Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 70 Luoyang (Please read 4k words)

Along the banks of the Yu River, amidst the reeds.

They ran north along the river for about half an hour before finally stopping.

With the help of Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun, Zhang Xian removed his heavy armor.

Sweat soaked my whole body. This armor is really thick, but it's also true that it's not breathable.

The assassination in the city added 540 combat experience points, and his combat level finally broke through the level two experience bar.

Squatting down to wash the bloodstains off his body in the puddle, Zhang Xian thought for a moment. Five hundred and forty combat experience points, and he had only killed nine people. So, each veteran only provided sixty experience points, which wasn't much.

He activated his cheat system and, while washing himself, completed the skill point allocation.

Having gained three skill points by advancing from level two to level three, Zhang Xian was overjoyed at the appearance of the new skill.

Combat Level: 3 (121/5000)

Skill sub-items:
Brute Force: Adds one point to the strength rating.

Agility: Increases reaction time detection slightly during combat.

Strengthen Body: Increases physique by one point during combat.

Swiftness: Increases attack speed by 10% during combat.

Thick blood: When injured, the bleeding rate of the wound is reduced by 50%.

Heavy Cavalry: The warhorse bound to the Spiritbone Short Whistle will have the same carrying capacity as you.

There are a total of six skill points for level three combat skills. I used all the points for each new skill instead of upgrading the existing skills.

Actually, the three skills at level 2 are good for upgrading, but the new skills that appear after upgrading are obviously more cost-effective.

Especially with the heavy cavalry skill, ever since he unlocked the Spirit Bone Short Whistle, he hasn't really paid much attention to the horse he's bound to; he only uses it as a backup plan for escaping.

But now that we have this skill, the priority of the warhorse bound to the Spirit Bone Whistle has increased several times.

The same weight-bearing effect means that the armor weight he can reduce also applies to the Spiritbone Short Sentry Warhorse.

So it was you, rider and horse both clad in heavy armor! The Empire's elite armored cavalry!
After washing themselves, the group rested for a while in the reeds.

The burly man who followed them out of the narrow underground passage fawned over Zhang Xian and fanned him.

"My lords, is there anything I can do to help you?"

Zhang Xian looked at him with amusement. The fact that he could react so quickly and run away with them showed that this person was quite clever.

He waved his hand: "There's nothing we need you to do, but after we rest for a while, you'll need to follow us. Once we pass Yingchuan, you can go on your own."

The burly man nodded familiarly: "I understand. You heroes are all capable of great things, and I certainly won't make things difficult for you."

"Yes, she's a sensible child."

Zhang Xian and Huang Zhong smiled.

After resting for about 15 minutes and eating a few bites of the stamina biscuits and endurance flatbreads from the weighted space, the three of them got up together.

Upon seeing this, the burly man quickly stood up and fawned over him.

"Brother, where are the rest of the warhorses stored?"

Zhang Xian looked at Zhao Yun. They had nine horses when they came from Taoyuan, but three were abandoned in Wancheng. Zhao Yun had arranged for the rest to be placed outside the city.

Zhao Yun parted a corner of the reeds, looked around, glanced in the direction of Wancheng, and then pointed in one direction.

"Over there, someone hired someone to help look after things at a farmhouse over there, about ten miles away."

"Alright, let's retrieve the horse first, then go home."

Emerging from the reeds, the four headed north. The effects of their daily morning exercise in Peach Blossom Spring were evident; the three of them walked with ease, while only the burly man felt somewhat exhausted later on.

The three of them, who governed twenty or thirty counties under Nanyang's jurisdiction, had to leave Nanyang's territory today to avoid being besieged.

Having removed his armor, Zhang Xian felt completely relaxed. Although the armor didn't weigh much to him, weight is weight, and physical sensation is physical sensation.

Without the armor, the wind blowing in my face as I walk is a feeling that is infinitely more comfortable than being stuffed inside the armor.

