Chapter 21 - The Cannon Fodder Little Fulang [Quick Transmigration]

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

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"What kind of people are they, barging in so arrogantly?" someone in line asked.

 

"Oh, you must be new here," another replied. "Those folks are imperial relatives and officials—very high-ranking. They never wait in line like the rest of us; we're used to it."

 

"But why are so many of them arriving at once? Are all the nobility converging on the capital at this precise moment for some special occasion?"

 

"Not quite," the local answered. "I heard the legendary three-hundred-year-old osmanthus tree at Xiangguo Temple* has blossomed this year. The abbot is holding a flower-viewing festival today, and that's why all these nobles went out to see it. Now, they're finally returning."

 

[T/N: Xiangguo Temple (相国寺, Xiāngguó Sì) is a famous Buddhist temple in China, located in the city of Zhengzhou, in Henan Province. The name "Xiangguo" refers to the position of a "Xiangguo" in ancient Chinese governance, roughly translating to "Prime Minister". The temple was so named because of its imperial patronage and significance.]

 

"Oh, that explains it."

 

This exchange rippled through the line, and Wu Bai and his party overheard it as well.

 

But they paid it little mind, relieved that only one more group remained ahead of them in line.

 

Just as they thought their turn was finally near, a guard halted them, ushering them and those behind them aside. Once the main road to the gates was cleared, a stream of riders burst forth from within the city.

 

In the midst of this cavalcade, Wu Bai thought he glimpsed Xiao Zimo among them. But the riders were moving too quickly for him to be sure, and he couldn't tell if it was merely a trick of the eye.

 

At last, the guards informed them that no one else would be allowed entry today—they'd have to return the next morning.

 

Wu Bai and his party sighed in resignation, finding a spot near the river outside the gates to rest until dawn.

 

But restful sleep was not to be had. Without beds and disturbed by the constant clatter of hooves as riders passed through the city gates all night, they could hardly get a moment's peace.

 

Judging by the commotion, those waiting by the gates surmised that something major must have happened in the capital. None knew what it was, but all were worried only about getting in the next day.

 

Their fears, however, proved unfounded. They were granted entry early the following morning, though security was unusually tight, with strict inspections. Anyone carrying weapons was barred entry and immediately questioned by the guards.

 

Wu Kang'an, accompanied by three gers—one pregnant and another sickly—posed no threat. After a brief check, they were finally permitted to enter.

 

As they stepped into the capital, Wu Kang'an was astounded.

 

Compared to the provincial capital he'd once visited, the imperial city was a world apart—immeasurably grander and more prosperous. Here, people walked about in resplendent silk, adorned with jade pendants and finely embroidered pouches, an extravagant display of wealth.

 

After the initial shock, they settled on an inn with a more tranquil atmosphere.

 

Since Wu Kang'an was a juren and had come to the capital for the autumn examination, he preferred a quieter place to avoid distractions. They rented a small courtyard tucked away from the bustling main inn.

 

The courtyard was well-equipped, and they were all quite pleased with their lodgings.

 

Wu Kang'an carefully laid the unconscious Li ger in one of the rooms and tended to his wounds, then set about organizing his and his fulang's belongings.

 

Now that they had reached the safety of the capital, there was no need to worry for Wu Bai's security. Thus, Wu Bai was given a room to himself, while Wu Kang'an and his fulang took another.

 

Aware of the recent unrest in the city, they kept a low profile, staying within their courtyard. For even the simplest needs, like buying food, they would give a small tip to the inn's servant to handle it.

 

A few days later, the man they had rescued regained consciousness.

 

Upon waking up, he immediately regarded Wu Bai and the others with a wary look.

 

"Who are you?" he demanded.

 

"We?" Wu Bai replied calmly. "We're the ones who saved you. And you—who might you be?"

 

The man looked down to check his wounds, only to discover that he was clad in ger attire. A crack appeared in his expression as realization dawned.

 

After a long silence, he muttered, "I'm a man…"

 

Seeing his collapsed face, Wu Bai and the others tactfully ignored the red mark on his forehead, refraining from telling him that he was not only dressed as a ger but also bore the makeup of one.

 

"Yes, we know you're a man. But we had no spare clothes that fit you. Besides, you've been bedridden and haven't had to go outside—no one's seen you like this," Wu Bai explained.

 

Zhao Chengnan was speechless. No one's seen me? Are you people not 'someone'?

 

"Oh, by the way, you still haven't told us your name or where you're from. Do you need us to take you home?" Wu Bai inquired once more.

 

Zhao Chengnan looked around, discerning only that he was in a modest room. "Where am I?" he asked.

 

"This is the capital city. We're in a small courtyard within an inn," Wu Bai explained.

 

"The capital city! My injuries must have been noticed by now—there should be a thorough search underway in the city. How did you manage to get me past that?" Zhao Chengnan asked.

 

"A search? No, we haven't encountered anything of the sort. Speaking of which, you still haven't told us who you are, or what you meant by all that talk about some search," Wu Kang'an replied, puzzled.

