2. Outside Cao Mei City

"That is a bit confusing, but I guess, my interest lies on the Royal Guards. I want to bring the best things and fun things back to the village for everyone. That is my dream and the purpose of my life."

"Hahaha! I see. Good luck, young lad. You love your village and I hope you never forget what you said today. Maybe I will see you again. Remember my name. I am Zhao Fengqi." Zhao Fengqi laughs, before rearranging his sloppy clothing and left the group.

"I have to continue my journey! Thank you for the hospitality and information. Wish you all great wealth await and business successes!" I went on to cover more distances before the nightfalls.

On the next day, as I approaches Cao Mei, the exterior of the city walls and high guard citadels becomes visible. On top of the citadels hung a red cloth with white intricate drawing of a fire torch and a knight shield behind, in the middle of the cloth. That is the flag of Ye Kingdom. A squad (group of 7) of guards were seen guarding the gate of the city, inspecting the goods passing through. Though I am still some distance away, there is already a visible long queue to enter the city.

As I approaches the queue, there was a commotion happening right in front.

"You touched a lady's bottom yet have no courage to admit. Are you not ashamed?" a well built lady in hunter's outfit carrying arrows on the back and a makeshift baggage exclaimed as she swung her bow at a noble.

"I said it was not me who did it, and furthermore, no lady behaves as such! I can pay you some gold if it cheers you up!" replies the noble as he carelessly dodged the bow.

The noble spotted me and took cover behind me. The lady did not care for my presence and swung her bow towards our direction. To defend myself, I held onto the limb of the bow. "Hey, stop it!" At the corner of my eyes, I noticed two guards marched towards us.

"What is happening here?" one of guard questioned while holding firm to the grip of the sword on his waist, ready to draw anytime. "You all trying to disrupt order?"

Out of the blue, I heard a familiar voice from behind explained, "Hey, guys, at ease. They are just having a slightly heated up discussion. No one disrupts order here."

"Prime... I mean, yes, my lord." the guard said in a shaky voice. Then, they left and rejoined their squad at the front of the queue.

I turned around and found that the man was Zhao Fengqi! Lord? Him? "Zhao, I mean, Lord Zhao. Thank you for helping."

"Hahaha, at ease, no need for formalities. I am a mere traveler. I am guessing this young gentleman is second son of Fengling City's minister, Chu Chenyu?" Lord Zhao spoke in a comical tone. "It is good to see the youths fooling around."

"I am Bu You Village, Chief Qiao's daughter, Qiao Wanwan. Lord Zhao, please uphold justice and pass down punishment onto the lecher here. He touched a woman during the broad daylight under the walls of Eastern Grand City. How dare he!" Qiao Wanwan reported while pointing the tip of her bow at Chu Chenyu.

"I do not know what happened. But I know it is not Chu Chenyu for sure. Though he looked... A little resemblance of playboy, and a little skinny, and weak, he was the winner of Great Ye Swordplay Competition three years ago. If he wishes to touch you, which I am pretty sure he is tempted to, you would not even have chance to catch him." utters Lord Zhao while giggling to himself. Then Lord Zhao left and skipped across the queue, entering the city.

We rejoined the queue with Qiao Wanwan behind me and Chu Chenyu in front. I could feel Qiao Wanwan glare, full of despise behind me, directed at Chu Chenyu.

"Though the unpleasant incident, it is also fate, I guess. I reintroduce myself. Fengling, Chu Family, humble son, Chenyu. May I be bold to ask to be friends with you?" Chu Chenyu said with a soothing voice and humble tone.

"Sure, Chenyu, I am just a peasant, Chen Jing is my name. Pleased to meet you. I am actually here to enter the capital and enlist myself to the soldiers."

"Then we would be competitors. You look strong and have a sense of justice! I will remember you. But I will not be merciful on tests!" Qiao Wanwan cut in, while letting out a confident smile.

"Actually, I am enlisting too, Little Sister Wanwan, and it is really not me." Chenyu uttered.

"Little sister? You disgusting, insect! How dare you try to act familiar with me!" Wanwan shouted. "Anyway, that is good. It means I get to kick your ass, legally." Wanwan proclaimed as she let out a smirk.

"Chenyu, I thought you are a swordsman, you do not seem to carry a sword."

"Well, I had given up swordsmanship three years back." Chenyu replied, looking distressed.

I did not ask further as it seemed to be a bad experience for Chenyu.