They retrieved a horse from a farmer's house, left two strings of copper coins, and the four of them mounted their horses and rode off at full speed.

Perhaps because they were moving too fast, the expected pursuers never appeared.

So they left Nanyang County without any trouble.

Heading north, passing Fangcheng Pass, the southern foothills of Funiu Mountain, and arriving at Yique Pass.

At the gate, Zhang Xian gave Huang Zhong a look, and the latter understood and threw a heavy package to the burly man behind him.

"Kid, we're here. Walk on your own."

"..." The burly man forced a smile: "My lords, it is my blessing to follow you. Otherwise, I would still follow you."

"Hahaha," Huang Zhong laughed a few times, "Don't worry, I didn't intend to kill you. Go on your own."

He pointed to the package, gesturing for the burly man to dismount.

"Can the little one really walk now?"

He looked at Zhang Xian, and in the past two days he had come to a clear understanding of who was truly in charge among these three.

Zhang Xian nodded: "Leave on your own. You're smart enough to do something productive from now on."

The burly man was momentarily stunned. He had thought he would either be taken away or killed, but he never expected that these people would actually let him go.

Now it was his turn to be confused. To be fair, the three people in front of him had acted quite chivalrously these past two days, and their generosity was a far cry from their viciousness in Wancheng.

It's like a rich young man going out for a stroll.

After a thousand thoughts raced through his mind, the burly man gritted his teeth, cupped his hands, and faced Zhang Xian, saying, "Hero, we shall meet again someday!"

Several horses stopped across the straight road in front of Yique Pass. Zhang Xian and his companions watched the burly man leave, and chuckled, "They are indeed cautious."

"Okay, let's go too."

They dismounted and led their horses to the Yique Pass. After their travel permits were checked, the three entered the pass to resupply.

Behind Yique Pass.

That is Luoyang.

Now I finally have time to properly enjoy the scenery of the capital!
-
In the early morning in Luoyang, the shouts of vendors rose and fell on Tongtuo Street, caravans of foreign merchants jingled past, glassware refracted rainbow halos in the sunlight, and benzoin emitted its unique aroma.

They traveled eighty li from Yique Pass and didn't enter the city until the market opened in the morning.

The Hu people's attire had been removed, and Zhang Xian was dressed in a brocade robe, which added a touch of nobility to his handsome face.

"This Luoyang city is more than ten times more lively than Zhen Ding!" Zhao Yun, with his youthful spirit, kept looking around.

Huang Zhong stroked his beard and smiled: "This is the capital, so it's naturally bustling with activity. When I came here before, there were even Western Region dancers performing the Hu Xuan dance in the streets. Ah Yun, let me tell you, those Western Region women..."

"Ahem, Hansheng, Yundi is still young, don't corrupt him."

Zhang Xian coughed twice, interrupting Huang Zhong's eloquent speech.

Huang Zhong paused, realizing that Zhao Yun's age was indeed similar to that of an elder taking his nephew to a brothel. His face flushed, and he was about to apologize when the conversation suddenly changed.

"I've come of age to be thirty, Hansheng, why don't you tell me more about it?"

Zhang Xian raised an eyebrow at Huang Zhong, revealing an expression that every man understands.

"Pfft, hahaha."

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter, leaving Zhao Yun completely bewildered.

"Let's go and explore Luoyang. Since Hansheng has been here before, you can be our guide."

"Then let's go this way, my lord."

Huang Zhong gestured forward, saying, "This must be the West Market."

Merchants from all over the country were calling out in fluent Mandarin.

"Camel hair, the finest camel hair."

"Bentonin."

"A genuine Jiaojiao slave! Capable of diving ten zhang deep to collect pearls—"

As they walked, the vendors' shouts filled the air, and the group was intrigued. Zhang Xian would occasionally step forward to ask about prices.

The prosperity here exceeded his expectations; the number of foreign merchants was like that of later generations.

