Chapter 685: Huazhou

Huazhou, in the Tang dynasty's prefecture‑county ranking, is classified as an upper prefecture.

Its geographical position is unique; in military, political, and ceremonial matters, it lies on the outermost ring of the Tang core circle.

If the first natural barrier east of Chang'an is Tongguan,

then Huazhou, situated at the central point of the three‑hundred‑mile buffer zone between Tongguan and Chang'an, can be called the eastern gateway of Guanzhong.

This means that if the eastern front changes, Huazhou becomes the last major city defense after Tongguan falls and before Chang'an is captured.

Conversely, when the court dispatches troops eastward or conducts inspections, Huazhou is also the final assembly and supply point before the army exits the passes.

One can imagine Huazhou's importance.

And on the evening of the fifth day of the seventh month,

Huazhou welcomed some extremely special people.

Li Shimin and Chen Yan and their party, after a long journey, finally arrived at Huazhou.

At this moment, in the foremost carriage, Li Shimin, Chen Yan, and Li Tai were seated, and Empress Changsun herself requested to sit together with Li Lizhi and the others.

Looking at the scenery outside, Li Tai stretched lazily: "Ah, after riding the carriage for so long, my bones feel about to fall apart; now we finally reached Huazhou—what a relief."

"Once we find lodging, I'll take a comfortable bath, then feast, and then have a good sleep."

Chen Yan cut in: "If your bones fall apart so easily, why did you keep coming along?"

"You should know we still have a long way to travel; perhaps we'll spend most of the journey in the carriage."

"If you can't stand even half a day in the carriage, you should hurry back."

He could say that only because Li Tai had complained far too many times along the way.

He kept asking when we'd arrive and how far it was, which grew tiresome to hear.

Li Shimin also couldn't hold back: "I think Zi An makes a good point. Qingque, if you can't stand it, go back quickly."

"So you won't suffer."

Li Tai forced a nervous laugh, made a 'shut up' gesture, indicating he would say no more.

Li Shimin and Chen Yan glared at him in unison.

"Sir, young master, we've arrived."

From outside, Li Junxian's voice came in, and Chen Yan realized the carriage had stopped.

Li Shimin also felt a bit weary, rose first and stepped out, stretching his body, and said: "Ah, I'm truly getting old; back then, not only could I endure half a day's ride, even three days and three nights in a carriage wouldn't have tired me."

Chen Yan, coming out afterward, replied perfunctorily: "You're quite impressive; later I'll award you a prize, ha."

Li Shimin: "......"

"Zui Xian Lou?" Li Tai looked at the tavern's sign and his face turned oddly pale for a moment: "Brother Zi An, you're bold—Zui Xian Lou has even opened here in Huazhou?"

"Ah." Chen Yan waved his hand: "I haven't really paid attention; I just had Xiao Shunzi handle it. But seeing the growing profits, Zui Xian Lou must have expanded far."

"Sir." Wushe lowered his voice: "I've inquired; this Zui Xian Lou is the best lodging in Huazhou aside from the relay stations."

"Hmm." Li Shimin nodded slightly.

He had actually considered staying at a relay station, but relay stations aren't open to just anyone; they're established to receive officials and transmit documents, and staying there requires a certain status.

Now that they're disguised as a merchant convoy, they naturally can't stay at a relay station unless Li Shimin produces the pre‑prepared credentials.

But it's unnecessary.

"Young master."

At this moment Qing'er rushed over; Chen Yan tapped his chin at Zui Xian Lou and said, "Go, have them prepare the rooms and meals quickly; don't waste time—everyone's tired after the long journey."

"Yes."

Qing'er, not daring to delay, hurried into Zui Xian Lou.

Later, Empress Changsun and Li Lizhi and Gao Yang approached. Chen Yan, looking at the radiant Empress Changsun, blinked and asked in puzzlement: "Mother‑in‑law, after a day in the carriage, why do you seem not at all fatigued, but rather more spirited?"

Empress Changsun smiled: "I can't recall how long it's been since I went out. The journey was indeed dull at times, but for me everything was fresh, so I didn't feel tired."

Hearing this, Li Shimin's Adam's apple moved slightly, and he felt a twinge of guilt.

Since the Guanyin Maid married him at thirteen, she has spent her life serving him, residing long in the inner palace.

Although her status is exceedingly noble, she has also lost her freedom.

Chen Yan laughed: "Then do you feel much more relaxed in mind and body? Breathing fresh air is greatly beneficial to you."

Empress Changsun replied: "I'm not sure if that's why, but I certainly feel much lighter."

Li Shimin said gently: "It's good to be relaxed, it's good to be relaxed. I started by asking you to come out, and you refused, but now you see the benefit, right?"

"Yes, yes, Er Lang is right," Empress Changsun laughed in agreement, "I was stubborn; now I understand, Er Lang is looking out for me."

Li Shimin lifted his small beard, looking rather pleased.

The others, seeing the couple still so affectionate, laughed together.

"Young master."

At this point, Qing'er came out: "The rooms are ready, but… the private rooms at Zui Xian Lou are fully booked. Perhaps you all could rest in the rooms first and dine later?"

"No private rooms?" Chen Yan frowned upon hearing this, looking at Li Shimin, who after a moment of contemplation said:

"Fine, if there aren't any, that's that. It's our own business after all; we can't ruin our own reputation by turning guests away."

"We'll just sit casually; the fourth elder has been shouting that he'll starve to death. If we don't let him eat, what will we do when he truly starves?"

Li Tai's expression turned bitter.

He actually wanted to say he could still manage, but seeing everyone's obvious hunger, he kept silent.

After deciding, the group entered Zui Xian Lou together.

Because Li Lizhi and the others were exceedingly beautiful, they wore veils to avoid trouble, providing some concealment.

At this hour, Zui Xian Lou's business was still good; the first‑floor hall had many guests and was bustling.

Li Shimin chose a seat by the side, and his family sat down; Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang, along with Xue Li, sat on the opposite side.

Chen Yan lifted the tea that Xiao Er had poured, took a sip, and was drawn to the chatter at the adjacent table.

"These days trade is really getting harder and harder. We came all the way from Shandong, a thousand li away, and we still don't know how much profit we can make by delivering this shipment to Weinan County."

His companion sighed and said, "You should be content. It's only because I have connections here, and with the Money Shop's loans, we have this chance to do business, and we can still make a few extra trips to support our families. Think of how we used to be...... Isn't now far better than before?"

"......"