The charter Prince Heir Gu Jin requested had left Lena Sanders pondering for half a night and half a day, until her thoughts were as tangled as her hair. Yet, for all her effort, no clear idea came to her.
In recent years, her way of doing things had always been to take one step at a time.
She knew nothing of her past, little of her present, and as for the future—there was no vision to speak of. Even if she tried to look ahead, all she could see was fog and confusion.
For the past two or three years, she had lived by solving whatever problem stood immediately before her.
Now, her notion to establish a postal relay system had merely sprung from a sudden whim. If it succeeded, well and good; if not, it mattered little.
After all, what business ever succeeded at the first attempt? If one failed, she could always turn to another.
At this moment, she knew nothing of the Empire's postal routes—nor of its economy, customs, or the lives of its people. What sort of charter could she possibly devise?
Her plan could be summed up in a single step: first, to see whether this venture was even feasible; if so, to discover what restrictions, difficulties, or conveniences might exist—then decide what to do next.
By evening, she summoned Jack Golden and instructed him to fetch Mr. William Chen. She needed his counsel.
William Chen had arranged to meet her at the small tavern Xiaoshengyuan outside the East Gate. When Lena arrived, he had just entered. Upon seeing her, he clasped his hands in greeting, smiling ruefully.
"Miss Li still hasn't found what she wishes to do?"
"On the contrary," Lena replied lightly, "I came to seek your advice precisely because I have." Seeing that faint, weary smile on his face, she felt a sudden pang of inexplicable sadness, then laughed softly at herself.
He was not him.
"I was reckless," she said gently. "Whenever I face something uncertain, I can't help but come to you. It's nothing serious—if you're busy, I can wait until you're free." She clasped her hands again without taking a seat.
"Was your… former friend the same?" William asked as he motioned her to sit. "Did you also seek his help whenever difficulties arose?"
"Yes," Lena said quietly, taking the seat across from him. "Even if I didn't ask, he would help me all the same."
"And this friend—where is he now? You've never sought him out?" William poured her a cup of tea and slid it across the table.
"He's dead." Her eyes lowered as she took a sip.
After a pause, William ventured, "Was your friend's surname Ye?"
"No, Zhao," Lena replied calmly. "I have no connection with the Ye family of Anji or any other. The girl you speak of, the one with ties to them—she must be my sister, perhaps."
"Prince Heir mentioned you were from Songjiang Prefecture?" William asked, then smiled.
"Has His Highness told you I wish to engage in postal service?" Lena changed the subject with ease.
"He has not," William admitted, taken aback. Postal service? How could one make a business of that?
"The Prince Heir asked me to draft a charter," Lena said bluntly. "How should I write it?"
"Well," William chuckled, "there's no need to worry about formality. Just write whatever comes to mind—His Highness won't mind the lack of polish, at least not from you."
"I know," Lena replied. "What I mean is—what should a proper charter contain? To be honest, the idea came to me when I overheard His Highness and you discussing official correspondence. I thought it might be a promising enterprise. But as for how to do it—I've yet to give it real thought.
My first step is simple: to see whether it can even be done. I've heard that postal matters concern state and military affairs. If possible, I intend to travel the relay routes for half a month, maybe longer, to understand how the system truly works. Before that…" She spread her hands.
Before that, she knew nothing—and thus had no plan.
William couldn't help but smile. "You're refreshingly straightforward. Very well, I'll speak to His Highness and see what he thinks."
"Thank you." Lena rose and bowed.
"Miss Li, there's no need for such courtesy." William followed her out of the private room, hesitating. After two or three steps, he called out, laughing, "If you ever need anything, come to His Highness—or to me. Don't stand on ceremony."
Lena paused mid-step, turned back, and flashed him a bright smile. "All right."
At Brightpeace Palace, Prince Heir Gu Jin laughed aloud when Gavin Shea relayed Lena's request for a charter. Waving his hand, he said, "Tell her—if she believes it can be done, then let her try. Let her see for herself."
"Elder Brother?" Gavin asked, startled.