Seeing his curiosity, Huang Zhong continued to explain: "Those are Dayuan people, and over there are Qin merchants, but not the Qin of the Qin Dynasty. I heard them say something about mules and horses."
Those over there are Sogdian merchants, Yuezhi merchants, and Parthian merchants.

"Hansheng can actually tell the difference!"

Zhang Xian became curious; for him, the only difference was the race.

Huang Zhong chuckled lightly: "I was quite playful when I was young, I hope you won't laugh at me, my lord." "Oh—I understand."

Zhang Xian smiled again and continued wandering around.

"Yes, this is it."

As he passed a stall run by a foreign merchant, his eyes were drawn to the silks on display.

Upon seeing a guest approach, the foreign merchant warmly received him.

"Does this distinguished guest have anything he or she desires?"

"Bring me that piece of silk."

Zhang Xian pointed to the fabric that he felt was familiar.

The merchant handed it over: "This item absorbs water like silk, is lighter and warmer than wool, and is quite popular among nobles."

Zhang Xian took it and felt its soft texture; it was definitely cotton.

His gaze was calm as he stroked the surface of the cotton cloth, and he asked indifferently, "How much do you want?"

The merchant from Hu said with delight and enthusiasm, "This white cloth absorbs water and doesn't stick to sweat. It's warm in winter and cool in summer. If you would like to give me some money for my trouble, this piece is worth 40,000 Han zhu."

"Hmm, it's not expensive."

Zhang Xian nodded, but his heart trembled. Good heavens, a bolt of cotton cloth was almost worth four warhorses.

"However, I am from out of town and do not have enough money, so I am afraid I will not be able to buy it."

He put down the cotton cloth with some regret and sighed.

"If you are interested, I can deliver it to your door. I wonder where you are?"

"Changshan, can it withstand this?"

"Yes, yes!"

The foreign merchant had spent many years in Chang'an and had a thorough understanding of the Han people. He could tell that the man in front of him clearly came from a distinguished family, and he was unwilling to let go of such a high-quality client.

So even if he can't, he has to be able to, not to mention that he is indeed going to Changshan soon, where a new wine has emerged that has recently become quite popular in both Han and Western Regions.

Zhang Xian nodded: "Then when you go to Changshan, head to Zhengding and inquire about Taoyuan Village."

"Peach Blossom Spring?!" the Hu merchant exclaimed in surprise.

This caught Zhang Xian's attention.

"What? You've heard of it?"

The merchant asked with delight, "Is it Mr. Zixu's paradise?!"

Ok?
Zhang Xian was even more surprised. Had his reputation become so widespread?
He nodded: "Yes."

"The benefactor is..."

Hu Shang asked.

Zhang Xian: "Xiahou Lan, the manager of Taoyuan, has come to Luoyang to purchase some things."

Zhao Yun, standing behind him, paused for a moment, then suppressed a laugh.

"So it's Steward Xiahou! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner. It's truly a case of finding a needle in a haystack without any effort on my part. Thank goodness!" The merchant was overjoyed and became even more hospitable to Zhang Xian and his party.

"I wonder if Steward Xiahou would do me the honor of joining me? I'd like to purchase some goods in Peach Blossom Spring, if you would like to?"

"You can do anything!"

Zhang Xian readily agreed, as he also wanted to discuss a business deal with this Hu merchant.

"please."

"please!"

The Hu merchant gestured forward, called over a young Hu man to watch the stall, and then led Zhang Xian and the others to the tavern in the West Market.

Luoyang is indeed Luoyang; this tavern alone has three floors and is packed with guests.

The Hu man led Zhang Xian and the others inside, bowing towards the counter: "Manager Chen, do you have any private rooms available?"

"Yes, there is. You can go directly to Qingfeng Pavilion."

It was clear that this foreign merchant was quite shrewd, and the tavern owners in the West Market knew him very well.

"Thank you, Manager Chen. Please bring some wine, meat, and fruit."

Turning to Zhang Xian, he said, "This way, Steward Xiahou."

