Chapter 740: Hearing of Hundred-Fragrance Noodles Again

Zhongzhi City.

This city stood upon the former dividing line between West Xiao and Great Xiang. It had once been a highly contested military stronghold, eventually falling to Great Xiang in the tenth year of the Xinglong era.

After the Grand Ancestor of Xiang unified the realm, the region gradually found peace. Yet, because so many troops had been stationed here in the past, the military camps remained. This place housed what used to be Great Xiang's largest military garrison near the southwest—the Nanwei Camp.

Later, when the King of Wei raised his army here, the Nanwei Camp, which fell under the direct jurisdiction of the Imperial Court, should have fought back. Instead, they were swayed by a letter written in the King of Wei's own hand. Without a single soldier lost, the Nanwei Camp surrendered to his banner.

Because of this, the King of Wei secured his foothold and avoided fighting a war on two fronts. It was no exaggeration to say the Nanwei Camp saved him at a critical moment.

Today, the generals of the Nanwei Camp served as deputy commanders within the Wei Army, holding positions of immense prestige.

That commanding general now guarded Zhongzhi City, securing the western pass for the King of Wei to keep the Kang Army at bay.

The city bustled with life. As the second-largest city within the King of Wei's territory, it boasted a massive population and was widely considered by the common people to be the safest place in the realm.

Trade routes flowed smoothly here, with an endless stream of carriages and wagons passing through.

Yangchun gazed up at the towering city gates. "Master, there are so many people here!" she said.

Chen Changsheng nodded. "Let's head inside first."

Long lines snaked outside the walls as people filed into the city one by one.

Merchant caravans were required to present travel documents, but regular citizens were treated with more leniency. Those without papers were still allowed inside, though the guards at the gate issued them a temporary slip. Inside the city, they had to carry this slip at all times; anyone caught without one would be hauled off to the Local Government for interrogation. Overstaying the permitted time meant facing immediate expulsion. On that front, the rules were strictly enforced.

The guards asked a flurry of questions: where they came from, where their home was, their purpose for visiting, and so on.

Only after confirming everything was in order did the guards issue the slip.

"You are only allowed to stay in the city for two days. Once the two days are up, you must present this slip to leave. You can't exit without it, and you'll be arrested and questioned by the authorities if you're caught without it. Do not lose or damage it," the guard warned.

Chen Changsheng accepted the slip. "This Chen understands," he said with a nod.

The guard nodded and called out, "Next."

With that, Chen Changsheng and Yangchun entered the city.

"They're so strict..." Yangchun murmured.

"There's a heavy military presence here. It's only natural they'd be a bit stricter," Chen Changsheng replied.

Yangchun nodded. "I used to hear the steward at my old manor talk about how bustling Zhongzhi City was. Now I finally get to see it for myself."

"Then let's take a stroll first. We can grab something to eat later," he suggested.

"Okay."

After walking around for a while, Chen Changsheng found himself somewhat dazed. This place felt even livelier than Shangjing City. Bright smiles adorned the faces of the passing citizens, and nearby street vendors hawked their wares with unbridled energy. The tea houses and wine taverns threw their doors open to welcome guests, sending the rich aromas of tea and wine drifting through the streets to draw passersby.

"Rouge! Top-quality rouge here!"

"Come take a look! Sugar figures!"

It was a world away from the desolate Northwest.

To build something like this amid such chaotic times showed an incredible level of dedication and care.

It was no wonder that people living under the other princes flocked to Weidi. With full bellies and a good life on offer, why wouldn't they come?

Moreover, armed guards patrolled the streets, leaving no corner unchecked.

The city was deeply reassuring.

After a short walk, the two of them sat down at a small roadside stall.

"It smells amazing!" Yangchun exclaimed.

The server chuckled. "Our Hundred-Fragrance Noodles are famous for their aroma. Once you taste it, you'll definitely be singing its praises."

Yangchun blinked. "Hundred-Fragrance Noodles?"

The server nodded. "The Hundred-Fragrance Noodles from Qingshan City are second to none!"

Chen Changsheng turned to the server. "Are you from Qingshan City?"

"We are indeed," the server nodded.

"I wonder how Qingshan City is faring these days?" Chen Changsheng asked.

The server paused. "Are you from Qingshan City, sir?"

Chen Changsheng shook his head. "No, but I lived there for a very long time. Back then, This Chen resided in Chuanfeng Alley."

"Oh my!" the server beamed. "What a coincidence! My family lived right next door in Dongshui Alley. We were only a street apart!"

Chen Changsheng was pleasantly surprised. "That close?"

"Yes sir!"

The server hurriedly continued, "Right, right! Since you lived in Chuanfeng Alley, you must know Lord Wang's family—the Three-Yuan Grand Secretary!"

"You're talking about Wang Ping'an, right?" Chen Changsheng asked.

"Yes, exactly!" the server said. "When I was little, I even ate at the banquet thrown on the street to celebrate Lord Wang passing his exams."

"He's the Grand Secretary now?" Chen Changsheng asked, somewhat surprised.

"That's what the news from the Capital City said," the server confirmed.

Yangchun looked at him curiously. "Master, you used to live in Qingshan City?"

Chen Changsheng nodded. "That was a very long time ago."

Yangchun said, "I heard the Dragon King Temple Fair in Qingshan City is incredibly lively. Did you ever go, Master?"

"I went twice," Chen Changsheng said. "The Temple Fair had everything. There were people performing magic tricks, and when it got really busy, the crowds were so thick you could barely take a step."

"They haven't held the Temple Fair these past two years..." the server chimed in.

Chen Changsheng looked up at him. "Why not?"

"Sigh..."

The server let out a heavy sigh and explained, "The Local Government forbade it. After Prince Wei relocated to Qingshan City, those temple fairs were strictly banned, so they haven't held one since."

"Hm?" Chen Changsheng paused, his mind already beginning to turn.

"Prince Wei relocated to Qingshan City?"

"Yes sir. He lives in that old... I heard my dad say it used to be King Yu's Manor. I don't know much more than that. I haven't been back in two years, so things are getting a little fuzzy."

"King Yu's Manor..."

Chen Changsheng lowered his head in thought.

He found it hard to believe this was a mere coincidence.

King Yu's Manor held quite a few secrets.

Could it be that this King of Wei was the candidate Yan Ruchu favored?

The server suddenly snapped out of it. "Ah, I almost forgot to ask! Do you two have any dietary restrictions? I got so carried away chatting I forgot to drop the noodles in!"

"Less spicy," Chen Changsheng requested.

"Same for me," Yangchun added.

"Alright, coming right up!"

The server quickly hurried off to get to work.

Yangchun asked, "So, are we heading to Qingshan City next, Master?"

Chen Changsheng nodded. "Yes. I'd like to visit some friends, and there are a few things I want to look into as well."

Yangchun thought for a moment before asking, "Will you be staying in Qingshan City afterward, Master?"

Chen Changsheng shook his head. "That's hard to say. If the opportunity arises, This Chen might visit often. Why do you ask?"

Yangchun opened her mouth, a hint of hesitation in her expression.

She was wondering if she should trouble the Master for another stretch of the journey.

Truth be told, she had originally planned to settle down right here in Zhongzhi City.