Simultaneous travel: City, infinite evolution

Chapter 226 Encountering Lord Lü in the City

Chen Hong walked ahead, with Mo Bao and his two cubs following closely behind.

This made the farmers who encountered Chen Hong even more fearful, and they kept their distance from him.

Chen Hong was dressed in strange clothes, followed by a large black panther and two small black panthers.

They're definitely not normal people.

They're either gods or monsters!
They didn't want to get close to such a completely unknown and dangerous entity, as it might bring disaster.

After walking for another half an hour, Chen Hong finally arrived at the city.

It was not like the tall, blue-brick ancient city that Chen Hong had imagined.

This is just a city wall made of rammed earth.

Looks a bit earthy.

Moreover, it's not tall at all, only about 3 meters tall, roughly the height of two people.

However, the wall is 890 meters long and about 30 meters wide.

Chen Hong looked at the wooden plaque hanging on the ancient city wall, which read "Shanfu" in small seal script.

Chen Hong: "I understand, this is a small county town."

Chen Hong finally understood why, in ancient times, once a large army conquered a major city, the surrounding small towns would surrender without a second thought, without even putting up a fight.

Because I really can't fight it.

With such dilapidated city walls, what kind of army could they possibly hold off?
Even peasant soldiers with hoes couldn't stop them, okay?
Everyone at the city gate kept their distance as soon as they saw Chen Hong, and they were all talking about it.

"Who is this person? Why are they dressed so strangely?"

"Be careful. Look at him, he's dressed all in black, and he's followed by a rare and exotic beast like a black leopard. He's definitely no ordinary person."

"Perhaps it's some young nobleman's novel outfit."

"Nonsense! We Chinese have always tied our hair up and worn our robes on the right, while the Xiongnu and other barbarians have always worn their hair down and their robes on the left."

"Look at you again, you strange fellow! Your hair's shaved like that, and your clothes have buttons down the middle. You're probably some savage from the Western Rong."

"It's reasonable and reasonable."

"Shh, keep your voice down, don't let him hear you. I think he's an extraordinary person."

Look, he is followed by three rare black leopards. Although his clothes are strange, they are made of the finest materials.

Even those shoes, I've never seen them before. They're obviously very fine shoes, even better than what nobles wear.

Moreover, judging from his fair skin and calloused hands, he was clearly born lucky and never had to do any work.

And with that appearance and that demeanor, he might be some kind of reclusive master.

We can't afford to offend them, so let's keep our distance.

"If you ask me, he's a monster, a monster that appeared out of nowhere."

Maybe it's a leopard spirit.

Otherwise, how could the black leopard be so tamed?
Look, that black leopard is always on guard next to that strange man, only baring its teeth at others.

It calmed down after being scolded by that strange man, and didn't bite. It seemed quite intelligent; it was truly astonishing.

Chen Hong couldn't understand what they were saying, but he just kept walking towards the city gate.

Upon reaching the city gate, several soldiers stopped Chen Hong and demanded to see his travel permit.

But Chen Hong couldn't understand what they were saying at all.

Fortunately, Chen Hong communicated with them using language infused with mental energy, and finally managed to understand what they were saying.

Looking at the identity credentials such as "verification", "transmission", and "talisman" in the hands of others, Chen Hong immediately understood.

This is the same system of travel permits implemented by Shang Yang.

The Qin Dynasty implemented a strict household registration system. If residents needed to leave their place of residence more than 100 miles away, they had to hold identity documents issued by the government, such as "verification", "transmission", and "talisman" (collectively known as "road pass").

These documents are used to prove personal identity, household registration, and the legality of travel. People without travel permits are considered "unregistered" and will face severe penalties if discovered.

Such as caning, imprisonment, or even the death penalty.

Back then, Shang Yang was refused accommodation at an inn because he didn't carry a "verification certificate," thus being hindered by the very system he invented.

When they discovered that Chen Hong did not have a travel permit, all the soldiers at the city gate immediately became tense.

They all raised their long spears and halberds, aiming them at Chen Hong.

According to Qin law, those who were not locals, did not have a registered residence, or were ordinary people from outside the area without a travel permit would be punished with "tattooing on the face and forced labor in the city walls" (tattooing on the face and forced labor in the city walls).

If it was discovered that the person was a runaway slave or a criminal, the consequences would be even worse; they would be executed on the spot, and their heads displayed as a warning to others.

If it weren't for the fact that Chen Hong was an extraordinary person, these soldiers would have captured him long ago.

Nevertheless, they surrounded Chen Hong, watching him warily, ready to attack at any moment.

According to Qin law, if the soldiers (gatekeepers) at the city gates fail to strictly check travel permits or neglect their duties to allow unauthorized passage, they will be punished according to the provisions of the "Effective Law".

Examples include “赀二甲” (a fine equivalent to two sets of armor) or “耐为隶臣” (to be shaved into slavery).

If the soldiers dared to let Chen Hong, who had no travel permit, go, they themselves would be in big trouble.

The black leopard roared at them, baring its teeth.

Chen Hong shook his head helplessly.

The surrounding people were talking about it, and the soldiers, armed with long spears and halberds, were about to launch an attack.

Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly solemn and tense, a time when swords were about to be drawn...

A horse-drawn carriage rumbled along.

Two tall, powerful horses pulled a carriage, speeding towards them.

Wherever he went, all the people made way for him.

"Wait a minute, do it!"

"Wait a minute, do it!"

The driver brandished his whip, driving the carriage while shouting instructions.

