vstars Chapter 19 4 Escort Agency
Chapter 19 4 Escort Agency
Even before entering the city, a bustling and noisy atmosphere immediately greeted us.
The official road became even more congested, with all sorts of vehicles, livestock carrying goods, and hurried pedestrians filling the road to capacity.
Along the roadside, rows of tea stalls, vendors, and simple rest stops began to appear, their shouts, bargaining sounds, the clatter of horses' hooves, and the rumble of wheels blending into a vibrant and bustling symphony.
"Young Master, Miss Su, we've arrived at Qingzhou City!" Chen He's excited voice came through the phone.
Chen Xuan lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and looked at the majestic city gate.
Compared to this, Qingyang City is indeed just a remote little town. This is the true center of Qingzhou, one of the Nine Provinces of the Eastern Region.
The carriage moved slowly with the flow of people, and it took a long time to pass through the city gate. Once inside the city, the scene changed again.
The streets were wide and smooth, wide enough for four or five carriages to walk side by side. Buildings and shops lined both sides of the street.
Silk shops, restaurants, inns, martial arts schools, weapons shops, pharmacies... all kinds of businesses are available.
Pedestrians thronged shoulder to shoulder, dressed in various styles and speaking a cacophony of accents. Occasionally, one could see wealthy merchants in fine clothes passing by in sedan chairs, or a dashing, spirited wanderer with bulging temples striding by.
The air was filled with the aromas of food, cosmetics, and herbs, as well as a restless and opportunity-filled atmosphere unique to big cities.
Su Wan also looked out of the car with curiosity. Having grown up in Qingyang, she had never seen such a prosperous scene before, and a hint of amazement inevitably showed in her clear eyes.
Following the address attached to Guo Xiaotian's letter, Chen He drove his carriage through the bustling crowds, asked for directions twice, and finally found "Sihai Escort Agency" in a relatively quiet neighborhood near the west of the city.
The security escort agency occupied a vast area, with high walls and a grand courtyard, exuding an extraordinary air. Two large black lacquered gates were wide open, and two imposing stone lions stood before them.
Above the door hangs a black plaque with gold lettering that reads "Sihai Escort Agency," and the signature appears to be that of a famous calligrapher.
Four guards in tight-fitting clothes stood at the entrance, with long swords at their waists, sharp eyes, and full of energy; they were clearly skilled fighters.
Chen Xuan's carriage stopped in front of the gate, looking rather shabby. A guard stepped forward, sized up the carriage and Chen He, and asked politely but scrutinizingly, "Gentlemen, what brings you to the Four Seas Escort Agency?"
Chen Xuan stepped out of the carriage, dressed in a simple blue cloth robe, his aura understated. Su Wan followed, dressed in plain clothes and light makeup, yet possessing a refined and elegant air.
"Chen Xuan of Qingyang has come to the meeting at the invitation of Chief Escort Guo." Chen Xuan handed over Guo Xiaotian's handwritten letter.
The guard took the letter, glanced at the sealing wax and the handwriting, his expression immediately turned serious, and he clasped his hands in a fist and said:
"So it's Young Master Chen! The head镖师 (chief镖师) instructed that upon your arrival, I should immediately introduce you. Young master, young lady, please follow me!"
The guards' attitude instantly became respectful, and they stepped aside to lead the way. Another guard stepped forward to help Chen He arrange the carriage and horses.
Upon entering the gate, one finds a spacious training ground paved with bluestone, which is flat and solid.
At this moment, dozens of bodyguards and guards were practicing on the field. Their shouts were neat and powerful, and their punches and kicks were quite skillful.
The training ground was flanked by corridors and rows of side rooms, which were likely the living quarters and offices of the bodyguards.
Passing through the training ground, we arrived at the second courtyard. The environment here was much more tranquil, with artificial hills and bonsai trees, and winding corridors; it was the place for entertaining guests and for the host family to live.
