The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure

Chapter 1864: Chapter 1852: Grasslands Royal Capital

The Wang City had only prepared accommodations for the diplomatic mission and the hundred soldiers escorting them. It was said that the originally arranged inn was too remote and the conditions were simple.

It was Queen Ah Lan who took the initiative to vacate one of her courtyards to arrange for everyone.

It’s important to know that in the Wang Capital, every inch of land is extremely valuable. Those who can live in the Wang Capital are true nobles at the top. Even ordinary noble families would consider it good to pitch a tent outside the city.

This courtyard, not too far from the Grasslands Palace, was located somewhat remotely, close to a lake probably because Qi Le favored the tranquility of the place.

There were many rooms, and the courtyard was large enough to comfortably accommodate over a hundred people.

Moreover, the courtyard already had servants and maidservants, so everything was ready upon entering.

If it were someone else, they might hesitate or have concerns about possible conspiracies.

However, Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu accepted the offer quite readily. After all, this was the power center of the Grasslands. Unless you were in Great Chu, living anywhere in the Wang Capital made little difference.

Furthermore, since Qi Le had made the arrangements and appeared well-intentioned, why refuse? Why not enjoy a comfortable place instead of seeking hardship?

If they were to refuse, wouldn’t it be obvious to Qi Le that they were wary of her and distrustful?

Instead, it was better to happily accept, showing the attitude of the Great Chu Diplomatic Mission and reassuring the Grasslands side.

Batu was relieved to see Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu accept so readily.

His tone softened when speaking to Song Chongjin, suggesting they should rest for a few days and await the summons of the King of the Grasslands and Queen Ah Lan.

He also seemed worried about misunderstandings and vaguely explained that the King of the Grasslands and Queen Ah Lan were busy with important matters and would meet them once they were available.

They were told not to worry and that there were many places worth visiting in the Wang Capital.

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu knew that Qi Le was eager to see them, but since they had arrived and were not yet summoned, it was likely that there had been changes involving the King of the Grasslands and Queen Ah Lan.

The two exchanged glances, realizing that they couldn’t extract more from Batu, so they nodded in agreement.

After sending Batu away, Song Chongjin comforted Wang Yongzhu with a pat and spent half a day consulting Fu Jian, sending someone to gather information.

Whether they could learn anything was uncertain, and they didn’t have high hopes for their efforts.

However, Fu Jian hinted that there might be hidden connections within the Wang Capital, and he would contact them later.

As for the merchant caravans, they of course couldn’t enter the Wang Capital. The class barriers in the Grasslands were more distinct, and even the common nobility couldn’t live within the city, let alone these merchant caravans.

So, a spot outside the Wang Capital was allocated for them to set up their tents.

The area was quite large and decently located. After all, the caravans came to sell goods. The Grasslands folks had thoughtfully provided a large flat area surrounded by the tents of common nobles, a typical gathering place for everyone.

The merchants surveyed the area briefly and were quite satisfied.

With an open view and ample space, they needed spacious accommodations for displaying their goods once they were laid out.

The location was ideal, and although it wasn’t inside the Wang Capital, the nearby luxurious tents indicated wealth.

The owners and subordinates of these caravans, seasoned travelers, quickly got busy once the location was confirmed.

At Song Chongjin’s request, Batu left a few minor officials from the Grasslands to assist the caravans with advice.

The merchants lacked nothing but money.

Using silver coins as leverage, they quickly persuaded these officials to assist them, advising on camp boundaries, water access points, and taboos near the Wang Capital.

With these officials’ guidance, the merchants swiftly pooled resources, hired local herders, purchased wood and stones, and within days, fenced off a large area with wood and stones.

They organized shifts, ensuring vigilance day and night without any negligence.

Even those with bad intentions could only watch under such tight security. After all, while petty theft might go unnoticed, charging into a caravan’s camp was a different matter.

Once the camp was set up, the caravans gradually started displaying stalls, showcasing goods from all over Great Chu and the Western Region. Their dazzling array captivated not only ordinary herders but even the nobles.

Some nobles thought of using their status to take an interest in items without paying. As soon as they hinted at this, several burly men emerged behind the stalls, eyeing them fiercely.

Some bold individuals, backed by numbers, attempted outright robbery. Merchants came from afar, believing in conducting business amicably and dared not provoke local nobles.

If stopped, they were unconcerned, accustomed to arrogance, thinking they were invincible on their home turf, knowing everyone above and below them, who would dare challenge them?

These were just merchants from Great Chu, easy to bully. Even if things escalated, throwing Two Taels of Silver their way would settle it, believing merchants wouldn’t dare make a fuss.

This plan seemed sound, but they encountered tough opponents this time.

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu had instructed that the caravans represented not only themselves but also Great Chu.

No matter their connections in Great Chu, they must remember in the Grasslands, they were Great Chu citizens and must uphold its dignity.

As long as they were not at fault, they must not be intimidated! Here on the Grasslands to earn money was a mutual benefit, no need for humility.

If trouble arose, they shouldn’t be afraid; the Great Chu Diplomatic Mission had their back!

With such instructions, the caravans felt emboldened.

Who wouldn’t prefer to earn standing tall rather than kneeling?

Especially in the Grasslands, not their own country, they naturally banded together.

They established rules, employed escorts and guards, organizing them into teams to patrol day and night, maintaining order.

If trouble arose anywhere, guards and escorts swiftly responded.

Most people were intimidated by this resolute group of men.

However, some nobles with many henchmen felt invincible, but they had a means to deal with them too.

A whistle commanded nearby and resting guards to assemble quickly.

The caravans’ hired guards numbered in the hundreds, and half of protecting soldiers, deployed during the day by Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu for deterrence, joined them.

Ordinary disturbances were not their concern, but such incidents were their domain.

Formidable and armed with knives, they quickly took control of the situation.

Ordinary herders quickly withdrew, avoiding trouble with nobles.

The merchants from Great Chu displayed unexpected resilience.

The noble was shocked. Seeing this group with formidable size and armed with whips and waist knives, how could anyone not be scared?

The merchants should have handed over their goods and humbly apologized.

Furious, he signaled, and a henchman jumped up, sneering, "Do you know who we are? Our master is the youngest son of the revered Prince Haji, Prince Buhe!"

"That we fancy your goods is a favor! You have the nerve to demand money? Don’t forget where you are! Make way quickly! Summon your leader to apologize to our prince! Or else, you’ll face our wrath!"

Such a tone suggested they were regular offenders, familiar with the routine from frequent practice.