The soldiers looked at each other, temporarily put away their spears, and continued to surround Chen Hong.

An old man got out of the car and hurriedly walked up to Chen Hong.

He kept scrutinizing Chen Hong, carefully discerning his features.

The more I looked at the old man, the more surprised I became, and the brighter his smile grew.

In the end, they were so shocked that their eyes widened. "Incredibly valuable!"

"It's incredibly expensive!"

The old man smiled with delight.

"I am an expert in physiognomy and have seen countless people, but I have never seen such a noble face as yours."

"I've wasted decades of my life, but to see your face today, I can die without regret."

Chen Hong used his mental connection to roughly understand what he meant.

His expression immediately turned strange. What was this strong sense of déjà vu?

The old man said to the gatekeeper, "I'm sure this man will be fine."

I will personally explain this matter to the magistrate; it has nothing to do with you, and you will not be punished.”

The soldiers looked at each other, not daring to offend this local tyrant from Shanfu County.

So they immediately reported to their superiors, asking them to send someone to handle the matter and clear themselves of any involvement.

An official from the county rode up in haste, carrying the special clearance document, which bore the official seal of the county magistrate.

Even so, Chen Hong was still restricted from leaving the county. He had to apply for a written record to enter or leave the city gate, and he was accompanied by soldiers.

This shows how harsh the Qin laws were. This treatment was only possible because the county magistrate had an excellent relationship with the old man, who was also a local magistrate and personally vouched for him.

Otherwise, they might have dragged Chen Hong to do hard labor by tattooing his face, or at worst, they might have seen that Chen Hong was a prodigy and beheaded him to prevent future troubles.

Of course, Chen Hong would definitely resist, but that would put him on the opposite side of the entire Qin Dynasty, forcing him to flee and preventing him from entering any of the cities under Qin's control.

The old man led Chen Hong into the carriage, his face beaming with smiles.

"Young friend, there's no need to be nervous. My surname is Lü."

The villagers, out of kindness, all called me "Master Lü."

Chen Hong suddenly realized why the face seemed so familiar.

Isn't this the biological father of Lü Zhi and Lü Su, Lord Lü?
This person is also very famous in historical records, as he is skilled in physiognomy.

Upon first meeting Liu Bang, he was immediately struck by his extraordinary appearance and declared that he wanted to marry his daughter, Lü Zhi, to him.

No wonder the scene just now felt so familiar; it was Lu Gong!

Not surprising then.

Lu Gong was very excited and asked incessantly, "May I ask your name, age, and where you live, sir?"
Where do we come from, and where are we going?
Have you ever been married?

Chen Hong's lips twitched, and he said speechlessly, "My surname is Chen, and my given name is Hong."

I am twenty-six years old this year, without family or relatives, without any ties or worries, wandering the world to see all living beings, and still unmarried.

Lu Gongxian suddenly realized: "So he is a hermit master. No wonder he has a strange appearance, strange clothes, and strange beasts to accompany him."

"I see, I see."

"But at twenty-six, still unmarried, isn't that a bit late?"

"To be honest, I married my wife when I was eighteen, and then took a concubine when I was twenty-two. By the time I was twenty-six, Su'er was already babbling."

Chen Hong: ...

In ancient times, people married young and died young, so I won't hold it against you.

"For me, it's never too late to get married, no matter what age I am."

Even if he never marries, it's nothing.

There is still so much I need to do, so much I need to learn.

Lu Gong was stunned by Chen Hong's words: "Does he have the secret to immortality? Is that why he doesn't care at all?"
Or should one focus solely on studies and career?

"He is indeed a master, truly extraordinary."

This made Lu Gong even more interested, and an idea quietly sprouted in his mind.

Upon arriving at the Lü residence, Lord Lü invited Chen Hong to sit down and had his servants prepare a feast.

"Come, Young Master Chen, drink this cup to the brim."

Lu Gong sat at the head of the table in the host's house, and bowed to Chen Hong, the guest, who was sitting at the side table, to offer a toast.

At that time in the Qin Dynasty, kneeling was still the most popular way to sit, which Chen Hong found somewhat unfamiliar.

"Lord Lü, please."

Chen Hong held up the "yushang" (a type of wine cup) with both hands, its oval-shaped shallow belly filled with sake.

Chen Hong raised his wine cup and bowed to Lü Gong.

Lu Gong tilted his head back and drank it down, and Chen Hong followed suit.

"Hahaha……"

"Young Master Chen, I still have many questions I would like to ask you."

Could you do me the honor of staying at your residence for a few days?

That way, I can ask for your guidance anytime.

Chen Hong couldn't help but admire Lü Gong's character and conduct.

This is probably more than just asking for advice.

This was clearly because they saw he was penniless and had nowhere to stay, so they wanted him to stay at the Lü residence.

They even made it sound like they were genuinely begging themselves.

Putting everything else aside, their social skills are definitely top-notch.

Chen Hong also wanted to learn about the customs and culture of this era, just to broaden his horizons.

So he readily agreed.

Chen Hong began to stay at the Lü residence.

The next morning, Chen Hong couldn't wait to go out for a stroll, eager to see what the local customs and culture of this era were like.

Walking down the street, Chen Hong noticed that the courtyards were different from those of local gentry like the Lü family, which were built with brick and wood.

Ordinary people mostly live in mud-brick and thatched houses, just mud houses with thatched roofs.

It has a kind of old-fashioned rural feel to it.

(End of this chapter)