The guards led Chen Xuan and his companion to a reception room. "Please have a seat, Young Master Chen. I will go and report to the chief镖头 (chief镖头 is a high-ranking bodyguard) immediately."
The living room was elegantly furnished, with tables and chairs made of fine mahogany, and several ink paintings with a profound artistic conception hanging on the walls. A maid quickly served fragrant tea.
A short while later, a series of steady and powerful footsteps were heard, accompanied by a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! Nephew Chen! We've been waiting for you!"
A tall, ruddy-faced old man strode into the hall.
He was about sixty years old, with graying hair and beard but still very strong. His large hands had large knuckles, and he walked with a powerful stride, exuding a majestic and imposing aura.
It was none other than Guo Xiaotian, the chief镖头 (chief镖师) of the Sihai Escort Agency and a top expert ranked sixth on the Qingzhou Heroes List.
His gaze swept over Chen Xuan like lightning, and his eyes immediately flashed with undisguised admiration.
"Hahaha! Your aura is deep and your radiance is profound; you truly live up to your reputation!" Guo Xiaotian clapped his hands and laughed, his voice booming like a bell.
"Old Master Chen, having such a grandson is enough to bring you comfort throughout your life! Please, have a seat!"
"Chief镖头 Guo is too kind. I am Chen Xuan, and I greet you, Chief镖头." Chen Xuan clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, neither humble nor arrogant.
"This is Miss Su Wan, who is skilled in medicine and is a good friend of mine," Chen Xuan introduced.
Su Wan curtsied and said, "Su Wan greets Chief Escort Guo."
"Miss Su, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat." Guo Xiaotian smiled kindly and gestured for the two to sit down, then took his seat in the main seat himself.
"My dear nephew, you've had a long journey. I've already heard about what happened in Qingyang; you handled it brilliantly!" Guo Xiaotian picked up his teacup, his tone filled with emotion. "How is Old Master Chen's health?"
"Grandfather is still in good health, thanks to Chief Escort Guo for his concern. Before leaving, he also asked his juniors to convey his regards to Chief Escort Guo and express his gratitude for his past kindness," Chen Xuan said.
"Oh, Mr. Chen, you're too kind. In the old days, the Chen family's 'Huichuntang' medicines were mostly entrusted to my Sihai Escort Agency, because they trusted me, Guo. But later... sigh, let's not talk about it."
At that time, the Chen family was targeted by the Black Wind Sect and the Shadow Pavilion, causing their business to shrink and naturally reducing business dealings...
Guo Xiaotian waved his hand, his expression turning serious.
"Nephew, your arrival is perfectly timed. The sword-tasting competition will be held tomorrow in the back garden of my escort agency. Please feel free to stay here for the next two days, and I have already had rooms prepared."
"Thank you for the arrangements, Chief Escort."
"As for the private banquet mentioned in the letter..." Guo Xiaotian pondered for a moment, then dismissed the servants standing in the hall, his gaze becoming more serious.
"I do have an important matter to discuss, and I would like to ask for your assistance, my dear nephew. This matter is a long story and involves many aspects, so it is not convenient for me to take any action openly. My dear nephew has come from afar and must be tired. Why don't you settle down and rest for the night?"
"Tomorrow is the sword-tasting competition, and I will discuss this further with my nephew then."
He did not immediately mention the specifics of the "Yunzhou incident," appearing quite cautious.
Chen Xuan nodded: "I'll leave it to the chief镖头 (chief镖头 is the head镖师) to arrange."
"Good!" Guo Xiaotian's expression relaxed again, and he smiled.
"Later, I will host a simple banquet to welcome my nephew and Miss Su back home."
"Many outstanding young talents have come to Qingzhou these past few days. If you are interested, my dear nephew, you may make some friends with them."
Just then, a series of slightly hurried footsteps came from outside the hall, and a clear, yet somewhat arrogant, young woman's voice rang out:
"Father! I heard that Chen Xuan from Qingyang has arrived? Where is he? Let me see if he really has three heads and six arms!"