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The outskirts of Anyi were starkly different from those of Luoyang.
Luoyang, as the capital, bustled with constant traffic even in its suburbs. Anyi's outskirts, however, were another matter. Beyond three li from the city, the roads grew quiet, with only a few scattered pedestrians, exuding a sense of desolation.
The official road was relatively smooth, and Fei Qian, accompanied by a Huang clan team leader and twenty soldiers, traveled eastward at a leisurely pace.
The fields on either side of the road were serene and picturesque, with green seedlings sprouting vibrant leaves in neat rows. Occasionally, butterflies fluttered by, dancing in the spring breeze.
Farmers were tending their fields, weeding around the wheat with focused diligence, paying little attention to Fei Qian's group passing by.
This, at least, proved one thing: Hedong Commandery had been free of military strife for some time, allowing the people such tranquility…
Jia Qu's two suggestions had surprised Fei Qian, exceeding his expectations.
Initially, Fei Qian had called Jia Qu to discuss matters not with the genuine intent of seeking brilliant strategies but as a gesture, much like a modern manager inviting a new employee for tea, asking about their life and suggestions. It was less about advice and more about showing Jia Qu he was valued as one of their own.
Unexpectedly, Jia Qu delivered a pleasant surprise.
Whether he realized it or not, Jia Qu had a keen talent for grasping the crux of complex matters. First, he'd picked up on Fei Qian's slightly casual attitude when asking for strategies, then asked a critical question about troop recruitment numbers.
He followed with a suggestion and a recommendation, delivered as if casually chatting, without any hint of seeking credit.
That was what made it so intriguing.
In his modern life, Fei Qian had seen many clever newcomers in the workplace fail to gain recognition. Often, they were either too blunt with their suggestions or constantly boasted about them…
Not claiming credit didn't mean there was no merit, but always claiming credit could lead to none at all.
Though young, Jia Qu's sharp mind and instincts showed the makings of a strategist…
At this thought, Fei Qian chuckled softly, feeling as if he'd stumbled upon a treasure.
Noticing Fei Qian's good mood, the Huang clan team leader stepped closer. "Lord Fei, yesterday I asked Military Officer Huang for an advance on my pay, and he told me to speak directly with you…"
Fei Qian glanced back at the team leader, vaguely recalling him as someone fond of reading, always clutching a scroll whenever he had a moment, regardless of its content.
"Oh? Why come to me? Shuye should be able to handle it," Fei Qian said, puzzled.
The team leader smiled sheepishly. "I've already taken an advance once, so…"
"Hm?" Fei Qian turned slightly. "If I recall correctly, your name is Huang Xianliang, right?"
"Yes, Lord Fei."
"Can you tell me what you spent your last advance on?"
Huang Xianliang explained, "Last time I went to the city… I saw a handwritten partial scroll and couldn't resist. I borrowed some money to buy it, then took an advance from camp to repay the loan…"
Fei Qian chuckled. Books in this era weren't cheap—even a common handwritten partial scroll could cost hundreds to thousands of coins. "That scroll—do you have it with you?"
Huang Xianliang nodded, pulling a thin, cloth-wrapped scroll from his robe and handing it to Fei Qian.
Fei Qian smiled, noting the man's love for books. Unwrapping the cloth, he glanced at the text and frowned.
It was a good book, the Spring and Autumn Annals with Zuo's Commentary, but the handwriting was atrocious, like a child from a wealthy family's discarded practice copy…
Flipping through, Fei Qian found few missing characters but plenty of errors. He closed the scroll, rewrapped it, and handed it back to Huang Xianliang. "How much did you pay for this?"
"Two thousand three hundred coins. The shopkeeper originally asked for three thousand…"
"And this time, you're seeking an advance because you've spotted another book?"
"Yes… The shopkeeper said he found a handwritten scroll that continues this one…"
Fei Qian let out a short laugh. No merchant is honest. Clearly, they'd split one book into two for sale, calling it a "coincidence." "Don't bother with that bookseller. I have that book. Copy it and return it to me later."
Huang Xianliang was overjoyed, starting to dismount to kowtow in thanks, but Fei Qian stopped him. "You enjoy reading?"
Still caught in his excitement, Huang Xianliang's joy gave way to melancholy as he spoke. "Yes, Lord Fei. My family was poor when I was young, but my late father loved books and hoped I'd read more. Books are hard to come by…"
As they spoke, they rounded a bend and spotted a small farmhouse on a hillock. The front courtyard was modest, with three tiled rooms, likely a back courtyard hidden from view. The wooden gate, unpainted, showed reddish-brown grain. Only the central house had a tiled roof; the others were thatched, looking quite simple.
If Jia Qu was correct, this was likely the Ma family's home.
The group approached the courtyard. Fei Qian and Huang Xianliang dismounted and walked to the gate, knocking gently.
Barking came from within, followed by a questioning voice, deep and robust, likely a middle-aged man.
"Fei Qian, Fei Ziyuan, Acting Governor of Shang Commandery, comes to visit!" Fei Qian announced his title and name. Though his string of official titles sounded impressive, he saw no need to recite them constantly, lest he end up like Liu Bei, awkwardly rebuffed with, "Too long to remember."
"Governor of Shang Commandery?" The words seemed to strike a nerve. Hurried footsteps approached, and with a creak, the gate opened, revealing a middle-aged man.
He stood about eight feet tall, sturdy, his skin bronzed from years in the sun. His square face was framed by thick sideburns and a messy beard.
Seeing Fei Qian, the man froze, his initially eager gaze turning cold. "You're the Governor of Shang Commandery?"
Fei Qian clasped his hands. "Indeed. Is this the residence of Ma, the Dulu General?"
The man paused briefly, then returned the salute. "There's no Dulu General here anymore… I'm just a rustic villager, ignorant of etiquette, unfit to host distinguished guests. My apologies, please return."
With that, he bowed, retreated into the courtyard, and shut the gate, leaving Fei Qian and his group outside!
Fei Qian and Huang Xianliang exchanged stunned glances. What was going on?