Chapter 4: Entering the City

The convoy slowly approached Yan City. From a distance, about a hundred or so people stood beneath the city gate, gazing toward the road from which they came—local officials and some prominent families of Yan City.

As the convoy stopped beneath the city wall, a middle-aged man of about forty called out loudly, “Lin Jingtang, the prefect of Yan City, along with local officials of all ranks, pays respects to His Highness Prince Yan, warmly welcoming His Highness’s arrival.”

Zhao Bin stepped out of the carriage and looked up at Yan City, which resembled a grand landlord’s estate. This was Yan City, the very place that would one day become Beijing, yet how dilapidated it appeared. A wave of melancholy surged in his heart.

Turning his gaze to those kneeling below, Zhao Bin immediately jumped down from the carriage and walked forward, helping Lin Jingtang to his feet. “Master Lin, please rise quickly. Everyone, no need for formalities, please stand.”

Zhao Bin knew that he would have to establish his footing here; these people would still be of use. Although this was a feudal society ruled by royal power, as a fallen phoenix, how many would truly regard him with respect?

The officials were greatly surprised—never had they expected the Third Prince, His Highness Prince Yan, to be so courteous. Their hearts eased, and they successively bowed and rose to their feet.

Lin Jingtang bowed deeply and said, “Your Highness has endured a long and tiring journey. I have already ordered the servants to prepare the residence; please enter the city and rest.”

“Thank you, Master Lin,” Zhao Bin smiled.

“Your humble servant dares not claim credit. From now on, Prince Yan shall be the lord of this land, and I shall be your servant. Such matters are merely my duty,” Lin replied.

Zhao Bin said no more and did not return to the carriage. Instead, he walked into the city with the others. Soldiers cleared the way ahead, and the common folk on both sides of the street knelt in respect.

Looking along the street, Zhao Bin saw that most of the people wore coarse linen garments, their faces gaunt. Those dressed in fine clothes were less than one in ten, a stark contrast to him, the prince.

After walking for about half an hour, the group arrived before a building at the city center. Lin Jingtang stepped forward and said, “Your Highness, this is a temporary residence built during His Majesty’s past military campaign. It is currently the largest mansion within the city. Due to time constraints, the prince’s palace has yet to be constructed, so I have ordered it to be tidied up. Please take temporary residence here.”

Zhao Bin understood well that he was clearly a sacrificial pawn in the struggle among the princes. There was no way anyone would build him a proper palace in such haste.

Moreover, the imperial treasury was already short on funds, and no one would agree to major construction. Fortunately, the emperor had not been entirely cruel and allowed him to stay in this temporary residence.

Otherwise, the prefect would not have dared to offer the emperor’s temporary residence for his use. For someone who had crossed over from another world, this was already something to be grateful for.

“This seems quite suitable. Let the palace be set here for the future; no need to rebuild,” Zhao Bin said thoughtfully after a moment’s reflection. “Lao Wu, Cui’er, Ling’er, Xing’er, arrange your matters accordingly.

Captain Xiao, you and your brothers in the guard troop should inspect the palace surroundings and arrange living quarters for the men.”

“Yes, Prince.”

“Yes, I will make the arrangements at once,” the captain responded.

...

Each went off to attend to their tasks.

“Master Lin, shall we go to the main hall to talk?” Zhao Bin looked back at the group still following him.

“Your Highness, you have traveled far and endured much. There is nothing urgent at the moment. Perhaps you should rest first and we can discuss matters in due course,” Lin suggested.

Zhao Bin considered this and agreed. Since arriving in this world, he had only been beaten or forced to travel, never truly resting. Even rest had been fraught with fear of assassination.

Now that he had left the capital, it should be safe for the time being, and he could finally rest properly.

“Very well. Thank you all for your efforts today. You may return and attend to your own affairs. We shall talk again another day.”

“Then your humble servants will take their leave,” the officials bowed with Lin Jingtang and gradually withdrew.