Go upstairs, and you'll find carved beams and painted rafters, the wood a deep reddish hue.

Inside Qingfeng Pavilion, the foreign merchant settled a few people in, then hurriedly ran outside, returning with a glass bottle in his hand.

"Steward Xiahou, you should try this fine Anxi wine. I wonder how it compares to the Cold Pool Fragrance of Peach Blossom Spring?"

Cold Pool Fragrance? Zhang Xian was taken aback and glanced at Huang Zhong, who also looked like he had never heard of it.

"What is the fragrance of the cold pool?" Zhang Xian took the fine wine from Anxi handed over by the foreign merchant. The wine was reddish-brown, and it turned out to be a type of wine.

"Yes, yes, look at me, I got so excited that I forgot that 'Fragrance of the Cold Pool' is just an elegant name given by outsiders."

The merchant, with an apologetic smile, explained, "Peach Blossom Spring Wine is clear in color and has an intoxicating aroma. If you drink it with a little ice, the taste is simply like heavenly nectar, which is why it has earned the elegant name 'Fragrance of a Cold Pool'."

The three of them were stunned.

Okay, that's clever!

"I wonder what the Peach Blossom Wine is called in Peach Blossom Spring?" The merchant from Hu personally poured wine for Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun.

Zhang Xian said softly, "Binghua."

"Yet it is elegant yet retains its character, perfectly matching the aroma and color of the wine." The Hu merchant flattered.

Hmm, I just thought of that, inspired by the fragrance of this cold pool.

"I wonder what the price would be if this Ice Flower were purchased in large quantities?"

After much back and forth, the merchant finally spoke.

"It's negotiable." He chuckled and put down his wine cup.

"Oh, hahaha, Steward Xiahou can make the decision?"

“Of course I can,” Zhang Xian nodded.

The merchant was excited and poured more wine, but was stopped.

"I am not a strong drinker, and although this wine is good, I can only drink one cup. I suppose we are already acquainted, so may I ask your name?"

Hu Shang listened to the advice and said, "If you don't want to drink, then I won't pour it." He put down the glass bottle, cupped his hands, and said, "It was my fault for being impolite. My name is Hu, and my given name is Bursted. My Chinese name is Bu Er, and my courtesy name is Sid."

"Haha, you certainly know how to take shortcuts," Zhang Xian laughed.

The Hu merchant also laughed: "Chinese characters contain countless meanings. We Hu people can find the accurate pronunciation and meaning of our names in them. I'm sorry that Manager Xiahou made a fool of himself."

"You're quite an interesting person. Alright, I already know what you want. Are you planning to purchase Ice Flower from Peach Blossom Spring?"

“Indeed,” Boul nodded.

"Okay, no problem. I can offer you a price of 100 catties for 10,000 coins, but you have to do me a favor."

"Manager Xiahou, please speak frankly."

The merchant from Hu bowed.

After a moment's thought, Zhang Xian asked directly, "Does your stall sell crop seeds for that product called 'White Cloth'?"

"Does Steward Xiahou want the seeds of white cypress?"

Hu Shang looked slightly hesitant.

"What? Reluctant to part with it?" Zhang Xian feigned annoyance.

Boer quickly apologized, "It's not that I'm reluctant to part with it, but..."

He gritted his teeth and said, "To be honest with Manager Xiahou, this white rosehip cannot be grown in the Central Plains."

"I have lived in the Han lands for a long time and have quite a bit of wealth. Even here under the emperor's nose, I own a hundred acres of fertile land. I had tried to grow white butternuts directly in Luoyang, but I failed for a long time and had to give up. So if Steward Xiahou wants to grow white butternuts, please forgive me for not being able to help."

Will it not grow?
It's alright!
"Do you still have any seeds?!"

“There are still some.”

“I will sell it to you for a thousand grains, and whether it goes through or not will not affect our business.”

"it is good!"

(End of this chapter)