A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1113: Yinshan City

"We will meticulously search each of these mountain peaks, one by one," he declared.

"But what if we don't find them? Surely they must have a leader!" someone queried.

He indicated a specific spot on the map with his finger, his voice a low murmur.

"Uncle, please direct your attention here!"

"This modest locale is known as Licheng, situated precisely on the border between Western Xia and Great Chu!"

"Should our objective be to spirit away the ill-gotten gains, this spot offers unparalleled convenience for transportation. Its proximity and inconspicuous nature make it an ideal haven for smuggling operations!"

Xia Tingfeng shifted his gaze to where Zhao Qichen was pointing on the map.

He meticulously assessed the surrounding mountainous terrain, the geographical distribution of the various states, prefectures, county seats, and the designated official routes.

Indeed, the location appeared exceedingly unobtrusive.

"It's embraced by mountains; the terrain is inherently treacherous!"

"Several narrow passages carve through these mountains, offering direct egress beyond the city limits. Regardless of the season, winter or summer, these mountains present a formidable landscape of precipitous ridges and peculiar rock formations!"

"A passing caravan or a team of horsemen would scarcely warrant a second glance, drawing absolutely no suspicion!"

Though his formal education was limited.

His practical experience was vast, and his innate talent was exceptional, allowing him to adapt swiftly to diverse geographical environments.

He could rapidly discern the strengths and weaknesses inherent in each potential route, providing a thorough and insightful evaluation!

"So then... what is your assessment, Uncle?"

Zhao Qichen inquired, his tone expectant.

Xia Tingfeng offered a slight nod of affirmation.

"There is approximately a fifty percent probability that this is indeed the location!"

Zhao Qichen's brow furrowed with skepticism.

"And what of the remaining fifty percent?"

He continued to scrutinize the map, seeking any other plausible alternative.

Yet, despite his earnest efforts, he could not identify any other location that satisfied the established criteria.

"The remaining possibilities are either far too perilous for any sort of transport, or they lie too distant from the border to facilitate the efficient removal of goods!"

Border towns in the smaller territories were scarce, and only Licheng presented a suitable profile; where else could the culprits possibly be?

Xia Tingfeng presented a subtle smile, directing his finger towards another small settlement, situated just one city away from the border.

"Yinshan City?" Zhao Qichen exclaimed, a note of surprise in his voice.

Xia Tingfeng confirmed with another nod, elaborating further.

"Adjacent to Yinshan City lies a rather unassuming waterway, which only becomes navigable during the thawing periods of late spring, throughout the summer months, and in the early days of autumn!"

"The meltwater cascades downwards, transforming into a powerful, rushing river!"

"By navigating this river upstream, one can emerge directly from the depths of the mountains, completely bypassing the need to pass through the official border gates!"

Zhao Qichen followed the direction indicated by Xia Tingfeng's finger.

As expected, his eyes landed upon an exceptionally slender line, barely discernible.

The map itself was replete with such faint indications, and he would never have conceived that a river could possibly exist within this area.

Awed by this revelation, he posed another question.

"This occurs precisely at the cusp of spring and summer; wouldn't that present a complication..."

Xia Tingfeng's nod was decisive.

"Precisely, and that is why our utmost urgency is required!"

We must swiftly entice the target into our trap and apprehend them all in a single, decisive maneuver!

Zhao Qichen was utterly astounded, his admiration for Xia Tingfeng bordering on reverence.

"Uncle, you are truly remarkable; your nephew has learned so much from you!"

Xia Tingfeng’s smile was gentle.

"It is of no great consequence. Through diligent observation, thoughtful contemplation, and ample experience, you too will come to grasp these principles!"

"Thank you for your invaluable guidance, Uncle!" Zhao Qichen responded with deep respect.

Despite his upbringing within the imperial lineage, Zhao Qichen displayed no trace of arrogance.

Xia Tingfeng harbored a distinct aversion to pretense and ostentation.

He detested unnecessary constraints and anything that smacked of affectation.

Given Zhao Qichen's willingness to address him as 'Uncle,' Xia Tingfeng genuinely regarded him as a beloved nephew.

Should Zhao Qichen have preferred otherwise, Xia Tingfeng would have been content to manage his responsibilities independently.

Ultimately, their shared loyalty to the Emperor formed the bedrock of their association, a cause devoid of any inherent right or wrong.

Subsequent events served to validate this sentiment.

Zhao Qichen proved to be precisely the capable individual Xia Tingfeng had anticipated.

