Chapter 19: The Celebrations in Jinzhou

When they returned to Jinzhou, the Prefect was already waiting at the gate. A yamen runner had gone ahead to inform him.

As the highest local official, he naturally wanted to bask in the glory.

When the procession arrived, the yamen runners set off firecrackers, filling the city gate with a festive atmosphere.

The area was already packed with people. Merchants coming and going, street vendors, and travelers had all gathered to watch the spectacle.

They had expected some important figure to visit Jinzhou, but upon seeing the procession, the leader was none other than the Jinzhou Assistant Magistrate. What was going on?

Looking further back, there was an ordinary man and an absolutely extraordinary girl, Ning Su.

Her snow-white hair fluttered in the wind, and anyone who caught her golden eyes felt a jolt, numb for a long moment.

Was this the Snow Fairy that had been the talk of the town these past days?

Indeed, her snow-white hair was purer than the snow on the trees; her golden eyes outshone freshly minted gold; her exquisite beauty surpassed the famed beauties poets often sang of; and her coarse linen clothes… well, there was nothing to praise there.

Seeing was believing. The legends had not exaggerated, and the onlookers feasted their eyes.

Of course, what really amazed them was the thing on the cart. What was that thing?

It looked like a pig but wasn’t a pig, like a cow but wasn’t a cow, like a donkey but wasn’t a donkey. And it was covered in some disgusting green slime. What in the world was it?

The onlookers buzzed with discussion.

The Prefect did not explain. He led the way, guiding the caravan into the city, and only stopped at the gate of the government office.

Firecrackers went off continuously along the way. At the office entrance, the noise grew even denser, as if the firecrackers cost nothing.

When the firecrackers stopped, the Prefect looked at the dense crowd gathered and tried to invite Ning Su to a platform, but she shook her head and refused. So the Prefect had no choice but to invite the caravan leader instead.

He first launched into a passionate speech. Most people couldn’t understand the Prefect’s ornate language; they only caught that the government had offered a large bounty for something, and then something happened.

When the Prefect finished, someone shouted in approval, and others followed with scattered cheers.

The Jinzhou Assistant Magistrate then spoke, using plain language anyone could understand to explain what had happened.

“In the Jinzhou area, a monster had been terrorizing the coastal village of Tianqiao, causing casualties. The authorities had spent money and effort trying to kill it but failed. The monster was cunning and refused to appear. Today, a few righteous warriors passing through Jinzhou dealt with the monster and saved Tianqiao Village. The thing on the cart is the monster that had plagued Tianqiao.”

Now they understood. Everyone cheered, genuine cheers this time, not perfunctory.

The celebratory noise lasted a long time. The Prefect waved his hands and called for silence many times, but couldn’t stop it.

Next, the Prefect paid the caravan leader the bounty for killing the monster. He had accepted it on behalf of the girl.

The Prefect also announced that for the next month, entering and leaving the city would be free. Henceforth, this day each year would be a special festival in Jinzhou called ‘Spring Encounter Day,’ celebrated throughout the city.

This time, the crowd cheered even louder, rivaling the shouts of soldiers they had seen before.

Then came an impromptu Jinzhou celebration. Street food was free for all. Of course, the government footed the bill, so vendors wouldn’t suffer losses out of kindness.

Now it finally felt like a festival.

The Prefect and the Assistant Magistrate approached Ning Su and the caravan leader for a friendly chat.

First, the Prefect asked Ning Su about her destination. She produced her travel permit. Learning that she still needed to pass through the pass and head south, the Prefect repeatedly urged her to stay for a while.

Ning Su shook her head and politely declined.

Finally, the Prefect gave the Assistant Magistrate a look. Understanding, the Assistant Magistrate quietly pulled a plaque and a scroll of paper from his sleeve and handed them to Ning Su.

“This is a horse plaque and an official travel permit,” he said, seemingly afraid of being seen by others.

Hearing this, the caravan leader quickly came over, using his body to block others’ view. “Take it quickly. It’s a good thing.”

Ning Su held them in her hands but didn’t put them away. She looked at the Assistant Magistrate with a puzzled expression.

The Assistant Magistrate explained, “Honorable immortal, you may not know, but with this, you can stay directly in official post stations. Meals and lodging are free of charge. It’s very convenient.”

Ning Su recalled what the middle-aged man had said at Weiyuanbao station: if she had such a plaque, she could stay in official stations.

She nodded and accepted it.

With a thought, the horse plaque and new travel permit disappeared into her storage ring. This move once again amazed the Prefect and the Assistant Magistrate.

Then it was time to enjoy the festival. They parted ways, and Ning Su began to eat to her heart’s content.

She went to the vendors, who even added a bit more salt to the food, making it more delicious.

It was a wonderful day.

Back at the inn that night, the leader and Ning Su were warmly received again. The innkeeper even refunded the room fee, refusing to take money. The horses of the caravan were given fine fodder, fed to their fill.

The next morning, when they departed, the Prefect and Assistant Magistrate came to see them off, accompanying them for a full li.

The caravan leader discreetly wiped away tears. Noticing Ning Su’s gaze, he squeezed out a bitter smile that was almost a grimace. “These are tears of joy. Great joy. Thank you.”

Then the tedious journey resumed.

Ning Su sat on the cart and began reading. She had bought three sets of books in Jinzhou. Considering that two were too long, she started with ‘On Agriculture.’

Unknowingly, she had read for over an hour. In fact, she had finished reading it long ago, but she flipped through it twice more. She couldn’t understand it. Not at all. But she could tell the author had a deep personal understanding of agriculture and profound theoretical knowledge.

Thinking this, she switched to another book. First, she opened ‘Newly Compiled Comprehensive Proof of Ancient and Modern Mathematical Treasures,’ glanced at a few pages, got a headache, and quickly put it down. Finally, she picked up ‘The Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’ She read it until evening. It was addictive. How could it be so good?

Because they were in a hurry, this time they traveled far, reaching Lianshan Post Station.

The caravan still rested at a civilian inn. Ning Su did not use the horse plaque and also rested at the civilian inn.

At night, she again clutched ‘The Popular Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ and read it once more. She regretted it deeply. She had only bought the first five volumes, not the rest. The cliffhanger was torturing her, like ants crawling in her heart.

She desperately wanted to know what happened next. Desperately! Especially!

The next day, the caravan set out early. The leader seemed mysterious the whole way.

They hadn’t gone far when he stopped. This was Caozhuang Post Station, not far from Lianshan. Something was off. Even Ning Su, who was not well-versed in worldly affairs, sensed it.

The caravan stopped at Caozhuang at noon. The other merchants in the group had brought some things, placed on an emptied cart: meat, vegetables, a grill, and firewood.

Then the leader led Ning Su out of Caozhuang and turned onto a small path.

Ning Su gradually sensed his intention.

After walking for a while, they finally arrived. Before her eyes was a blue sea, blue sky, and a sandy beach. It was different from Tianqiao; here there was almost no snow.

“Go on, just remember to come back,” the leader said, noticing her delight.

She dashed toward the sea, running across the sand.

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