The road to the capital was rugged and long. Even Song Anhao, who was always energetic and curious about everything, began to feel bored.
In the swaying carriage, Duan Yanhua lay half-squinting on the bedding spread across the floorboards, his head so dizzy and heavy that he hardly knew which way was up.
Every day, they traveled as soon as they opened their eyes and slept as soon as they closed them. Although he hadn't done anything, he felt extremely tired, especially in his head, which felt terribly swollen.
Song Gaoli lifted the carriage curtain and leaned half his body inside. Teacher, Yuncheng is just ahead. Sister Jinzhao said we will go into the city this afternoon to buy some things, and we will spend the night there.
Duan Yanhua opened his crusty eyes, lifted the window curtain, and took a look outside. The sun was high; they could enter the city for lunch.
Good, good, good. We will spend the night in Yuncheng. After traveling for more than half a month, they could finally rest for a day.
After entering the city, they quickly found an inn to eat and book rooms. After resting for a while, Song Jinzhao took Song Qiming and the others out to the streets to shop in the afternoon.
Having lain in the carriage for the better part of a month, Duan Yanhua did not want to stay at the inn. He offered to go with Song Jinzhao and the others. As a result, he was not interested in any of the places they visited. After walking for less than half an hour, he took his servants to a teahouse to listen to storytelling instead.
Song Gaoli muttered beside Song Qiming, I feel like my teacher is a bit idle, very different from Lord Ye.
Shouldn't an official always stand straight and hold a book, just like Mr. Ye? Even when his legs were crippled and he couldn't stand, his upper body was perfectly straight.
He never let a book leave his hands, and his entire demeanor clearly marked him as a great scholar—someone to be admired from afar but not treated lightly.
As for his own teacher, what he saw most over the past half month was him lying down, just like the second granduncle in the village. After a while, it was truly hard to watch.
Song Qiming laughed. You can just say he's a bit lazy. Lord Duan is over fifty years old; it's normal for his energy to fall behind during long journeys.
He hadn't been promoted in twenty years. Even the person in last place should have moved up a bit by now. It was easy to imagine that he probably wasn't very diligent.
Song Gaoli sighed. His excitement over successfully acknowledging a master was no longer as strong as it had been at the beginning. He originally thought he would be carefully guided by his teacher just like Song Qiming, but now it seemed the difference was unusually large.
On a densely wooded mountain path, Duan Yanhua tightly gripped the carriage curtain, his eyes peering through the gap to observe the situation outside.
White blades went in and red blades came out. Blood sprayed onto the ground, an eerie shade of red.
The Lingyun spear in Song Jinzhao's hands instantly pierced through the chests of two people, skewering them like lamb kebabs. With a flick of her wrist, the two corpses smashed onto the ground, both dying with their eyes wide open. Their dilated pupils gave Duan Yanhua a fright.
He knew the three Song siblings knew martial arts, but seeing them kill people with his own eyes was another matter entirely. It was like chopping tofu, except this was human flesh.
Song Gaoli put away his unused crossbow and walked over to Duan Yanhua's carriage. Before the bandits could even rush over, they had been swiftly dealt with by Sister Jinzhao and the others. Not only him, but even Duan Yanhua's two guards had been of no use.
Teacher, the bandits have been dealt with. You weren't frightened, were you?
Duan Yanhua coughed twice. I have seen plenty of such things. How could I be frightened? Since it's resolved, let's hurry up and continue our journey. Who knew if there were still accomplices? They absolutely must not be caught up to.
More than a month later...
Looking at the towering city walls, the two characters for the Capital on the city gate seemed to be inlaid with silver edges, exuding a regal dominance and solemnity.
Duan Yanhua climbed out of the carriage clutching his neck, took a deep breath, and sighed with emotion, We have finally arrived.
For the next three years, he absolutely did not want to be the chief examiner again. The long trek was simply too grueling; his bones were about to fall apart.
He turned his head to look at Song Jinzhao. If Lady Linghui does not mind, you may stay at my humble residence during your time in the capital.
Song Qiming cupped his hands and said, Thank you for your kindness, Lord Duan. I already wrote a letter to my teacher before setting off. He has likely already found a place for us to stay, so we will not impose on you.
Duan Yanhua nodded. If that is the case, we shall gather another day. Gaoli, you have no place to stay in the capital, so come back to the manor with me.
It will also be convenient to supervise your studies every day.
Song Gaoli looked hesitant. Although they had spent nearly two months together on the road, he felt his relationship with Duan Yanhua was still a bit distant. Moving into the other party's home so rashly seemed somewhat inappropriate.
Seeing that he didn't respond, Duan Yanhua urged, Living in the manor, I can guide you every day. You also have several senior martial brothers there, so you can learn from one another.
Since things had reached this point, refusing again would only alienate them further.
Song Gaoli nodded and agreed, Thank you, Teacher. Then I shall impose on you.
