Vol 5 Chapter 5 (2/2)
I only realised it when they mentioned it. This small mountain Pa.s.s had quite a lot of residents and there were rows and rows of houses, making it seem like a county.
Apart from some farmers, most of the residents in a Pa.s.s would be the families of the garrison troops but it was obvious that the majority of the residents in Dongling Pa.s.s were neither of these.
Looks like Cao Cao has been governing well, for a small Pa.s.s to be this populated,
“The Central Plains really are the best.”
“Un?”
Just then, Meng Huo who had been looking about with a carefree expression began to speak seriously.
“Perhaps you don’t think this is much, but for people like us who stay in the wetlands and the forests, seeing this level of civilisation is very inspiring.”
“What do you all stay in where you live?”
“Un? What we stay in huh, we mostly stay in straw houses or caves. If we were to stay in houses like you do in the Central Plains, they would definitely flood.” Lady Zhurong said in exasperation as she folded her hands across her chest, “You all have more than enough water and food for everyone yet why is it that you must still fight with each other?”
“Eh?”
Lady Zhurong did not continue any further and the others had heavy expressions. I was going to ask further but Lady Zhurong excused herself and brought the other 2 girls along with her up the city tower.
My heart was in turmoil after Lady Zhurong left. From what I knew, wetlands and swamps covered most of Nanman, making it difficult to procure fresh water and farm. To them, us Central Plain people must appear to be very fortunate.
But what about us? Do we treasure the lives we have now? We could clearly live in peace and prosperity in the Central Plains, yet why do we raise armies and fight amongst ourselves?
Lady Zhurong and the rest of the Nanman people couldn’t understand this and I, who was a resident of the Central Plains, could not give an answer either.
“…”
“Ah, blade girl, don’t need to mind it that much.” Meng Huo, who remained behind, smiled as he looked at the distant Lady Zhurong and roughly patted my back, “My lady is a straightforward person so she says what she thinks. But I know that whether it’s the Central Plains or the Nanman, every place has their issues.”
“Un…”
“Alright, stop brooding about it. Why not think about the potential problems that lie ahead of us?” Meng Huo said as he made to follow Lady Zhurong, “I’ll go enjoy the scenery with my lady and set up camp in the city. Just let us know when you’re leaving.”
“Ah… Un, got it.” I hurriedly replied and bowed.
What he said was right. I have enough to deal with as is.
“Yun Chang, why are you still here?”
“Ah, Wen Yuan. Is your side all done!”
“Un, the general’s residence is pretty good and we’re all set up.” Wen Yuan said as she sighed, “When do we leave?”
“As soon as possible, at first light tomorrow.”
“Un, alright.”
We did no speak any further and returned to the general’s residence.
“Come to think of it, does Wen Yuan know what’s the next checkpoint?”
“Ah, the next checkpoint is… Ah, if I remember correctly, it’s–”
— Luoyang
<script>