Chapter 82 - 81: The Crown Prince Welcomes in Person

Chapter 82: Chapter 81: The Crown Prince Welcomes in Person

It was a city wall that had weathered nearly a thousand years. When Zeng Anmin’s gaze fell upon it, a light gleamed in his eyes. Through this majestic, towering city before him, he seemed to witness the relentless touch and passage of time. Countless massive gray bricks had been meticulously stacked together, forged through immeasurable manpower, resources, and human sacrifice. It stood tall, having battled time for a millennium, remaining proudly defiant of all things as the years slipped by.

Nearly two months had passed, carrying them from early spring into the pleasant, sunlit days. A caravan of carriages, winding like a long dragon, finally arrived at their destination. Zeng Anmin pulled the reins, bringing his horse to a halt beneath the city wall.

During this journey, Zeng Anmin’s relationship with Qin Wanyue had steadily deepened. Of course, they were strictly friends with no inappropriate boundaries crossed. Zeng Anmin felt he was still young—not yet eighteen—and currently in the prime years of striving for his future. How could he give up the entire ocean for a single fish?

"Halt for inspection!"

The dutiful guards at the city gate had no idea that the owner of the caravan they were questioning was the current Minister of the Ministry of War. However, they weren’t blind; a carriage procession of this scale belonged either to the immensely wealthy or high-ranking officials. Neither was someone they could afford to offend. As a result, the carriages were swiftly allowed into the city.

Riding his horse at the forefront of the caravan, Zeng Anmin swept his gaze across his surroundings. A distinct Capital City atmosphere immediately washed over him. The people of the Capital City, even the commoners, possessed a level of confidence completely different from the residents of Liangjiang Commandery. He could clearly feel the passionate energy of the street vendors haggling, loudly shouting in their authentic Capital City accents.

Clad in a cyan robe, Zeng Anmin rode casually. A lock of hair on his forehead swayed freely in the wind with the gentle movements of his horse, drawing shy, admiring glances from young women on the street. He paid them little mind. Instead, he pulled the reins, lifted the curtain of the main carriage, and asked, "Dad, we’ve entered the city. Which way?"

"The inner city."

From inside the carriage came only three words.

"Oh."

A procession like Zeng Anmin’s was a rare sight, naturally attracting plenty of curious stares along the way. After traveling for quite some time, the caravan finally stopped in front of a grand residence just before dark.

Zeng Anmin stared at the incredibly luxurious estate before him, his eyes flickering with bewilderment. Above the main entrance hung a plaque bearing three large gold-stamped characters: Minister’s Mansion. The words gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight. With just a rough glance, he could estimate the sheer size of the property. It spanned over twenty zhang from north to south and more than ten zhang from east to west. It was a sprawling seven-courtyard mansion. Converting that into modern terms... it was over four thousand square meters?!

He sucked in a sharp breath. Even the Governor’s Mansion in Liangjiang Commandery was barely over a thousand square meters!

At this time, his father stepped down from the carriage. Zeng Shilin looked up, gazing expressionlessly at the three large characters on the plaque.

"Head inside."

He didn’t say much else, showing no signs of joy—only the weight of greater pressure settling upon his shoulders.

Busy. Incredibly busy.

Fortunately, Zeng Anmin didn’t have to do much. He merely had to pick a courtyard for himself as arranged by the servants. Yes, a courtyard. Whether it was his father, Ms. Lin, or Zeng Anmin himself, everyone had their own private courtyard within the estate, complete with a full staff of servants and various facilities. He silently cursed this damn feudal society!

The night passed uneventfully. When the sunlight spilled onto Zeng Anmin’s face once more, his eyelashes fluttered. He opened his eyes.

"Phew, what hour is it?!"

He hurriedly got out of bed, gathered his things, and shouted toward the outside, "Dachun, quick, prepare the horse! I’m going to miss the morning roll call!" Throwing on his clothes, he pushed the door open and rushed out without even bothering to wash up.

CREAK.

The wooden door produced a pleasant sound from its hinges, revealing a completely unfamiliar sight outside. Zeng Anmin paused. He finally realized: he probably didn’t need to report to the Observation Department for roll call anymore.

"Young Master, you’re awake?" Hearing his voice, Dachun rushed in frantically from outside and pushed the door.

CRACK.

Zeng Anmin’s eyelids twitched as he stared at the doorframe Dachun had just forcefully dislodged.

"Uh... I-I’m sorry, Young Master. I just broke through to the Eighth Grade and haven’t gotten used to controlling my strength yet..." Dachun, with his burly physique resembling a polar bear, stood before Zeng Anmin looking like a child who had done something wrong. He offered an awkward laugh.

"Hurry up and find someone to fix it," Zeng Anmin glared at him. He turned to walk out, but his foot paused mid-step. Looking back at Dachun, he asked, "Where’s my dad?"

"His Majesty summoned the Master into the palace," Dachun replied cautiously. Having just broken a door, he was terrified the Young Master would make him pay for it. He truly couldn’t afford it.

"Into the palace?" Zeng Anmin blinked. In the past, the answer was always "at the Government Office." Truth be told, he hadn’t fully processed his father’s change in status yet.

"Alright then." He stretched lazily and went to wash up. Since it was his first day in the Capital City, he figured he should at least take a stroll through the streets. He specifically picked out a flashy, exquisite cyan robe and tucked a folding fan into his waistband. Accompanied by Dachun, his striking, elegant youthful aura became even more pronounced.

"Let’s go. We’re taking a stroll through the streets." Taking in the heavy, fragrant scent of incense within the estate, a lazy demeanor radiated from Zeng Anmin.

Dachun looked at him nervously, stepping closer to whisper, "Um, Young Master... the Master hasn’t distributed your monthly allowance for this month yet."

The implication was clear: where would they get the money for a stroll?