Chapter 227: Tuolemi Jiuushi Pulls a Stunt

On the market of Mojietuo Kingdom, crowds surged, extraordinarily lively.

The caravan bound for Everlasting Peace was assembling in an orderly manner, camels laden with spices, jewels, and other rare treasures.

Amid the bustle, a man dressed in ordinary merchant's attire quietly slipped in.

This man was Tuolemi Jiushi; he took off the double crown symbolizing his pharaonic status, shed his splendid purple robe, donned a brown linen garment stained with dust, and deliberately smeared dark pigment on his face to conceal his originally fair skin.

The caravan leader, Amier, furrowed his brows, sizing up this uninvited guest.

"Who are you? How did you suddenly join our caravan?"

Amier asked warily.

Tuolemi Jiushi remained calm, pulled out a pouch of gold coins from his bosom, handed it to Amier, and spoke in somewhat stiff local language: "I am a merchant from afar, I have heard that going to Everlasting Peace brings profit, and I wish to join your caravan. This is a small token; I hope the leader will take me in."

Amier weighed the gold coins in his hand, a flicker of hesitation crossing his eyes; after a moment's thought, he nodded and agreed: "Fine, but on the road everything must follow my orders."

On the day of departure, the sun had just risen, and the caravan set off mightily from Mojietuo Kingdom.

Tuolemi Jiushi mingled in the middle of the caravan, riding a camel, his gaze vigilantly observing everything around.

To avoid exposing his identity, he spoke as little as possible, lest he arouse suspicion.

Along the way, the caravan encountered many difficulties; first came a sudden sandstorm, wind whipping yellow sand, darkening sky and earth, nearly causing the caravan to lose its way.

Tuolemi Jiushi, relying on his experience accumulated in the desert, helped Amier steady the caravan.

Everyone looked at him with newfound respect, and Amier no longer harbored doubts about him.

As the journey progressed, Tuolemi Jiuushi's anticipation grew ever stronger.

He knew well that this trip to Everlasting Peace would not only allow him to witness the prosperity of the Great Han firsthand, but also enable him to further discuss with Liuche plans to counter the Roman-Parthian allied army, seeking more opportunities for the future of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

Under the scorching blaze of the fierce sun, the caravan with difficulty crossed an endless desert.

Suddenly, a plume of dust rose in the distance, and a well-equipped band of raiders came galloping toward the caravan.

Amier's face changed drastically; he shouted loudly, "Oh no, desert bandits! Everyone, prepare for defense!"

The caravan instantly fell into chaos; people frantically grabbed weapons, trying to fend off the bandits' attack.

Tuolemi Jiuushi, seeing the situation, swiftly jumped down from the camel, calmly commanding everyone: "Don't panic! Women and children hide in the middle, men form a defensive formation!" He

His voice was low and powerful, carrying an innate majesty.

Under Tuolemi Jiuushi's command, the caravan quickly steadied, forming a solid defensive line.

The bandits rushed forward, waving long blades, launching a frenzied attack on the caravan.

Tuolemi Jiuushi wielded a long sword, resisting bravely. His swordsmanship was practiced; each swing carried a fierce aura, deterring the bandits from approaching easily.

Amier fought fiercely on the side; unintentionally catching a glimpse of Tuolemi Jiuushi's combat stance, a sense of familiarity welled up in him.

Just then, a bandit took advantage of Tuolemi Jiuushi's lapse, sneaking up from behind to attack.

Amier was about to shout a warning, but saw Tuolemi Jiuushi flick his body, easily dodging the strike and thrusting backhandedly to impale the bandit to the ground.

At that moment, the necklace on Tuolemi Jiuushi's neck slipped off; Amier stared intently and saw it was actually the Holy Snake Necklace symbolizing the pharaonic identity of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

Amier widened his eyes, his face filled with shock, his weapon nearly slipping from his grasp: "You... you are Pharaoh King Tuolemi Jiuushi?"

Amier asked, his voice trembling.

Only then did Tuolemi Jiuushi realize his identity had been exposed; he blinked slightly, then gave a wry smile and nodded: "That's right, Amier—I didn't want to reveal my identity to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Amier knelt with a thud, his voice reverent: "Your Majesty, I never imagined you would disguise yourself and join our caravan, even fighting alongside us—my eyes failed to recognize Mount Tai!"

Tuolemi Jiuushi stepped forward, helped Amier to his feet, and smiled: "Amier, rise. For this journey to Everlasting Peace, I am here as an ordinary merchant; I hope you can continue to help me conceal my identity."

Amier quickly nodded: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will keep my lips sealed!"

After repelling the bandits, the caravan continued onward.

Amier gazed at Tuolemi Jiuushi's back, his heart still unsettled; he never imagined he would be traveling alongside a pharaoh.

After months of arduous travel, the caravan finally reached the outskirts of Everlasting Peace.

Tuolemi Jiuushi, mounted on his camel, gazed afar at Everlasting Peace's towering city walls, which, bathed in sunlight, gleamed with an ancient luster, resembling a coiled dragon.

Upon the walls, soldiers clad in bright armor stood guard with imposing vigor, displaying the majesty of the Great Han.

"This is Everlasting Peace..." Tuolemi Jiuushi murmured to himself, eyes full of awe. Though he had heard of the Great Han's prosperity, he never imagined that seeing it in person would be so breathtaking.

As the caravan slowly passed through the gate, a scene of extraordinary bustle unfolded before Tuolemi Jiuushi's eyes.

On the broad streets, carriages and horses flowed, people coming and going.

The vendors' cries, the creaking of carts, and children's playful sounds intertwined, composing a melody of prosperity.

Along both sides of the street, shops stood in rows, signs hung high, and silks, ceramics, tea, and myriad other goods filled the shelves.

Tuolemi Jiuushi unconsciously slowed his steps, his gaze deeply captivated by everything before him.

He saw an old man skillfully crafting exquisite porcelain; the delicate technique and superb craftsmanship left him in awe;

and he saw a group of richly dressed noble youths riding tall horses, chatting and laughing freely, displaying utmost elegance and grandeur.

"Your Majesty, this is Everlasting Peace's market, extraordinarily lively, right?"

Amier drew near Tuolemi Jiuushi and spoke softly.

Tuolemi Jiuushi, unable to contain his excitement, hands slightly trembling: "Amier, I have never seen such a prosperous city! Everything here far exceeds my imagination."

At that moment, a melodious strain of strings and bamboo drifted over; Tuolemi Jiuushi followed the sound and saw, in a pavilion, a group of singing girls dancing gracefully.

Their figures were slender, their steps light, like fairies descending to the mortal realm.

Tuolemi Jiuushi drew a deep breath, his heart surging with wild joy. He knew well that coming to Everlasting Peace would not only allow him to further discuss with Liuche plans to counter the Roman-Parthian allied army, but also let him behold this unparalleled prosperity; all this would bring infinite possibilities for the future of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

Under Amier's guidance, Tuolemi Jiuushi continued onward.

His gaze continually wandered over every corner of the city, striving to etch all of it into his memory.