Time Travel: The Survival of Li Zhi

Chapter 293 Arriving in the Capital

Time passed quickly like a white horse passing by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day when Li Zhi and Hong Fan had agreed to go to the capital together.

Li Zhi got up early, packed his bag in an orderly manner, and carefully checked the items he would need for the journey. After confirming that everything was correct, he carried the package and hurried to Yeyousi at dawn, where he quietly waited for Hong Fan's arrival.

There was a hint of anticipation and excitement in his eyes. For this trip to the capital, he was filled with curiosity about the city and had a glimmer of hope that he could solve his own problems.

Soon, Hong Fan's figure appeared leisurely in Li Zhi's sight.

He walked towards Li Zhi with steady steps and a calm expression.

Seeing that Li Zhi was already waiting here, Hong Fan raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and said jokingly: "So early?"

Li Zhi scratched his head a little embarrassedly and replied with a smile: "I just got here not long ago too."

In fact, he had already been unable to suppress his anxiety, but he just didn't show it too much.

"Let's go, let's set off now!"

Hong Fan was thoughtful and keenly sensed the anxiety in Li Zhi's heart. He didn't say any more nonsense and directly and neatly invited Li Zhi to embark on the journey together.

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi nodded vigorously, and then he and Hong Fan jumped on the horse together in tacit understanding.

As the crisp sound of a whip resounded through the morning air, the two horses raised their hooves and galloped towards the capital with the two men, raising a light cloud of dust behind them.

 …

“Huh—”

Li Zhi looked up at the majestic and towering city wall in front of him, his heart full of emotion, and then he let out a long breath.

The city wall is majestic and magnificent, like a giant dragon encircling the earth. The thick bricks and stones are tightly stacked, bearing the traces of time and the vicissitudes of history, demonstrating the unparalleled majesty and solemnity of this capital city.

After he and Hong Fan rode non-stop all the way, sleeping in the open air and after many days of travel, they finally arrived at the capital city that Li Zhi had been longing for.

Hong Fan turned his head to glance at Li Zhi beside him, and saw that even though he had been rushing all the way, his expression was still full of irrepressible excitement, and his bright eyes were sparkling with curiosity and anticipation.

Hong Fan secretly laughed when he saw this, because this time he brought Li Zhi to the capital not on a sudden whim, but with a deeper plan and another important purpose.

Hong Fan raised his chin slightly, gestured in the direction of the city gate, and said, "Let's go, let's go into the city!"

Li Zhi nodded and said, "Okay!"

There was a hint of urgency in the voice that responded.

After saying that, the two of them walked towards the city gate together.

After all, the capital is different from other ordinary cities. As the core of the entire country, it gathers travelers, merchants and all kinds of people from all over the world.

In order to ensure the safety and order of the capital, every traveler or merchant must undergo strict and detailed registration, and no details can be missed.

Fortunately, Li Zhi and Hong Fan were from the Night Patrol Department and were public officials, so the guards at the city gate only carefully verified their identities and then politely let them in.

As soon as they stepped into the city gate, a prosperous and lively atmosphere hit them in the face, as if they were instantly drawn into a bustling vortex.

There are shops lined up on both sides of the street, one next to the other. The exquisite signs sparkle in the sunlight, emitting charming glow.

There is an antique silk shop, in which rolls of colorful and soft silk are displayed, which is pleasing to the eyes.

There is also a bookstore with the scent of ink wafting out of it. The bookshelves are filled with all kinds of books, from poetry and songs to anecdotes, which attracts many literati to stop and read, and sometimes discuss the subtleties of the books in a low voice.

There are also jewelry shops filled with a dazzling array of goods. Hairpins, earrings, bracelets and other accessories made of gold and silver sparkle brightly under the lights, attracting the attention of many women. From time to time, you can hear their exclamations and praises.

The streets were crowded with people, and some were rich people wearing gorgeous brocade robes, with steady steps and graceful gestures, often followed by a group of attendants, showing great pomp and circumstance.

