Chapter 1638: On the Road
Qiao Xuan, Shao Yunduan, and the others departed from the capital without hesitation. Three days later, they had already distanced themselves significantly, covering over 700 miles of travel. Fatigue set in, prompting them to slow down.
They adopted a more leisurely pace, not setting off early each day and checking into a hotel around four in the afternoon.
Anze Province lay in the southeast of the Great Qin Empire. To travel south from the capital, one had to take a dry road, covering approximately 2,600 kilometers. Under normal circumstances, the journey would require around 20 days.
Heading south proved more challenging, especially as they entered territories marked by crisscrossing mountains and ridges. Traveling 100 miles a day was the carriage’s limit, and sometimes it was even less.
Qiao Xuan, Shao Yunduan, and their panions anticipated spending at least a month on this leg of their journey. Fortunately, they had ample time before assuming office. They only needed to arrive within two months, allowing them to progress slowly.
The extended trip proved enjoyable. Passing through vibrant towns with distinct local characteristics, they would settle down early. This allowed them time to explore local markets, savor regional delicacies, and purchase items for the road.
However, transporting local specialties proved challenging due to the journey’s length.
In the blink of an eye, they transitioned from the expansive northern plains to mountainous terrain. Endless mountains unfolded before them, verdant and lush. Springs and waterfalls occasionally punctuated the scenery. Cliffs towered high, creating natural barriers.
As they traversed remote mountain paths, encounters with wild sheep, boars, and various other beasts became monplace. The flapping wings of frightened pheasants and birds added to the natural spectacle.
On one occasion, they even spotted a large white-fronted tiger crouched on a distant cliff, stirring excitement among the group.
Considering their bined strength, confronting a large tiger posed no problem for them. Had it not been for the distance and time constraints, Sun Bai, Sun Qian, Ah-Ye, and others would have eagerly tested their mettle against the formidable feline.
As they journeyed further south, the temperature gradually rose. The landscape transformed with the flourishing of grass, the flight of orioles, and the blooming of various wildflowers. The mountains and wilderness turned into a captivating scene, adorned with colorful blossoms that plemented the young leaves and fresh grass. The air carried a melange of fragrances – flowers, grass, leaves, soil, and the warmth of the spring sun – refreshing the senses, inducing joy, and expanding their horizons.
Their group, venturing into Anze Province, was likely unprecedented. Shao Yunduan had severed ties with the Crown Prince, making him appear unlikely to rise again in the eyes of others. For the next few years, he was perceived as a non-threatening figure.
In these circumstances, Shao Yunduan enjoyed a sense of security. No intelligent prince would attempt to scheme against him at this juncture. Being the Emperor’s Primus, Shao Yunduan remained a figure of significance, and the Emperor might remember him at any moment.
Therefore, it made more sense for potential rivals to focus on gaining favor within the imperial court rather than plotting against him.
With this understanding, Shao Yunduan and his men approached the journey with a relaxed mindset.
Nevertheless, Sun Bai and Sun Qian remained vigilant. Daily, they assigned professional scouts to monitor any signs of abnormal activity. They strategically rested during the day, arranging their schedules with caution.
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