32. Is someone following me?

Afternoon in Zhizhen

Zhao Chengxian originally knew a friend from Zhizhen, though that friend had already moved away. However, Zhao Chengxian had learned some of the local language here. With this, plus the traditional ethnic clothing he wore, he could easily pass as a local. The other three, as long as they didn’t speak and just looked the part, would be fine. Zhao Chengxian instructed them to keep smiling and not to scare anyone. They were dressed in white, cross-collared tops and pants, with black outer garments, and their hair wrapped in white headscarves. Walking down the street, they attracted no suspicion at all. It was as if they had transformed into entirely different people. Zhao Chengxian glanced at his own attire and thought, “Xiaoyue, if I appeared before you now, what expression would you have?” Truly, a handsome man looks good in anything, just like Zhao Chengxian now.

Haiyang and Haiming exchanged looks, realizing how strange it was to see someone who looked exactly like themselves. At least it saved them the trouble of buying mirrors. They found it odd to be wearing such clothes, and couldn’t help but laugh simultaneously, “You look so strange in all white!” Were they not talking about themselves? How ridiculous. Then they looked over at Chen Gui, who remained calm and indifferent, completely unaffected by what he wore. He was truly the epitome of composure.

The group entered a bustling teahouse, realizing there was no better place to gauge public opinion than a teahouse or an inn, since people always gathered there to drink tea and eat. This teahouse was called the “Ruxi Teahouse.” It was quite large, reminiscent of the Qinse Teahouse in the capital, but with an added ethnic charm that made it feel warm and inviting. Zhao Chengxian chose not to ask for a private room and simply sat at a random table. The waiter, seeing guests arrive, greeted them, “Honored guests, what would you like to order? We have the finest West Lake pre-rain Dragon Well, Dongting Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Lushan Yunwu tea…” Zhao Chengxian interrupted and ordered a pot of Dragon Well tea. The waiter, enthusiastic, then began recommending snacks, “Would you care for some tea snacks? We have the most authentic Ran County delicacies: Yunpian cake, erbing, milk slices, and steamed dumplings…” Truly a dedicated waiter.

Zhao Chengxian sighed and said, “No, we won’t have any snacks.” He deliberately let them think they couldn’t afford them. Of course, he wasn’t trying to freeload. Then, looking at the young waiter, he asked, “We’re from the countryside and want to enlist in the military camp. Do they still need recruits? By the way, little brother, those officers must often come here for tea, right? If you could introduce some officers for us to meet, we would never forget your kindness!” Judging by their appearance, they didn’t seem like people looking for connections, but it was already impressive to hear a nobleman say such words. If it weren’t for trying to find a breakthrough, Zhao Chengxian wouldn’t stoop to such humility with a mere waiter.

The waiter shook his head, “Forget it, you’d better not try. You won’t pass the tests like this!” He sized them up, then made a gesture as if counting silver notes, “Without this, you can’t get in. I heard the more you pay, the higher your position. Have you heard about what happened in Lin City the day before yesterday?” Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengxian and the others perked up. Noticing their interest and ensuring no one from the military camp was nearby, the waiter leaned closer and whispered, “A foreigner was right here, where you’re sitting, bribing some soldiers to go to Lin City to deal with his enemies!” How foolish — seeking revenge abroad was clearly a trap set for them to fall into. They had to catch that person, or the country of Jiaoyang would be blamed.

Haiyang immediately asked, “Do you know that man?” Zhao Chengxian gave Haiyang a glance, signaling him not to rush.

The waiter smiled, “Why are you so excited? It’s not something you can manage!” He loved gossiping about his customers.

Zhao Chengxian smiled and explained, “My brother might want to find that man. Maybe he could help us get into the military. Do you know him?” He looked at the waiter with hopeful eyes.

The waiter shook his head, “No, I don’t know him. That man comes to Ruxi Teahouse once a month, waiting for an officer. I do know that officer — Deputy General Poli of the Phantom City Army!” Zhao Chengxian and the others nodded and smiled. The waiter, fearing Zhao Chengxian would ask him to introduce them, quickly waved his hands, “Don’t ask me to introduce you — I’m not that close to Deputy General Poli!” Then he hurried away. Zhao Chengxian was half convinced by what he said, but at least they had a lead.

They left Ruxi Teahouse and wanted to find an inn to discuss matters. Walking along the street, they sensed someone was following them. They deliberately slowed their pace, and the follower did the same. Suddenly Zhao Chengxian turned back and walked to a jewelry stall, asking the shopkeeper, “What would be a good gift for my lady?” Pretending to hold a bronze mirror while actually watching the person behind them. The follower had fierce, wolf-like eyes and a burly build. He stood in front of a sword and knife shop, pretending to look at weapons but his gaze never left Zhao Chengxian.

Zhao Chengxian realized they had probably been followed since the teahouse. He decided to turn the tables and signaled Chen Gui to tail the follower. Chen Gui nodded and split off with Haiyang and Haiming. The follower seemed to know Zhao Chengxian was the leader and paid no attention to the others. Zhao Chengxian feigned indifference and patiently listened to the shopkeeper’s introduction, waiting for the right moment to make his move.

After a while, a horse-drawn cart carrying several bags of flour arrived. Haiyang, hidden in the shadows, threw a stone at the horse. The horse bolted wildly, causing the flour bags on the cart to bounce up and fall repeatedly. The bags were pierced by wooden splinters from the cart, scattering flour into the wind and covering the surrounding pedestrians in white powder. Chaos ensued as people fled and dodged, turning the street lively and noisy. Seizing the confusion, Zhao Chengxian slipped away unnoticed. The flour-covered follower frantically searched for Zhao Chengxian among the crowd but could find no trace of him.