There were also travelers from other places carrying bags and looking dusty. They looked around curiously and excitedly shared what they saw and heard with their companions.

There are also ordinary people who are dressed simply but neatly. They shuttle through the streets and alleys, busy with their own business, either purchasing daily necessities or selling home-made handicrafts. Everyone's face is filled with the breath of life.

Looking at the center of the street, from time to time a gorgeously decorated carriage slowly passed by. The carriage was carved with exquisite patterns, and the curtains fluttered in the wind. You could vaguely see whether the person sitting in the carriage was a pretty lady from a wealthy family or a majestic official.

The clatter of horse hooves blends in with the surrounding noise, yet seems so harmonious, forming together this prosperous symphony unique to the capital.

Even though Li Zhi had been thinking about the Yeyousi treasure house in his mind, he was shocked by the prosperous scenes before him.

This was a level of prosperity that Li Zhi had never seen in the many towns he had visited before. Moreover, every person here had a look of confidence and peace on their face, as if as long as they were here, they didn't have to worry about any danger.

Hong Fan smiled and patted Li Zhi's shoulder gently, saying in a casual tone: "We have been traveling for such a long time, I am sure your stomach must be growling. Let's go eat something first to fill our stomachs and save our strength. It won't be too late to go to the Si Nei Yamen later."

After hearing this, Li Zhi nodded and responded, "Okay."

Although he was indeed anxious to take a look at the Yeyousi treasury, he had already arrived in the capital and there was no time to lose.

It seemed that this was not Hong Fan's first time in the capital. He was quite familiar with the streets and alleys of this prosperous capital, just like he knew his own backyard.

Under his guidance, Li Zhi followed his footsteps and after walking for a while, they arrived at a restaurant.

I saw that the exterior decoration of the restaurant was extremely luxurious, and the vermilion door looked particularly majestic. A gold-plated plaque hung high above the door lintel, with three large characters "Shengyue Tower" inscribed on it. The handwriting was vigorous and powerful, and it sparkled brightly under the sunlight.

On both sides of the gate, there are two lifelike stone lions, looking majestic, as if guarding the dignity of this restaurant.

Looking at the walls of the restaurant, they are all made of fine bricks and stones, with carved beams and painted rafters, and decorated with exquisite patterns. There are auspicious scenes of dragons and phoenixes, as well as lively figures of flowers, birds, fish and insects. Every detail demonstrates extraordinary style and taste.

Li Zhi just casually glanced at the restaurant and knew in his heart that the consumption here must be very expensive and it was definitely not a place that ordinary people could easily set foot in.

However, within the territory of Yongguo, there are no strict rules that force officials to be frugal.

Because of this, most of the people coming in and out here on weekdays are dignitaries. They are dressed in gorgeous clothes, often surrounded by servants, and walk in and out of the restaurant with a haughty manner, making this place full of an atmosphere of wealth and luxury.

Hong Fan raised his hand and pointed at the restaurant, smiling and saying, "Come in, Shengyue Tower is a first-class restaurant in the capital. If it wasn't for your first time in the capital, I really wouldn't want to eat in such an expensive place."

Although he said this, his expression did not show much pain. Instead, it showed a bit of anticipation, as if he had been looking forward to coming here and enjoying himself.

After hearing this, Li Zhi couldn't help but curl his lips secretly, thinking to himself, if this was said by Cheng Fengzi, he might believe it a little bit. But now that it came from Hong Fan, he didn't believe a word of it.

After all, Hong Fan was a man who spent money lavishly on a daily basis. When he was in Minglei City, he often frequented various high-end places. Li Zhi was very familiar with his unrestrained and extravagant style.

However, although Li Zhi thought so in his heart, he didn't say much. It was a rare opportunity to have a good meal in Hongfan. Such a good thing was hard to find even with a lantern.

Naturally, he was also filled with joy. He followed Hong Fan with a smile and together they stepped into the gate of Shengyue Tower.