36 Another carriage enters the Imperial Capital Gates (2/2)

It was as though a staring contest had ensued between the driver of the carriage and the soldiers guarding the gate.

”Sir, are you entering?” One of the soldiers could not stand the coldness gave a light cough and asked.

”Yes.” The man who was on the carriage spoke a single word as he reached into his sleeves to take out his papers, handing them to the soldier who had spoken. They had observed how his fingers were not stiff, red nor swollen from the low temperatures, his actions were very natural as though it was just everyday occurrence.

”Name: Lin Qinghui, from the southern province of Hu Nan?” The soldier said with uncertainty. When he heard the south, he could not match it up with this man who seemed unafraid of the cold.

When Lin Qinghui heard the doubt in the man's voice, he showed no change in expression whatsoever. As though it happened all the time.

”You are a merchant?” The soldier asked.

”Yes.”

The gaze landed on the black carriage that the young man was driving. There was a sense of the unknown when they approached this man, and if they could just look at what it contained, perhaps they would be able to unlock some of the mystery.

”What's on the carriage?”

”Goods.” Lin Qinghui said with another word.

”We have to take a look.” The soldier said solemnly.

When Lin Qinghui heard that his carriage was about to be searched, a slight frown showed on his lips before the expression disappeared altogether and he resumed his indifferent exterior. ”Be my guest.” He said inviting them on, but it seemed that he did not have the intention of moving from where he was sitting.

This made the atmosphere very awkward for the soldiers as they did not have the slightest idea of where to start. In the end, they could only go to the back and open a few boxes, which were lined with insulation that kept the medicinal herbs inside from spoiling.

There was nothing much suspicious about this carriage, so they just allowed it to enter the imperial city.