 

"Wait a moment. I know there was some major incident in the city on the day we arrived. Many riders were rushing from the city gates as if something had happened. Could it be… you're involved in that?" Wu Bai asked, eyeing him closely.

 

Zhao Chengnan fell silent for a moment, then gave a reluctant nod.

 

He then spoke, "I don't know how you managed to bring me into the city undetected, but I'm deeply grateful. This is a serious matter, and I don't wish for you to be entangled in it. If anyone comes asking about me, tell them you know nothing. I will repay your kindness when the opportunity arises. Thank you for saving my life."

 

With that, he made to leave the bed.

 

Wu Kang'an and his fulang exchanged a glance with Wu Bai. Seeing that even their usually prudent brother didn't try to stop him, they, too, made no move to hold him back.

 

After all, they hadn't saved him expecting any kind of reward. Now that he was awake and well enough to leave, it wouldn't be right to detain him—doing so would only make him suspicious of their motives.

 

Zhao Chengnan stepped out into the bustling streets of the capital in his ger clothing, watching the waves of patrol guards passing him by. He was astounded. Could it be that with a change of clothing, these people no longer recognized him?

 

Who in the capital didn't know Zhao Chengnan, the "Mischief Demon" of the imperial city? With his exalted status, few dared cross him, though the city patrol was well-acquainted with his antics.

 

Zhao Chengnan was now fifteen years old. As the fifth prince, beloved by the emperor, he'd been granted a grand residence in the heart of Zhuque Street upon coming of age—a property so vast it was the envy of all.

 

Among the people, his name sparked equal parts resentment for his frequent mischief and awe for his good fortune.

 

Recently, rumors had spread that Zhao Chengnan had been assassinated, plunged into a river, his fate uncertain. The news had enraged the emperor and thrown the court officials into constant anxiety, while the common folk, hiding in their homes, quietly rejoiced.

 

Zhao Chengnan had removed his veil today with the intent of sending a message to those who had tried to kill him: Zhao Chengnan lives, and all your efforts were in vain.

 

He knew his assailants would only dare to strike him in secluded places. As long as he walked openly in the streets, they would not dare try again. He wanted them to seethe in frustration at their failed scheme.

 

Additionally, he expected the city patrol to escort him back to the prince's estate.

 

Yet, as he strolled through the streets, the guards patrolling the area seemed not to recognize him in the least, passing by without so much as a glance.

 

Resigned, Zhao Chengnan could do nothing but make his way back to Zhuque Street on his own.

 

At last, he stood before his residence gate and knocked.

 

The guard opened the door, and, upon seeing a fair and delicate ger, his eyes lit up.

 

"What are you staring at? Another look, and I'll gouge your eyes out!" Zhao Chengnan said irritably.

 

That voice…? Upon closer inspection, that face…?

 

The guard quickly dropped to his knees. "Mercy, master! This servant meant no offense. Forgive me for not recognizing you immediately!"

 

With a cold snort, Zhao Chengnan brushed past him into the estate.

 

Only when he stood before the bronze mirror and began washing his face did he notice the red mark between his brows, his expression darkening immediately.

 

How dare they!

 

So that was why! Those commoners who had somehow managed to spirit him into the city undetected… it was because of this disguise! And even the patrol hadn't recognized him because of it!

 

After washing away the mark, he instructed his servants to speak to no one of his appearance today.

 

The servants, naturally, agreed.

 

He hadn't even managed to lie down and rest—his injuries still fresh—before his father, the emperor, arrived with his mother.

 

After a flurry of visitors, from his parents to his brothers and his cousin, the evening curfew finally approached, and the last guests were sent away.

 

Only his cousin, Xiao Zimo, remained.

 

"Thank you for coming, cousin," Zhao Chengnan said.

 

"Why would you say that? Of course, I would come. Now tell me—what happened?" Xiao Zimo asked, gently ruffling his hair.

 

"Oh, nothing much. Just one of my brothers, resenting my favor with Father and fearing that now I'm of age, I might compete with him for the throne. So he sought to have me killed," Zhao Chengnan replied, feigning nonchalance.

 

"And how did you escape? I heard that you were struck several times by men clad in black and fell into the river in the back mountains, carried away by the current. How are your wounds now?" Xiao Zimo asked, his concern evident.

 

"Don't worry, cousin. Fortune was on my side; someone rescued me."

 

"Who saved you? We should thank them properly."

 

"Cousin, please don't ask. For now, we can't expose them—if word spreads of their kindness, those same people might bring calamity upon them. In due time…"

 

Zhao Chengnan left his sentence unfinished, yet Xiao Zimo understood his meaning.

 

He frowned, asking, "Have you truly thought this through?"

 

"Yes. I may have had no interest in such matters before, but after this brush with death, I've realized I can't leave my life in the hands of others. I'd rather hold my fate in my own grip." Zhao Chengnan clenched his fist, his eyes steely with resolve.

 

Xiao Zimo fell silent for a moment, then placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. You're not alone; I'll support you."

 

"Yes, I am not alone.

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