Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 139, Section 138: Liyang Post Station
Yan Ying proudly raised her head: "Of course."

"My sister and I have worked hard for many years. If we don't bring these ripe fruits into our pockets, wouldn't we be incompetent?"

That being said, in order to prevent the generals from holding their positions for too long and becoming too powerful, it is likely that after the Baiyue were recovered, the two would transfer the counties under their jurisdiction to each other.

But that doesn't matter, it's a place they're familiar with and have studied and attacked every day.

Qin Shi cupped his hands slightly and said, "Then, I will wait and see in Xianyang Palace."

The convoy moved slowly forward, and the two of them had fallen to the back half. Qin Shi looked up and could see the tall and thick city walls of Liyang in the distance.

In the distance, there was a procession of laborers, moving in a crooked and twisted pattern like earth dragons.

She wanted to look again, but Yan Ying had already reached out her hand: "Lord Qin, please get into the carriage. The caravan will go straight to the post station to rest. There are many people to attend to, so please, Lord Qin..."

She glanced at the conspicuous carriage: "Please trouble yourself, Lord Qin."

……

In the procession of laborers, someone carrying a bag suddenly looked up and then whispered, "Sir! Look at the carriages! The carriages at the back of the procession!"

Among the various chariots that conformed to the prescribed standards, King Heng of Qin's unique carriage stood out for its spaciousness and conspicuousness. Most importantly, apart from the regular guards, it was not heavily guarded.

"That is……"

The man named Zhuang stared intently, unable to move for a long time, until a middle-aged man beside him called out, "Zhuang, hurry up and keep up! You'll be punished if you fall behind!"

Upon hearing this, several people around who were focused on their journey became tense.

"Yes, we're in the same squad, so we're all jointly liable!"

If a conscripted laborer falls behind without cause on the way to conscription, he will be counted as an “attempt to evade conscription.” At this moment, some soldiers have already come to look.

He withdrew his gaze and exchanged a glance with the person beside him, seeing the burning flames of hatred in their eyes.

The procession of laborers was like ants winding their way along the road in the rain, unnoticed yet a common sight. They moved forward without being allowed onto the imperial road, nor were they permitted to linger at the post station.

The soldiers led a large group of people to a stop on the open ground, waiting for the next group to assemble.

At this moment, Qin Shi had already been brought to the post station.

The nearest post station was not luxurious, but it had a spacious courtyard. General Yan's coffin was placed in the center of the courtyard, while his servants and attendants made preparations.

Qin Shi was also invited to a corner of the courtyard, where Old Madam Yan personally apologized:
"This place is cramped, and we feel sorry for King Qin and the princes and princesses."

It was indeed very small; you could still smell horse manure in the stables at the back!

The princess covered her nose with a handkerchief, got off the carriage, looked around briefly, and then returned to the carriage.

Prince Qian was in high spirits and wanted to go to the back stables and the soldiers' resting places in front, but Qin Shi stopped him:
"Prince, before you reach Pinyang, please copy these two sentences a hundred times."

In a fit of anger, Prince Qian bravely defied, declaring, "I'm going to change my clothes!"

Qin Shi smiled slightly: "Chi Nu, take the prince back to his carriage." Servants were already serving him in the carriage.

The entire post station was occupied by the servants and attendants of the Yan family. Qin Shi walked around with two soldiers, looking at everything very carefully.

The Qin law stipulated that there should be a pavilion every ten li, but the size and specifications of the pavilions were not the same.

For example, the reason we went to Pinyang from Liyang today is because Liyang is a major transportation hub, which is convenient for the Yan family to rest and recuperate.

And on this massive wooden gatehouse is written—

【Liyang Pavilion】 This place is not like an inn as depicted in later films and television dramas. Instead, it has no walls on all sides, only a tall wooden roof.

Today, Liyang Pavilion is far larger than other places. Qin Jun followed the wooden stairs upwards and saw that there was an even higher watchtower at the top, with a huge bronze bell on it.

If a major event occurs, then proceed with the impact.

Looking down, the entire post station is a neat rectangle, covering an area of ​​about two acres. Below the gatehouse are two small houses, one for staff to receive guests, with documents, bamboo slips, and books on display.

The other place was simply a very basic resting spot. There were horse harnesses and water troughs nearby. If the army was on a fast march, they could rest there without having to go inside.

Looking further back, in the middle of the rear section surrounded by the post station, there is also a large wooden house, divided into inner and outer sections, for officials and generals to rest.

However, the Yan family only rested briefly, so most of them went around to the stables at the back to water and rest their horses. Some servants went into the kitchen and simply prepared hot soup noodles, which was already an exceptionally plentiful meal.

The guards spread the word: "Rest in place for half an hour!"

After she descended from the watchtower, the pavilion chief was already waiting downstairs: "Honorable lady. I have already paid my respects to Lady Yan and Commandant Yan. I heard that you are traveling with a prince and princess, so I dare not disturb you."

"Please give your instructions, sir."

At the age of the village head, he has seen it all. In terms of status, the prince and princess are the most distinguished members of this group.

However, the post station had already received a message from the messenger last night, so at this time they should respectfully await the coffin of Grand Commandant Yan, his daughter, Commandant Yan, and their family.

However, after paying their respects, they learned that there was another important person—this person had no official position or reputation, yet could command princes and princesses to ride in the same carriage and obey their orders.

And then there's that eye-catching chariot...

Who is the supreme ruler is obvious at a glance.

He was quite old, his back was slightly hunched, and his hair was gray as he waited quietly. Qin Shi quickly stepped forward and hurriedly bowed, saying, "We came and went in a hurry, and the pavilion chief has already worked hard. We dare not give any orders."

"I rarely go out, and I was wondering if there are any difficulties in running this post station, and if it is convenient for travelers?"

The pavilion chief quickly bowed and stepped aside, not daring to accept the courtesy, but the smile on his face became even more genuine:
“You are too kind, sir. I have been at this post station for thirty years and will be stepping down in a little over a month. Now I will entrust all matters, big and small, to my son.”

"Whatever the esteemed person wishes to ask, I will answer without reservation."

Qin Shi immediately asked curiously, "Is the position of village head now passed down from father to son?"

"Indeed." The village head said proudly, "My family has been Qin people for generations, and we have been guarding Liyang Pavilion for the King. It has been three generations since then!"

only……

He hesitated for a moment: "For a distinguished guest to travel away from Xianyang in a royal carriage, the journey may be unsafe... Perhaps... perhaps..."

He carefully observed Qin Shi's expression and said thoughtfully, "How about I quickly go and buy some black linen to cover up the carriage?"

He was very worried: "When the king travels, he should be escorted by fully armed soldiers."

He appeared exceptionally cautious, but Qin Shi had already frowned: "Now that the laws of Qin are so strict, is Your Majesty's journey still fraught with danger?"

Then there was the chariot, its body made of bronze and its frame of iron, impervious to swords and crossbows.

Although the carriage was not pulled by the emperor's six chariots, it was still drawn by four horses.

If the two charioteers go berserk, they will urge the horses to run in opposite directions to prevent them from galloping wildly.

Isn't that safe enough?
　Happy Children's Day!

　　(End of this chapter)