Early morning, the next day
Zhang Jian and his servant were awakened by the commotion outside the shop.
This was a stopover for the Zhang Family's caravan, originally a silk shop.
After arriving, Zhang Jian and his servant temporarily lodged here.
At this moment, several burly governmental officials broke in, searching everywhere.
"Honorable officials, there really are no strangers here. These two young masters are advanced scholars passing through Jixian County on their way to the capital for examinations. Please do not offend these literary stars!"
The shopkeeper of the silk store hurriedly pulled aside two of the officials.
Hearing this, the officials dared not be negligent. After quickly inspecting the travel permits of the master and servant, they politely invited Zhang Jian and his servant aside.
Soon thereafter, they hastily left.
Witnessing this scene, Zhang Jian was slightly surprised, noting that these officials did not trouble the silk store's shopkeeper.
This was quite an unusual occurrence.
In Zhang Jian's impression, even officials from the Commandery Governor's Mansion in Fengyang County couldn't always restrain themselves from taking advantage when an order was issued to apprehend major thieves.
Sensing opportunity, they inevitably seek a share of the profits.
Noticing this, Zhang Lu quickly went out on the street to inquire about news. He returned shortly, bringing bad news.
Last night in Jixian County, a group of bandits attacked the County Prison, killing guards and rescuing prisoners.
The county's gates were sealed overnight, allowing entry but forbidding exit.
"Young Master, it seems we won't be able to leave Jixian County anytime soon?"
Zhang Lu said with a pained expression.
"Is there no other way?"
Zhang Jian frowned slightly.
Given his skills, he could leave Jixian County directly, but he saw no need, as he didn't want to draw too much attention.
Especially now, it could easily lead to trouble.
Zhang Lu said, "There is a way, reportedly, if we go to the County Governor's Office and get a special travel permit, we can pass through!"
"Then it seems we must make a trip to the County Governor's Office!"
Zhang Jian didn't seem too concerned.
...
Outside the County Governor's Office, a long line had already formed early.
When Zhang Jian and his servant arrived, they quickly shook their heads. There were too many people seeking special permits, including many merchants and officials' families.
An official from the County Governor's Office was shouting at the front.
"Don't crowd together, everyone listen! In the next three days, priority will be given to scholars heading to Haojing for examinations. Those who are not of scholar status, do not line up; otherwise, you will be ignored!"
Hearing the official shout, some officials' families and merchants couldn't help but protest loudly. But the official just put on a stern face, showing no leniency. The crowd had no choice but to leave with a look of helplessness.
Just then, Zhang Jian's eyes twitched as he heard an excited voice behind him.
"Brother Zhang!"
"Ah, it's Brother Cheng Feng!"
Zhang Jian had already noticed Shi Lun and his servant disembarking from a carriage behind him.
Cheng Feng was Shi Lun's courtesy name.
Shi Lun smiled as he spoke, "I knew Brother Zhang would come here for the special travel permit. I've been waiting here for you!"
Glancing at the surrounding scholars, he whispered to Zhang Jian, "Come, we don't need to wait in line. We can go straight in for the permit!"
Shi Lun showed unusual enthusiasm toward Zhang Jian.
After receiving the protective talisman from Zhang Jian, Shi Lun had a restful sleep the previous night, something he hadn't experienced for a long time.
Seeing him now, Shi Lun was extremely cordial!
Walking along, he said with a smile to Zhang Jian, "Brother Zhang, all special permits are being issued at the County Minister's Mansion. Our Shi Family and Uncle Zhang's family are old family friends, so it's not so troublesome!"
Zhang Jian nodded.
"I see, I'm fortunate to have Brother Cheng Feng's help!"
Shi Lun smiled faintly, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
With Shi Lun's introduction, County Minister Zhang Han quickly approved the permits after verifying Zhang Jian and his servant's travel documents.
This County Minister was very agreeable.
Also, Zhang Jian and his servant were quite recognizable.
Zhang Jian was already a famous young scholar from Fengyang County, well-known in the area. After a brief verification, they confirmed his and his servant's identity as genuine and without issue.
Shi Lun had even fewer issues.
The two of them soon secured their special travel permits.
Shi Lun was quite enthusiastic along the way and soon brought up last night's major incident in the county.
"Brother Zhang, did you know something big happened in the city last night!"
"Those bandits were audacious, daring to storm the County Prison to rescue prisoners. My family managed to gather some details nearby..."
Shi Lun sighed and shook his head slightly.
"Almost all the prison guards were wiped out!"
Zhang Jian's brow furrowed slightly.
The Xuan Du Sect's target seemed not to be the County Governor's Office but the County Prison.
Apparently, there is someone significant in the County Prison, motivating the Xuan Du Sect to go to such lengths.
His eyes showed some gravity at that moment.
Shanyang County borders Fengyang County.
How can one allow others to sleep soundly beside their bed?
If Shanyang County were to collapse, Fengyang County might be the next to suffer.
Fengyang County is where the Zhang Family's roots lie.
With just one Dharma King of the Xuan Du Sect causing such difficulty, if they came out in full force, they would certainly be a formidable power.
However, it seems that the Xuan Du Sect's primary goal is still in Jixian County, acclaimed as the leading county among the southern provinces.
If he were in their position and planned an uprising, Zhang Jian believed he would also take this major county, a core hub of waterway traffic, whose wealth would be enough to arm a significant force.
However, in Zhang Jian's opinion, the Xuan Du Sect was likely merely a precursor to the king.
Despite the recent drought-induced masses of refugees in the southern provinces, the Daqian Court's foundation remains intact. Once the Court and Dong Shen Temple respond, they will promptly dispatch elite soldiers and experts to quell this rebellion.
"For now, let's focus on the imperial examinations!"
The Zhang Family should remain hidden and steadily develop; that is the way of the king.
Build high walls, store ample grain, and bide your time to claim the throne.
If the imperial examinations go smoothly, and he passes as an advanced scholar and serves in office a few times, when the Zhang Family is fully prepared, no challenge will be insurmountable.
With the travel permit, Zhang Jian, his servant, and several scholars were able to leave Jixian County smoothly. After traversing a few mountains, the famed Immortal Crossing lay before many scholars.
It is Jixian County's largest crossing.
Near the crossing, there is also a small town called Immortal Crossing.
The area is quite prosperous.
Across the vast, magnificent waters, numerous large ships maneuver on the river.
"So many soldiers!"
Many scholars stood at the crossing, somewhat awestruck by the sight.
They saw flags waving, with dragon banners representing the Daqian Court's legitimacy flying on each large ship.
Numerous troop ships and grain ships were passing through, continuously mobilized from surrounding commandery cities and sent through the Grand Canal to Shanyang County.
The scene was as if the Grand Canal was shrouded with boundless evil qi.