Over the course of their journey, the bond between the uncle and nephew deepened considerably, surpassing even that of blood relatives.

The convoy sought respite at an inn for a single night, resuming their arduous trek the following day.

A company of approximately a hundred individuals, escorting several horse-drawn carriages, traversed a landscape characterized by its stark desolation.

Whether this procession was conspicuous or not depended entirely on one's perspective.

Suffice it to say, for any individual possessing a keen eye for detail, its presence was bound to be detected!

...

Yinshan City.

The city's captain, Liu Qin, was an aging man approaching his fiftieth year.

His career had stagnated, with promotions eluding him for many years due to his decidedly unremarkable accomplishments.

He had spent the majority of his life stationed in the remote and uninviting northwestern territories, serving as a captain without ever achieving military distinction. It seemed increasingly likely that this post would be his final assignment.

At this precise moment.

He was engrossed in an intimate encounter with his recently acquired eighteenth concubine within the confines of his chambers.

While it was true that age had begun to take its toll, and certain physical capabilities might have diminished.

His spirit, however, remained commendably vigorous!

Astonishingly, just last year, he had successfully fathered his sixth son.

Hailed by the local populace as the 'Golden Spear, a true man,' he took immense pride in this achievement.

Engaged in what might be described as primal physical exertion, he was energetically grasping two soft, pale objects situated beside him.

"Does it feel good? Is it substantial? Do you aspire to reach the very heavens?" he inquired huskily.

The concubine felt quite vexed.

“My lord, why are you trembling like that? Did you perform the deed?” the concubine inquired.

Hearing his question, she realized she needed to act swiftly.

Immediately, her eyes fluttered shut, her body went limp, and she emitted a series of ecstatic sounds through her nose.

“My lord! My lord, you are truly incredible!”

“My lord, your prowess is undeniable!”

Witnessing the maiden’s blissful state, Master Liu’s excitement surged, causing the flesh on his ample belly to quiver even more vigorously.

After an amount of time equivalent to burning a single stick of incense, Master Liu let out a shudder, having experienced release.

Once he was finished, he did not quickly don his garments.

Instead, he continued to caress the lovely woman cradled in his arms.

The concubine, eager to maintain Master Liu’s favor, exerted all her charm.

She whispered sweet nothings, her body moved in tumultuous waves, her long legs resembled those of an immortal, and her waist was as slender as a silkworm.

Master Liu, embracing the beauty, sipping fine tea, and humming a nameless tune, felt as blissful as a deity!

“My lord, I have heard a whisper… that you have recently amassed another considerable fortune. Tsk, tsk! My lord, you are truly a man of immense wealth, swimming in riches!”

Master Liu boasted with evident pride.

“Heh, heh! A windfall, you say?”

“No, it wasn’t a mere windfall; it was a gift from the heavens falling directly into my lap!”

The concubine fluttered her eyelashes and quickly offered more flattery.

“I have heard that the silk originating from Jiangnan is the most exquisite, feeling like a second skin when fashioned into clothing, so smooth and light. My lord… I would love to possess some too!”

The elderly Master Liu, unable to resist such adulation, quickly puffed out his chest.

“That is a trifle matter!”

“If it pleases you, I shall procure some for you shortly, as much as your heart desires!!”

“Are there any other treasures you desire? Speak your wishes plainly!”

“Aside from plucking stars from the firmament, there is nothing in this world I cannot obtain for you!”

Master Liu declared with immense arrogance.

In the remote and barren Northwest, commodities from Jiangnan were exceedingly rare.

The finest silk transported to this region commanded a price of several hundred gold pieces. More often than not, even with a fortune, acquiring it was simply impossible!

Consequently…

The concubine was immensely delighted by his pronouncement and promptly listed seven or eight items.

“Longjing tea from the West Lake, ornate hairpins from the Jiangnan Jade Workshop, exquisite cosmetics from the Capital’s Yanyu Pavilion, nourishing bird’s nest supplements, necklaces adorned with Southern Pearls…”

Each of these items represented the pinnacle of luxury and quality.

In his eagerness to dote on the lovely woman, Old Master Liu readily agreed to every request.

“Do not fret, leave it all to me!”

The concubine’s eyes shone with delight.

“My lord! Your wealth is truly boundless!”

“I have heard that within the Capital, the Emperor and his high officials impose strict limitations on the extravagance of the ladies within the Harem!”

“Their daily provisions are all carefully rationed, such stinginess!”