Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 57 Return to the Valley
Shentu Zhuo quickly obtained two official documents, one in the name of Tan Huaike, the wife of Shentu Mansion, and the other in the name of Aisha, his Hu merchant attendant.

Tan Huaike looked at the two brand new passes and asked, "It was processed so quickly? Isn't it said that there are so many people entering and leaving the border recently that after submitting the identity card, we still have to wait for several days?"

Shen Tu Zhuo said, "I do have some connections in the county. I can ask Chi Fanyu to give them a heads-up and tell them I'm on a business trip. That way, things will be done faster."

"Oh, Aisha's identity hasn't been revealed, has it? Has anyone questioned him?"

"You care about him so much?"

"I'm afraid that if he gets exposed, it will bring us fatal disaster." Tan Huaike said with good reason.

"That's right, that's why I said he was my Hu merchant follower," Shentu Zhuo said. "The county governor knows I've been refining the canal map lately and frequently travels around to explore the flow of the Black Water River's tributaries. He's already accustomed to me leading various people in and out of the border. Since the county governor wants to make some achievements in this matter, the county magistrate in charge of the crossing will definitely not make things difficult for us."

"I see." Tan Huaike asked with concern, "Then your chances of success in the imperial examination are very good, aren't they?"

"How can it be that simple? Do you think the imperial examination is a business? If I don't show real talent and knowledge, who would choose a playboy like me who has done nothing for more than ten years?"

"Uncle, don't say that. When you become famous and become an official, you can imagine how lively the mansion will be."

"What's the fun way?"

"It's so lively that the door is about to be broken down. There will definitely be many matchmakers looking for you."

"Say, propose marriage?" Shen Tu Zhuo's ears flushed. "Who asked them to propose marriage for me? I've been so handsome and elegant for so many years, but now that I've become an official, they're rushing to me? It's obvious that their intentions are all fake!"

"Why are you being so hypocritical? Who would want to marry a playboy? It's naturally more respectable to be the bride of an official. Besides, your brother is already married, so shouldn't Jun Gu start making plans for you?"

"Let's put this matter aside for now. I don't have the heart to think about it." Shen Tu Zhuo glanced at her. "By the way, please don't tell my mother about my participation in the imperial examination."

"Are you still afraid that you won't be chosen and will disappoint Jun Gu?"

"Not only that, my mother...has never wanted me to enter the officialdom."

"Why?"

"Anyway, please keep it a secret for me for now, sister-in-law. I will tell her when the time comes."

The two of them walked to the herbal medicine shop and gave Zhong Ming Aisha's new passport, asking him to pass it on. Zhong Ming didn't ask any more questions. After finishing his work, he delivered the passport to Aisha's temporary residence that night.

Badan took it and asked, "Why is there only one copy? Where's mine?"

Zhong Ming shook his head: "I don't know, the boss only gave me this one."

Badan glanced at the customs clearance and handed it to Aisha: "Young Master, does the second son of the Shentu family have ulterior motives? He refused to process my customs clearance and claimed that you are his follower. What if he wants to harm you after you are released from customs..."

Aisha, however, was unconcerned. "Shentu Zhuo is certainly not a kind person, but he wouldn't take advantage of someone in need right now. Besides, he cares so much about his sister-in-law... Oh, everything will return to normal, and let him be proud for a while."
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The three of them met at Yangguankou.

It was the first time that Tan Huaike took a good look at the pass connecting Daxuan and the western border. The last time she entered the pass, she was put in a sack by human traffickers and dragged in unconscious.

Bataan has been escorted here.

Shentu Zhuo said to Aisha coldly, "I'm sorry, I haven't done anything for your followers. After all, you are already my follower, and followers don't need followers anymore."

Tan Huaike: "..." Sometimes she really felt that her uncle was like a little kid.

Aisha said modestly: "It's okay, I'll follow Brother Shentu's arrangements." Shentu Zhuo muttered: "Who would call you a brother?"

Before leaving the country, Ah Hui brought three horses and handed the reins to his master.

"Walking is too slow. Riding a horse is more convenient." Shen Tu Zhuo asked Tan Huaike considerately, "Sister-in-law, can you ride a horse? If not..."

"I'm a Mohe!" Tan Huaike confidently led a horse over and swiftly climbed onto it. "I grew up on a horse farm. I also raised and traded horses with my father and brothers. Of course I can ride!"

"Okay." Shentu Zhuo's tone was slightly disappointed.

The three men rode out of the pass and followed the Black Water River.

Since she had to lead the way, Tan Huaike took the lead. The feeling of galloping on horseback was so good, as if she had returned to the carefree days in the Naxi River Valley. When she felt excited, she kicked the horse's belly and galloped wildly.

Shen Tu Zhuo chased after him, admonishing him, "Slow down! Be careful!"

Tan Huaike looked back at them. Her elegant bun was blown away by the wind, and her hair was flying, giving her a lively feeling. She didn't look like the "lady" who was confined to the house all day.

She said loudly, "This is a rare opportunity. How about we have a riding competition?"

Shen Tu Zhuo was also excited: "I have learned all six arts of a gentleman, please don't look down on me!"

As he spoke, Aisha had already seized the opportunity to overtake him and chased after Tan Huaike: "My sister's riding skills are also amazing, but she has never beaten me. Caizhu'er, do you really want to compete with me?"

Tan Huaike turned around and urged his horse to gallop faster: "Your Highness, you must admit your defeat!"

Shen Tuzhuo was angered by Aisha again. He leaned forward and galloped past him, saying disdainfully, "You have to beat me first, then we can talk!"

It was a really pleasant journey, speeding along the way.

However, when they were about to reach the valley, Tan Huaike slowed down her horse first. The increasingly familiar scene reminded her of the horror and pain of that night, and she no longer had the leisure to compete for the first place.

Shentu Zhuo noticed her expression and slowed down, saying, "This is the valley carved out by the Black Water tributary. Further ahead is the Juyan Lake, where there are even wider plains."

Tan Huaike rode forward: "Our caravan came from the plains of Juyan Lake. We stopped by this river valley to rest and happened to run into the princess's marriage party..."

Aisha, eager to find his sister, walked past them both and came to a high ground overlooking the valley.

The place is peaceful and tranquil.

The river was shallow and clear, gurgling along. Water birds occasionally drank or pecked at food, emitting long, melodious calls. The trees along the bank seemed fewer than they had been then, most of them leafless and no longer lush, nor were the yellow and white fruits of the past.

Several months passed and it was as if nothing had happened here, with no trace left.

Shen Tuzhuo asked doubtfully, "Are you sure it's here?"

Tan Huaike nodded. "Yes, I won't be mistaken." She pointed to a few short trees in the distance and recalled, "I picked wild fruits there and gave one to my brother. It was so sour that he jumped up and down. Later, when I went to the river to wash the wild fruits, Princess Alan told me that they were called apricots. We in Mohe also planted some seeds..."

"I should have come here earlier." Aisha turned his horse and followed the path into the valley. "Let's go down and take a look. I don't believe there's nothing left."

　Next chapter: How could he end up with nothing left?
　　
　
(End of this chapter)