Gu Jin tapped his folding fan against Gavin's shoulder, his expression unreadable. "What's gotten into you? You're usually the cautious one. Why so unguarded with this Miss Li?
If she truly presents a charter that explains the postal routes and details her business plan in clear, practical steps, then either she's fabricating with no basis—which would prove she's unfit for real work—or, if it's accurate and feasible, then her background and her role in your rescue must be far from ordinary.
Whether it's our realm or Southland, the postal system is tied to military affairs. How could someone of her station possibly understand it so well?"
"You're perceptive as always, Brother," Gavin said with a touch of embarrassment. He truly hadn't thought that far.
"You've always been wary of others," Gu Jin continued, eyeing him keenly. "Why not with her?"
Gavin was silent for a long while before answering softly, "It's not that I have no caution. I just… trust her."
He paused, then continued, "After the ambush in Riverford City, I thought I was doomed. Miles Zhao handed me to Miss Li and whispered, 'Rest assured, young master—you'll be safe.'
I clung to consciousness, half-delirious, not knowing if I was in this world or the next. Then I heard her voice—clear, calm, reassuring. She said we had left the city, called to Harris Ma for medicine, and told me to bear with it while she cleaned and dressed my wounds anew."
He faltered, then went on. "I could hardly believe it. But when I turned my head, I saw the river shimmering under moon and starlight—it was beautiful beyond words. She treated my wounds, gave me a warm bowl of fish soup, and as the heat spread through me, I felt life return. From that moment, I knew I would live—that I would see you again.
She told me to rest, and as soon as she spoke, I fell into the deepest, most peaceful sleep of my life.
When I awoke, she told me Riverford was under martial search for Northern spies; that Miles Zhao was dead, betrayed by Yang Xian; and that she herself had become a fugitive.
Brother, can you imagine it? From utter despair to the quiet certainty of survival—because of her. Even while hunted, she found calm, grace, and purpose.
During our month-long flight, she managed everything with serene precision. If there was wind, we sailed; if not, we hired towmen or rowed by pole. At each stop, I learned where the envoys were, what news had spread, even received fresh gazettes and broadsheets. Despite the peril, we were never cut off from the world.
And she—she spent her days planning meals. Morning, noon, and night, that was her grand concern. Afterward, she'd sit by the window reading, or take tea at the bow beneath the moonlight. Sometimes I joined her, listening to water against the hull. You once said that when the breeze passes through one's heart, it brings clarity. Then, I understood.
That month, though it was a flight for our lives, remains the most peaceful time I've ever known."
Gu Jin was silent, then nodded. "When she returns from her journey, I'll see her."
"If she deems the business feasible, will you truly let her undertake it? It's military work," Gavin said, frowning.
"Yes," Gu Jin replied firmly. "The postal service consumes vast funds each year. In times of peace, corruption festers; cut the funds, and we risk collapse in war. I've long pondered how to keep it useful in peace yet ready in crisis.
If Miss Li can run it well—let her. If war comes, we can always reclaim it. For now, let her see, let her plan."
When Lena received word, she returned to Fried Rice Alley, carrying a crude map of the realm she had managed to obtain.
After studying it for a while, she decided to travel along the western route of Huainan—to Wuwei, then to Yangzhou, and finally back to Castleton.
The twin Huai regions were the richest and most cultured lands of Northrealm—an ideal place to begin a postal enterprise.
At dawn the next morning, Darren Chang packed their belongings, while Harris Ma and Jack Golden went out to purchase a covered wagon and supplies for the journey.
As Lena sat beneath the veranda, calculating how to obtain travel permits—or perhaps coax a few relay passes or inn tokens from Paul Denton—Ruby's voice called from outside the gate.
Darren brought her in. Ruby bowed and presented a small lacquered box.
"What's this?" Lena asked absently.
"His Highness did not say," Ruby smiled. "Only that I must deliver it to you personally."
