Chapter 5: Departure

“Yu’er, the journey to the capital is long and arduous. My son, please be cautious in all things...” At the eastern gate of Zhendong City, Huangfu Yuwei spoke anxiously without pause.

Looking at the several large carts laden with belongings—many of which were hardly needed for the time being—Wang Yu finally understood the meaning behind the saying that a mother worries when her child travels a thousand miles. He had originally intended to travel light, carrying only enough silver, for with money, one can traverse the world. Yet now...

“Mother, please rest assured. I will be careful,” Wang Yu replied.

Since his rebirth three months ago, Wang Yu had not left his manor or stepped outside its gates. He had secluded himself in his small courtyard, telling others he was consolidating the breakthrough in his cultivation.

Of course, this excuse was not unfounded, as stabilizing a newly attained level of cultivation does require time. Though this period was somewhat lengthy, it did not arouse suspicion.

One reason for his seclusion was his concern that he was no longer the same Wang Yu as before. Many habits and details differed, and if noticed, they could cause trouble. Hence, he preferred to remain out of sight for now. When he returned three years later, he could find some excuse for these changes.

Another reason was that, according to the system, though he possessed such impressive attributes, he might not yet be able to fully harness their power.

After all, his attributes mainly stemmed from the previous Wang Yu. Although he had merged that Wang Yu’s memories and attributes, he had not personally experienced the hardships to transform them completely into his own skills.

For example, the former Wang Yu, as the General of the Eastern Garrisons, had fought since childhood and thus had ample combat experience. Now, though Wang Yu had a martial prowess of ninety and innate internal strength, he was like a child holding a battle blade, unable to unleash its full potential.

Moreover, the system made clear that only by mastering the abilities tied to his attributes could his personal power continue to grow.

Thus, in these three months, Wang Yu either studied military strategy and tactics, sparred with the summoned Meng Tian and Zhao Yun, or received guidance from Tong Yuan.

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Tong Yuan, courtesy name Xiongfeng, was a renowned martial artist and sworn brother to Li Yan of Bingzhou. Both were disciples of their foster father Yu Zhenzi. Tong Yuan married Yan Yun, and Li Yan married Yan Yu, the two eldest daughters of the Yan family in Hebei. Tong Yuan’s inner disciples included Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu. In his later years, he accepted Zhao Yun as his final disciple, imparting his lifelong knowledge. His signature technique was the “Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix Spear.”

Upon meeting Tong Yuan, Wang Yu realized that Zhao Yun’s master possessed mid-level Grandmaster strength. With Zhao Yun, a Heavenly-tier talent, and Tong Yuan, a mid-Grandmaster, under his command, Wang Yu’s second summoning was indeed a great gain.

Skilled in both literary and martial arts, Tong Yuan once served imperial families. Though the General of the Eastern Garrisons’ residence was not an imperial household, and Tong Yuan was not directly implanted as a subordinate like those summoned with Meng Tian and Zhao Yun, he did not refuse Wang Yu’s invitation.

“Let’s depart!” Mounted on his warhorse, Wang Yu gazed toward the horizon with a radiant spirit. Though carriages were prepared, he preferred riding horseback.

Behind him rode a hundred ironclad cavalry. Their leader was none other than Zhao Yun, the famed Zhao Zilong, whom Wang Yu had summoned earlier.

At this moment, Zhao Zilong sat astride a white horse, clad in a silver-white cloak, wielding a shining silver Dragon Gall spear—a truly awe-inspiring sight. Coupled with his handsome and dashing figure, Wang Yu felt his own radiance might be overshadowed.

As for Meng Tian, Wang Yu did not bring him along. This journey to the capital was for study, not to stir trouble, so there was no need for so many bodyguards.

Besides, Meng Tian excelled as a commander. With his talents, it was most fitting for him to stay behind in Zhendong City.

Though young, Wang Yu was still a junior general, commanding three thousand direct troops. These three thousand cavalry were temporarily entrusted to Meng Wu, Meng Tian’s father, with Meng Tian assisting.

Meng Tian was still young, his attributes not yet at their peak. Given his age, it was unwise to promote him recklessly. Meng Wu, on the other hand, was at his prime at thirty-five. Though he might not surpass his son in the future, presently Meng Tian still had some distance to cover compared to his father.

Beyond Wudu Commandery lay Liaoyang Commandery. Passing through Liaoyang meant finally leaving Yanbei Circuit. From Yanbei westward was Hebei Circuit, the second wealthiest region in Dacang after Henan Circuit, where the capital Cangjing was located. Hebei boasted large populations and abundant resources.

Yet, the Hebei Wang Yu now saw was far from what he had known. Instead of prosperity, there were disaster-stricken refugees everywhere, countless starving people left without proper shelter. Cases of parents abandoning their children for survival were not uncommon.

Though Wang Yu had heard that Hebei and three other circuits had suffered frequent natural disasters in recent years, he had not imagined the situation had deteriorated so severely.

What was most absurd was that the grain allocated by the court for disaster relief had reportedly been embezzled en route. If even the relief supplies could be manipulated, the corruption must be profound.

However, Wang Yu did not meddle in this matter. If there was indeed foul play, it must be orchestrated by powerful hands. Without full understanding, rash intervention would only bring ill consequences.

Seeing Hebei’s condition, Wang Yu truly realized that chaos might soon engulf the realm. Dacang was divided into eighteen circuits, each containing commanderies and counties. If Hebei was in such a state, what of the other three disaster-stricken circuits?

Not just those affected — even the apparently unaffected circuits were uncertain. Though Wang Yu had no time to investigate thoroughly due to the journey, along the way he witnessed several scenes of people appealing for justice. This was a microcosm of the larger issues plaguing the Dacang imperial administration.

“Zilong, let us make camp here for the night!” Wang Yu instructed Zhao Yun as the sun dipped westward.

Unlike the original owner of this body, who had fought from youth, Wang Yu was no stranger to hardship himself.

Therefore, during this journey, there was no insistence on resting in every town passed. Instead, they camped wherever they stopped, often spending nights outdoors.

“As you command, Young Master! We will camp here immediately!” With Wang Yu’s order, Zhao Yun swiftly directed the guards to set up tents and arrange defenses.

Camping outdoors called for utmost vigilance.