Chapter Eight: Distinguished Guests

He Bolao City was, in truth, a settlement nestled in the Sigar Valley, and some thirty years ago, it served as the capital of the Great Bolü Kingdom. When the Tubo people conquered the city, they tore down the old walls to ease their rule, which, inadvertently, led to a flourishing of commerce.

The Sigar River, a tributary flowing into the Indus, was bordered by a rough road stretching into the distance. Beyond the forests and hills, travelers became more numerous, clad in diverse garments and of varied backgrounds. Most were merchants leading camels and horses, carrying their wares to far-off lands.

This road, in fact, formed a segment of the Silk Road, connecting the Western Regions, India, Tubo, and of course, the Great Tang.

Shi Chongzhi was one such traveler on the trade route. Unlike other Sogdian merchants, his family not only profited from trading goods but also managed real estate, such as a horse station in the city.

A horse station, as its name suggests, was a place for resting mounts, but in reality, it was a grand inn offering food, lodging, entertainment, rentals, pawnbroking, storage, and even credit services. Since its establishment over thirty years ago, it had passed through two generations and earned an excellent reputation in the city.

In other words, it was a venerable old establishment, conveniently situated at the city's entrance—a mandatory stop for those journeying toward India or Tubo. Its doors were always crowded with patrons, and rooms were scarce.

Such a place operated ceaselessly throughout the twelve hours of the day. After a long night, the manager was replaced by Shi Chongzhi, who had risen early. He had just taken out his abacus to tally yesterday's accounts when a figure hurried down from upstairs.

"Second Brother, heading out?"

Yang Yu looked anxious. He meant only to nod in greeting, but seeing Shi himself at the counter, his heart stirred.

"Any news from last night?" he asked in a low voice, switching to Sogdian.

"There was some news, but what are you looking for?" Shi Chongzhi replied in the same tongue.

Yang Yu paused, sensing Shi was not joking, and urged, "Speak quickly, don’t keep me guessing."

By now, some early risers were already passing through the inn. Shi Chongzhi pretended to work his abacus, head down, speaking in a tone only the two could hear.

"There was trouble in the hills last night, they say someone died. The Tubo sealed the mountain, increased inspections of travelers, but no one knows whom they're searching for." He looked up, deliberately casting a glance at Yang Yu before lowering his gaze again.

Yang Yu’s face changed at once. He did not doubt the news; in this era, the most concentrated sources of information were taverns, inns, and brothels. As a thirty-year-old establishment, the words spoken here were likely more reliable than official proclamations.

"Is there..." He struggled to ask, needing to clarify the matter.

"Tang people?" Shi Chongzhi shook his head. "No one knows who died, nor whom the Tubo are seeking."

Before Yang Yu could relax, Shi continued, "Second Brother, whatever you intend, I cannot interfere. But these days are not as before; caution is wise."

The words were vague, but Yang Yu caught their deeper meaning. "What do you mean?"

"The Tubo have a new magistrate, arrived only yesterday. He Bolao City may not be peaceful for long," Shi Chongzhi confided.

That was precisely why Yang Yu chose to stay here. With thirty years of business, Shi was a local power; any stirrings were quickly known. Without old ties or obligations, others would never reveal a word.

"Old Shi, I won’t say thanks—when the chance comes, I’ll repay you."

Seeing Yang Yu still intent on leaving, Shi Chongzhi reached across the counter and grabbed his arm. "Who are you waiting for? Tell me, let me help you search. You look Tang—locals have far more access."

In his urgency, Shi switched to Chinese. Yang Yu forced a smile, gently freeing himself, and clasped his hands in farewell. "You’re a Sogdian merchant, with family and business. Best not to get involved. Your kindness suffices."

With that, there was nothing left to clarify. Shi no longer pressed him, but watched Yang Yu’s departing figure, sighing silently.

Privately, he was curious: who could be important enough for the second son of the Hexi Yang family to risk his life to save?

The fame of Shi’s horse station in the city owed not only to its longevity, but also to its superb location. Positioned at the city’s exit, near remnants of old rammed earth walls, the demolished gate had become a wide avenue. Where the walls once stood, a bustling market emerged—camels, cattle, sheep, goods, even people were traded here. The Tubo were glad, for it made taxation easier.

Thus, guarding the city’s entrance and exit, Shi’s old inn became a prominent landmark; all traffic, inbound or outbound, passed through.

As noon approached, the inn grew busier. Shi Chongzhi had to rally his spirits, his plump cheeks quivering with smiles, until a shadow entered, blocking half the light.

"Innkeeper, Old Yang reserved a room. Please show the way." As soon as he spoke, a rough-edged scroll was handed over.

With a sharp slap, Shi Chongzhi’s ink brush dropped to the counter. In the shadow, he could only see a figure clad entirely in iron armor—the style unmistakably Tubo heavy cavalry. A military man on their own turf was nothing unusual.

But if this person spoke fluent Sogdian, carried a Tang-issued travel permit, and uttered the agreed secret phrase, could it be so simple?

Shi Chongzhi dared not meet the man's eyes. His legs trembled, and a desire to flee surged within him.

No wonder Yang Yu kept him in the dark. The more one knew, the faster one died. He was only a merchant; it was not his place to wade into such muddy waters.

Shi Chongzhi drew a deep breath, steadied himself, and forced a smile. "Since you are a distinguished guest, allow me to lead the way."

He did not accept the scroll, but bowed his head and gestured politely, leading the man upstairs to a room, opening the door himself.

"This is the place. Please inspect it; if anything displeases you, I can arrange another."

"No need. Just tend to my horse, and have some food sent up..." The man stepped inside, paused, and added, "And bring needles and thread."

Before Shi could reply, the door was shut. He stood stunned for a moment, then hurried downstairs. With such strange guests, whatever they said, he would do.

Inside, Liu Ji unfastened the heavy iron helmet and removed the face guard, revealing an expression of relief. Anyone present would have seen that his forehead, cheeks, and neck were soaked in sweat.

Exhaustion aside, the pain was nearly unbearable.