When Ruby left, Lena opened the box. Inside lay four travel permits and, beneath them, a gleaming silver medallion strung with silk cords of five colors. On one side, two phoenixes soared toward each other; on the other, two qilin faced off. In the center was the seal character for military, and on the reverse, the words Privy Council—along the rim, a minuscule but unmistakable date mark: this very year.
At the bottom of the box lay a folded note: brief, unsigned. It stated that the medallion, jointly issued by the Privy Council and Ministry of War, granted access to official postal stations and the right to requisition up to four horses.
Lena handed the items to Darren, smiling. "Once Harris and Jack return with the wagon—we set out."
"Good." Darren grinned. Their leader never cared for auspicious dates; as Old Uncle had said, a blessed person makes any place a blessed ground, and any hour a lucky one.
At noon, Gavin joined Gu Jin for a meal. Before they could eat, Ruby came running in to report: "Miss Li and her three companions have gone toward Chenzhou Gate. It seems they've departed."
Gavin glanced at the water clock, incredulous. "At midday? Is today an auspicious day?"
Gu Jin burst into laughter and waved her off. "No need to consult the almanac. This Miss Li fears no taboo. Truly—she grows more intriguing by the day."
With the silver medallion granting them use of postal horses, Lena's party stopped by a livery stable within the Chenzhou Gate to purchase two mounts.
After leaving the city, they dined at a roadside inn fragrant with roasting meat. Darren drove the wagon, Lena beside him; Harris and Jack each took a horse. With a crisp crack of the whip, they set off cheerfully down the open road.
Before long, they reached the first relay station.
"How's it look?" Lena asked, eyeing the compound.
"Strict and surly," Darren reported. "No use talking, no use bribing either."
Lena nodded, leapt down from the wagon, and beckoned Jack. "Let's take a look."
"Right away!" Jack bounded after her.
"Stop right there! Stay back!" a rough voice shouted before they had come within ten paces. A burly middle-aged man lounged in the doorway, waving them off.
"Sir, we've come from Castleton—"
"I don't care where you're from! Get lost! This isn't a place for the likes of you! Out, before I have you arrested for spying on military affairs!"
"Let's go," Lena said lightly, turning on her heel.
Jack spat on the ground. "Damn him!"
At the next relay, Darren reported, "No better. I slipped in through the back, bribed an old laborer five coins, said I wanted to enlist as a relay hand. He grumbled a while, let me in to look around."
As expected, Harris and Jack were chased out with curses.
"Move on," Lena said simply.
By the time they reached the third relay, night had fallen.
"This one's the same," Darren murmured, "but the old veteran in charge, Master Hong, was kind. Said I was wasted as a relay hand—that with my build, I'd be drafted up the chain before long."
"Let's find an inn," Lena decided.
They stopped at a busy post town half a day's distance from Castleton. The road was broad, shops well-lit, and travelers plenty.
Harris and Jack found a bright inn and took three rooms. After supper, Darren looked at Lena, who shook her head. "No need to scout here—it's too close to Castleton. Nothing worth seeing. Rest early; we leave at dawn."
Before sunrise, the men had the wagon and horses ready. After a quick meal and some provisions packed, they set out again, just as the sun crested the horizon.
For three days they traveled swiftly along the postal road—broad, well-kept, and dotted with fine relay stations.
Gradually, the road narrowed, though still smooth; spring leaves shimmered on tall roadside trees, and the air was sweet with new growth. The further they went, the friendlier the station hands became. Some stations even set up stalls outside—offering a rest for a few coins and a bowl of hot water.
In lonelier stretches, small vendors sold fruit, tea, or vegetables; some erected makeshift tents serving as humble eateries. One relay even had a tiny pharmacy beside it, with a stern old doctor presiding within.
Sometimes they hurried, sometimes lingered, but always they watched and listened. After a month, the four travelers reached Wuwei Prefecture.
According to Lena's plan, from Wuwei they would follow the river to Yangzhou, then return to Castleton. Between the two routes—from Castleton to Wuwei, or Castleton to Yangzhou—she intended to choose one as the starting line of her future postal enterprise.