a shichen ago, she'd taken away its mother's life. "Careful!" Song Juguang called out in a low voice. Yan Gaoge and the others immediately drew out their jian, multiple pairs of eyes staring fixedly at that bear. Though the bear was young, it was still a wild beast.
The cub, hearing the sound of movement, abruptly raised its head, a subtle light flashing in its eyes; although it was frightened, it was also angry. A low roar rose in its throat, as if, at any time, it were preparing to attack.
Yet He Leyong wasn't scared in the slightest; she didn't turn her head, and rather turned and petted that bear cub's head.
The bear, which ought to have wandered off in the forest, at this moment, was exceptionally obedient, the rumbling sound in its throat gradually disappearing, the anger and fear in its eyes also gradually dissipating. It still stuck close to He Leyong's legs, and although its body had relaxed, its eyes still carried a degree of guardedness. Song Juguang waved her hand to indicate to everyone to remain in their original places, and advanced forward by herself, saying probingly, "Laoshi, the mountaintop isn't safe; we're here to escort you down."
Only at this did He Leyong turn her head around, and looked at Song Juguang; there was a degree of understanding in her eyes, yet she smiled. "Even a bit quicker than I'd imagined."
Song Juguang's gaze immediately shifted to the bear cub, but without waiting for her to speak, He Leyong said, "It's also a pitiful child; its mother is gone, and I'm afraid it can't survive alone on the mountain; it would be best to take it back along with me."
Song Juguang was startled for a moment, and only after thinking for a while did she nod, and say, "Alright."
Only at this did He Leyong rise, picking up the stool along with a small bag, about to head out. Only then did Song Juguang discover that He Leyong had long since packed away her luggage, and had only been waiting for them to come fetch her. She hurried forward a few steps to take the bag from He Leyong, yet this bag was even lighter than she'd imagined. Having lived in Mount Tongshan in seclusion for all these years, all of He Leyong's property amounted merely to a few thin clothes.
That crescent moon's figure became visible once more, the silvery moonlight scattering on the road. The procession advanced in the darkness of night, the sound of hoofbeats echoing in the night. From a distance, Song Juguang could see the figure standing before the relay station. She squinted her eyes, striving to make it out. And, on recognising that figure was Jiang Changbai's, an inexplicable joy suddenly welled up in Song Juguang's heart. But not even she herself knew where this joy had come from.
Song Juang used her strength to squeeze the horse's torso, and the horse beneath her hips immediately grew faster. Yan Gaoge and the others, following behind her, also increased their speed one after another, following closely behind.
What was unexpected was that, He Leyond, who was alone on a single horse, didn't fall behind. She was adept at horse riding, and she didn't even fall behind Yan Gaoge, who had ridden a horse in battle for years on end.
Jiang Changbai had yet to catch sight of them; she paced anxiously before the door, from time to time raising her head to look at the distant mountain path, only hoping that the figures she was expecting would appear a bit sooner.
Suddenly, the scenery around her became indistinct before her eyes, but then human figures gradually grew distinct. Jiang Changbai's heart grew anxious, and she narrowed her eyes, looking carefully. When they drew a bit closer, she finally recognised that it was the people she was waiting for. It was just that, behind them, it seemed as if there was a black figure moving.
Jiang Changbai merely felt her heart suddenly leap, and her gaze fixed on that black figure.
It's a small bear. Jiang Changbai's mind flashed with this thought, and an uneasiness immediately rose in her heart. Meng Daosheng and the others were unaware of the situation, but Jiang Changbai herself was clear; in a flash, she'd guessed that that bear cub was the offspring of that black bear that had been killed by Song Juguang. She didn't know about that cub and He Leyong's relationship; she only thought it was chasing her to carry out a vendetta. So, she hurriedly turned her head, softly commanding Meng Daosheng and the others, "Quickly, follow Us!"
Before she'd finished speaking, she'd already raced towards them. Jiang Changbai seemed to be flying, her footsteps rushed, her heart beating like thunder. "Careful" Jiang Changbai shouted loudly, her steps unceasing, and in a few steps, she rushed before them. She'd grasped a dagger early on, and was only waiting until she'd caught the opportune moment to toss it out.
But, just as she was about to take action, He Leyong haltered her horse, stopping before her. Before she'd even dismounted, she said, "It won't injure anyone."
Jiang Changbai's motions immediately stilled, her hands stopping in the air, trembling slightly. The eyes gazing at He Leyong were full of bewilderment.
Song Juguang, seeing this, dismounted her horse, and took a few steps to stand by Jiang Changbai's side. The otherscouldn't make head or tails of the situation, and merely remained in place, looking at each other, appearing somewhat comical.
"Laoshi, this…" Jiang Changbai hesitated, still unable to help asking.
He Leyong laughed softly, and petted the bear cub's head. "Don't worry, it won't harm anyone."
The horses and the bear were given to the soldiers to deal with; Jiang Changbai took Song Juguang and He Leyong both inside. The food which had been laid out before had already cooled somewhat, and the postmaster, who'd followed after, promptly waved a hand, calling her subordinates to bring some new, hot ones.
The three of them, disciples and masters, once more sat properly before a table after six years' separation; things had changed with the passage of time; no one spoke, yet there was a degree of awkwardness.
He Leyong's gaze swept over the two, and she spread her hands. "This day's been more than tiring enough; I won't eat, just go rest first."
Once she finished speaking, she rose, and left. Jiang Changbai was startled, yet she had no alternative, and could only follower her leave the room with her gaze. He Leyong's figure disappeared in the doorway, and only the two of them, Jiang Changbai and Song Juguang, remained.
Jiang Changbai turned her head, looking towards Song Juguang; on her face, she could read some exhaustion. A complex sensation rose in her heart, vaguely doubting whether she was being too suspicious. Her fingers unconsciously tapped softly on the tabletop, her hands occasionally forming fists, occasionally opening; her gaze swept over Song Juguang without vestige, as if, in this way, she could disentangle her emotional state.
Song Juguang wasn't eating much either, only looking at the food on the table with a lowered head, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. Suddenly, she raised her head, tilting her head merely to look at the moon outside the window.
Jiang Changbai couldn't stop her motions, and along the way, plucked up some things to put in her mouth, attempting to make herself look natural.
Song Juguang's gaze returned from outside the window, as if she hadn't become aware of Jiang Changbai's confusion. Carelessly and naturally, she ate some, and then said, "Let's rest early; if we leave a bit early, we can still catch morning court."
Translator's notes:
[1]: In line with the "four occupations" of ancient China, merchants were the lowest social class.
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