Chapter 61: Arriving at the Capital

  The first light of morning pierced through the haze, and the gates of the capital slowly opened. Accompanied by the guards, San Bao and her group entered the city.

  The capital, the heart of the Rudy Kingdom, was even grander and more magnificent than any city she had ever seen before. The glitzy streets of Pingjiang and the elegance of Moling paled in comparison to this city's grandeur.

  The streets of the capital were wide and smooth, stretching endlessly, with rows of shops lining both sides. Wine houses, silk stores, bookstores, and tea shops were interspersed, each with colorful banners fluttering in front of them. Some of the shops were centuries-old, giving off a sense of prosperity and grandeur.

  The streets were bustling with people dressed in fine fabrics, each walking with composure and speaking elegantly. Occasionally, city patrol guards rode past on horseback. Their armor gleamed, and the steady sound of their horse hooves rang through the air. The citizens instinctively stepped aside, and everything was orderly.

  As the group passed over a stone bridge, the water below flowed slowly, clear as gss, reflecting the prosperous scene on both banks. On either side of the river were rows of green trees, with willow branches gently brushing the water's surface. The branches swayed in the breeze, almost as though whispering to the passersby.

  Along the banks, the stone paths were lined with shops, their goods shining in the sunlight. Fabrics made of gold and silver thread, fragrant herbs, exquisite ceramic vessels, and all kinds of jewelry attracted the attention of passing nobles and merchants, who paused to browse.

  In the distance, the pace emerged from the clouds. Several towering pavilions reached toward the sky, with soaring eaves, crimson window frames, and intricately carved columns, radiating both solemnity and opulence.

  The entire capital was alive with vibrancy but without chaos. The prosperity of the Rudy Kingdom was fully dispyed here.

  Tang Mingli sat beside San Bao, noticing her gaze lingering out the window. He smiled and said, "So, how do you like it? This is your first time in the capital, isn't it? Quite impressive, isn’t it?"

  San Bao shifted her gaze and replied indifferently, "It’s quite lively." However, in her heart, she couldn't help but think, *Nice one, Tang Mingli. Is this a subtle way of mocking me for being a country bumpkin entering the city?*

  The procession reached the gates of the Royal City Guard. It was a rge, red-painted gate adorned with gold, with the words "Royal City Guard" inscribed in bold, powerful characters. Soldiers stood at attention, exuding an aura of authority and solemnity.

  The handover process was simple and efficient. The guards rexed their tense nerves from the past days, and smiles appeared on their faces.

  Everyone couldn’t help but recall the days spent since leaving Hailing. The journey felt as if it had taken an eternity. Many had sacrificed their lives along the way—Tang Ping, Zhu Ting (Chen Weiliang), and half of the guards. San Bao and the Tang family head had only joined the group temporarily, but after spending so many days together, everyone had become connected, with their fates intertwined.

  The guards came forward to salute San Bao and Tang Mingli, saying their goodbyes.

  Zhu Chengzhi's small face was streaked with tears, and he called out reluctantly to San Bao, "San Bao sister, Young Master Tang, you must come visit me often!"

  San Bao watched as the guards escorted Zhu Chengzhi into the Royal City Guard’s gates, her heart filled with sorrow.

  Tang Mingli gently patted San Bao’s back, silently comforting her. "So, what are your pns next? Would you like to visit my family?"

  "I don’t know anyone in the capital. Where else can I go but to your house?" San Bao’s voice was tinged with sadness.

  Upon hearing San Bao’s response, Tang Mingli’s face brightened, and he waved his hand. A luxurious carriage immediately appeared from around the corner.

  Looking at the rge "Tang" written on the carriage door, San Bao realized—since they entered the city, the Tang family must have been secretly following them.

  The carriage turned into a quiet alley, gradually getting further away. After passing a rge stone bridge with crimson railings, a grand mansion appeared before their eyes.

  The Tang family mansion, its golden namepte hanging above the entrance, dispyed the prestigious position of the Tang family in the Rudy Kingdom. The core residence of the Tang family was located right behind this namepte, in the most central area of the capital.

  The two rge doors, coated in gold paint, were solid and imposing. The decorative wall inside the entrance was engraved with intricate dragon motifs, giving off a grand and imposing aura.

  San Bao stepped down from the carriage, her eyes taking in the sprawling Tang residence, which was arranged in an intricate, staggered yout. She remained silent.

  Tang Mingli gnced at her, his tone casual, "So, what do you think? Does my house live up to expectations?"

  San Bao remained silent, her head bowed, lost in thought.

  "Welcome home, Master!" The Tang family servants at the entrance all bowed in unison when they saw Tang Mingli, creating a grand and impressive scene.

  A fsh of pride appeared in Tang Mingli’s eyes. "Alright, stand up!" He took San Bao’s hand and led her inside the gates.