NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 12 - The students enter the capital and face an unexpected blow.
Chapter 12: The students enter the capital and face an unexpected blow.
In Lieyang City, the Royal Capital of the Qianyuan Dynasty, it was rumoured that nine scorching suns illuminated the sky in ancient times, and immortals bestowed blessings, conceiving dragon veins here.
The city was known for its outstanding individuals and is named Lieyang. Despite dynastic changes, the royal capital had always stood here.
The city wall was grand, the market bustling, with harmony in music and dance and a lively crowd. A prosperous spectacle, contrasting sharply with the farmers in the frontier struggling with exposure to wind and sun.
The triennial imperial examination day was approaching, drawing students from various backgrounds and schools. All aspired to achieve high ranks, elevate their social status, and enter the ruling class, bringing honour to their ancestors.
The vibrant city now hosts an influx of scholars, adding a touch of literary refinement.
“Sister Long, behold, this is Qianyuan Capital, Lieyang!”
Meanwhile, outside the city walls, a young scholar gazed at the majestic city, expressing his amazement.
At just sixteen years old, Bai Yu was precocious and experienced his first encounter with such a flourishing ancient capital. The towering and magnificent city evoked a unique sensation distinct from the modern urban landscape of steel.
A small snake’s head peeked out from Bai Yu’s clothing, observing the surroundings curiously.
“Young master, this place is extraordinary!”
Indeed, the capital of a dynasty where the emperor resides was far from ordinary.
With a carefree smile, Bai Yu said, “Haha~ let’s go!”
…
“Report your name and the purpose of entering the city.”
Two soldiers in armour, wielding weapons, stand at the city gate, scrutinising those who come and go.
“I am a scholar named Yang Yi, here to enter the capital for the imperial examination.”
“A scholar? Another scholar from the countryside!”
“Hey, the transportation fee is 12 copper coins.”
However, the soldiers disdainfully glanced at him, sneered, and demanded, “Okay, now you need 20 coins!”
“To enter or not to enter?”
“I can’t help it. Get out of the way. Don’t block others.”
With a contemptuous look, the soldier said, “Now you need 30 coins!”
“If you don’t want to enter, get out!”
The scholar, infuriated, points at their noses and curses.
“Now you want 30 coins!”
“If you don’t want to enter, get out!”
Yawning, the soldier nonchalantly replied, “I’m going to the government to sue you!”
The scholar was agitated, continuously shouting at the two individuals.
The two soldiers shrugged, casually wielding their weapons, and nonchalantly said, “Do as you please. You can go! But if you don’t pay the transportation fee, you can’t enter the city!”
“Now you want 40 coins!”
“Ah?!!”
“How can this be…”
Seeing that the other side was unyielding, the impatient scholar was left helpless. Being physically weak, he couldn’t match the strength of the two soldiers armed with blades. There was no other option. Calling on the heavens or the earth wouldn’t help. He wouldn’t be able to enter the city if he didn’t pay.
His plans to rush for the imperial examination were now stuck here, causing him great distress.
“Two sirs, my family has limited means, and I don’t have much money left. Could you make an exception and let me in?
“Now you owe me 50 coins!”
The soldier chuckled lightly, giving him an inexplicable look, and said, “Ah… this!”
“How can this be?!”
“Soldier, could you please make an exception, just once…?”
“Now you’re going to…”
“I have, I have! I’ll pay, I’ll pay!”
Seeing that the two soldiers were about to raise the price again, the scholar quickly waved his hands, tremblingly took a few silver coins from his bag, and handed them over.
The two soldiers counted the money, glanced at him, pocketed the silver coins beyond the 12 coins, and said, “Alright, you can go in.”
“Yes!”
The scholar walked into the bustling city, somewhat dazed. Somehow, he felt that the world here differed from what he had expected.
“Notify the name of the person who came and why you entered the city?”
“I am Liu Xide, a merchant returning from my journey.”
“Businessman, the toll fee is 20.”
“Yes, sir, keep it!”
In contrast to the previous soldier, the next merchant was quite sensible, smiling and accepting the unequal toll fee. He took out silver coins and handed them to the two soldiers with a cheerful smile.
“Alright, you can go in!”
The soldiers waved their hands casually, and the merchant quickly entered the city. This scene, however, did not escape the eyes of Bai Yu, who was not far behind.
“Tsk~. The capital city, giving people a blow right from the start~.”