Zhao Ming sat in his small inn room, staring at the floating translucent screen before him.
> [System Notification] Main Task: Find a way to travel to Zhou County and meet your teacher.
> Reward: Reputation +10, Gold +5 taels, Stats Unlock.
>
> Note: The System will not always provide guidance. Solve your own problems and shape your destiny.
He exhaled sharply. "So, I have to find my own way... makes sense."
He stretched, gathering his simple belongings before heading downstairs.
After settling his stay with the innkeeper, Zhao Ming stepped into the bustling streets, his stomach growling. He wandered to a nearby food stall, the aroma of freshly baked flatbread mixed with scallions making his mouth water.
"One flatbread, please," Zhao Ming requested, handing over a few coins.
As he ate, he overheard a heated discussion from a group of villagers and travelers seated nearby.
"The Yellow Turbans are on the move again."
"Government’s recruiting militias to fight them. Even ordinary folks are being conscripted."
"Not just that! Bandits roam the roads freely now. It's dangerous for any lone traveler."
Zhao Ming frowned. Traveling alone might not be a good idea.
After finishing his meal, he approached the vendor. "Excuse me, where can I find a carriage to Zhou County?"
The vendor scratched his head. "No carriages run there now, lad. Too risky. But you might try the Murong Trading House (慕容商行 - Mùróng Shāngháng). Their caravans still travel the route."
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Zhao Ming thanked him and followed the directions to the trading house. Upon arrival, he found a bustling scene—workers loading goods onto horse-drawn carriages. Spotting a nearby porter, he approached.
"Excuse me, is this caravan heading to Zhou County?"
The porter grunted, nodding toward a nearby building. "Aye, but you'll have to ask the caravan leader yourself."
Zhao Ming walked up to the entrance, where a stern-faced guard stopped him. "What do you want?"
"I wish to join the caravan to Zhou County."
The guard smirked. "Oh? And why should we take you? A little... gesture of appreciation might help your case."
Zhao Ming sighed. So, he wants a bribe?
Before he could respond, a deep voice cut through. "What’s going on here?"
A burly, middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a commanding presence stepped forward. The guard stiffened.
"Leader Murong!" The guard saluted quickly.
Murong De crossed his arms. "Trying to make things difficult for travelers again? Enough of this nonsense. Your training doubles for the next week."
The guard paled. "Y-Yes, sir!"
Murong De turned to Zhao Ming. "I am Murong De, leader of this caravan. Who are you?"
Zhao Ming clasped his hands respectfully. "My name is Zhao Ming. I need to reach Zhou County to meet my teacher. I was hoping to travel with your caravan."
Murong De studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. We depart in the Shenshi (申时, 3-5 PM). You may wait in the guest room."
Zhao Ming thanked him and spent the next few hours resting.
When the time came, the caravan gathered. As Zhao Ming stepped outside, he noticed a group of young men and women in purple uniforms, swords at their waists.
Curious, he turned to Murong De to ask about them, but before he could, a clear voice called out.
"Uncle."
Zhao Ming turned to see a young woman in a refined purple outfit approaching. She was graceful yet carried herself with confidence.
Murong De smiled. "Ah, Zhao Ming, meet my niece, Murong Xue."
Murong Xue glanced at him with mild curiosity. "A scholar? Why is he traveling with us?"
"He's heading to Zhou County," Murong De replied. "We’re bringing him along."
She nodded. "Then, are we ready to go?"
Murong De checked with his men before giving the order. "Everything is set. Zhao Ming, you’ll ride in the second carriage."
As he settled inside, the caravan set off toward Zhou County, beginning Zhao Ming's first real step in this journey.