Chapter 593

Tuan Tuan shouted, "Everyone, get up!"

The crowd froze, then burst into laughter and rose up one after another.

Xue Tong cleared his throat, "Elder, there's something I need to remind you of."

The elder hurriedly said, "Please, go ahead."

Xue Tong pointed at the emerald springs, "Although my disciple has uncovered the salt springs, the method of detoxifying with plant ash is still unknown to the other tribes."

"You must inform them as soon as possible; otherwise, even if the salt springs exist, they won't know how to use them."

Xiao Ningxun nodded, "Old Valley Master is right. I also thought of something: I suspect they, like you, are wary of the authorities."

"Then that's perfect—tell them that if the authorities arrive, we should just boil it for them to see, so they know the salt from the springs is unusable."

"That way, the authorities will no longer keep an eye on those salt springs."

"The plant‑ash detox method must not be disclosed to outsiders; use only as much as needed, and don't accumulate it, lest it draw attention."

The elder nodded repeatedly, "What you two say is correct!"

He turned to his people, pointed at a sturdy man, "You, go to the western mountains and inform those few tribes there."

He pointed at another, "You, go north!"

"Yes!" the two men said nothing more and turned to run.

Xiao Ningxun furrowed his brow, "Elder, didn't you say there are many scattered tribes? Why only send two people?"

"If manpower is insufficient, we can relay the message on our way to the capital."

The elder smiled, "No need to worry; although our tribes are dispersed, we are all well acquainted."

"Once those two arrive, those tribes will themselves spread the word to others."

"Those who learn will tell those even farther away."

He lifted his head, gazing into the distance, "Like ripples on a lake expanding outward, in just a few days every tribe will know."

Xiao Ningyuan couldn't help but praise, "So that's it! Elder, this method is even more thorough than we imagined."

Xue Tong nodded, "Indeed, each has their own tricks."

With everything settled, the group and the elders and youths of the Wusun tribe bid each other a lingering farewell and pressed onward toward the capital.

After nonstop travel for two full days, at dawn on the third day the party finally arrived at the gates of Kucha Kingdom's capital—Jia She City.

Xiao Ningxun took out the silver token that Wei Chi Ming had given as a trade‑route credential and handed it to Sa Dike.

Sa Dike passed the silver token and a small bag of silver coins to the gate guard.

The guard took the token, glanced at it, weighed the bag, walked around the camels once, then allowed passage.

Xiao Ningyuan examined the returned token, "This token is really handy."

The party entered the city.

Tuan Tuan and Kang An leaned out of the carriage window, "Wow! So lively!"

The buildings lining the street were mostly mud‑brick, their windows draped with colorful silk ribbons.

Shop signs were made of assorted cloth banners, flapping in the wind with a rustling sound.

The streets were crowded with pedestrians wearing brightly colored headscarves, chatting and laughing, merrily streaming toward the same direction.

Xiao Er looked around, "It really is bustling."

Xiao Ningxun instructed, "Sa Dike, stop at the first inn you find; the closer to the city gate, the better."

Sa Dike's mind sparked; the young master was indeed thoughtful—if they needed to flee, the nearer to the gate the easier—"Alright!"

He hadn't gone far before he let out a "Huh—" and halted the horse, "This one's the closest."

Xiao Ningxun lifted the carriage curtain, glanced, "Good, this one," and turned to lift Tuan Tuan from the carriage.

The group handed the horses and camels to the stablehands and went inside.

The inn was kept very clean, but sparsely populated—only five or six tables, half of them empty.

The party chose a large table by the window and sat down.

The proprietor was a man in his early forties, sporting a double‑forked moustache, his face beaming as he greeted them:

"Are you guests visiting Kucha for the first time?"

"Oh my, what timing! You've arrived right during our Grand Festival! Such good luck, such good luck!"

As he spoke, he deftly wiped the table with a cloth, "These past few days, trade caravans from many nations and dignitaries have all arrived; your goods will certainly sell without worry!"

Xiao Ningyuan laughed, "Good eye, young man! We came precisely because of your reputation."

He glanced out the window, seeing even more crowds, "I wonder how this Grand Festival is celebrated? What ceremonies?"

The proprietor's mouth opened wide at that, and the conversation flowed.

"Now that's lively! Today is the first day, the most grand!"

"At dawn, the King will lead his family and officials north of the city for the Heavenly Sacrifice."

Xue Tong asked, "Does your King take his family to the Heavenly Sacrifice?"

The proprietor replied, "Of course! The King's entire family is present!"

Xiao Ningxun asked, "I see the common folk heading in the same direction—are they going to watch the King's Heavenly Sacrifice?"

"Yes! After the sacrifice, the King will ride the most splendid carriage with his family, touring the main street of the city!"

He gestured with both hands, "He'll also toss grain, flower petals, and coins to the people along the road!"

"The commoners can also offer wine to the King—that's true festivity!"

Xiao Ningyuan, somewhat surprised, "A nation's ruler can actually parade on the main street?"

"Of course!" the proprietor said proudly, "Our Kucha King does this every year! That's true harmony with the people!"

"Unlike the Emperor of Zhongyuan, who spends his whole life in the palace, the common folk have never seen what he looks like!"

The group: "......"

Tuan Tuan listened with interest: "Uncle, you're right! That's much more fun!"

She suddenly remembered something, her little face drooped: "What a pity, Xiao Dan Dan isn't here."

Xiao Ningyuan patted her little head: "Isn't Xiao Dan Dan waiting for you outside the city? If we finish our business quickly, we can see him."

Xiao Ningxun asked: "I wonder where this parade's caravan goes after completing a circuit?"

The shopkeeper laughed: "Where else? Of course back to the Palace! These three nights, the Palace will hold grand banquets."

Xiao Ningxun took out a piece of broken silver and handed it to him: "I see, thank you, little brother."

"No need to thank me!" the shopkeeper took the silver and turned away.

Before long, he brought up the dishes: several plates of sizzling, oily roasted lamb, a stack of steaming flatbreads, and a large bowl of thick yogurt.

"Please enjoy, everyone!" he said with a smile and stepped back.

Xiao Ningyuan picked up a piece of lamb and shoved it into his mouth: "The Great King is performing the Heavenly Sacrifice, so we don't have to join the festivities."

Xiao Ningxun nodded: "Since the parade passes here, let's wait here. First, let's see if Wei Chi Guang and Gu Li Han are also present."

Gu Li Han!

Kang An's hand gripping the flatbread tightened sharply.

He lowered his head, remained silent, but his blue eyes burned with flame.

Xiao Er patted his shoulder and whispered: "Wait until we see clearly where the person is, then we can act."

Lu Qi nodded: "Right, we must not act rashly; this is the capital of Gui Zi."

Kang An lifted his head, met their gaze, gritted his teeth and nodded: "Hmm!"

Finally, we can see the enemy right away.