DBTC 06

Chapter : 06

Han Zhen

Near midday, the carriage arrived at a mountain pass. On the open ground beside the pass, a flatbed cart harnessed to a sturdy blue mule was already waiting, its load exceptionally well-secured with ropes. Two men stood beside it.

The man was about thirty years old, with a lean, sinewy build. His back was as straight as a pine, and his wheat-colored face had clear, defined features. A faint old scar above his left eyebrow added a touch of ruggedness to his appearance.

He wore dark coarse cloth short jacket and trousers. A plain-style waist knife with a worn scabbard was tucked diagonally into his leather belt. A half-worn hardwood bow was slung across his back, and a quiver of arrows hung within easy reach at his side.

Though he wore no armor, his stance, his gaze, and the air of constant vigilance about him—the mark of one long accustomed to perilous travels—clearly indicated he was no ordinary villager. This was Han Zhen, a man who had retired from the border troops years ago and now made his living as an escort guard.

He was a few years older than Qin Hu, but due to past debts of gratitude and genuine respect, he had always addressed Qin Hu as “Big Brother.”

Beside him stood a youth of sixteen or seventeen, already showing a tall and straight figure. He wore a half-worn blue short jacket, a cloth belt at his waist, and hemp sandals suitable for mountain walking on his feet.

His features were clear and handsome, carrying the spirited energy of youth. Though he showed some signs of fatigue from the long wait, his eyes were bright and alert as they scanned the surrounding mountain paths. This was his younger brother, Han Yun.

Seeing Qin Hu’s carriage, a sharp glint flashed in Han Zhen’s eyes. He immediately strode forward in large steps. Before reaching the carriage, he clasped his hands in a deep bow, his movements crisp and decisive, his voice clear and forceful: “Big Brother!”

Han Yun quickly followed suit, copying his brother’s gesture and bowing: “Brother Qin!”

Qin Hu jumped down from the carriage and grasped Han Zhen by the arm: “Han Zhen.” His gaze then turned to Han Yun, sweeping over him from head to toe before he nodded. “Little Yun, you’ve filled out.”

“Big Brother, you’ve had a hard journey!” Han Zhen was visibly moved by the reunion, but he quickly composed himself, turning to Zhao Mingyuan who had alighted after Qin Hu. He bowed respectfully, his manner both deferential and carrying the forthright briskness of a guard: “This junior, Han Zhen, pays respects to Mr. Zhao!” His gaze then naturally shifted to Zhao Wan.

Zhao Wan was being helped down from the carriage by Qin Hu.

A white fine-mesh veiled hat covered her completely from head to toe, but the mountain wind blew in gusts, now pressing the light veil close, now lifting it. The gauze outlined a breathtaking silhouette—a smooth, full forehead, a straight and delicate nose, full lips, a pointed chin—every line exquisitely refined.

The wind swept over her lotus-root-colored cotton skirt, revealing her full, graceful figure. Her waist was so slender it seemed one hand could encircle it.

She stood there quietly, already a moving portrait, yet her bearing carried a tranquil, scholarly air. These two qualities blended together, creating a uniquely captivating presence.

Han Zhen felt his scalp tighten, a chill racing straight up his spine! He had traveled far and wide and seen many women, but one so beautiful, with such figure and bearing, was truly rare!

Almost instantly, all the joy of reunion was suppressed. An overwhelming sense of crisis made his nerves taut in an instant.

The muscles in his face tightened. He suppressed the shock in his heart, controlled his expression with astonishing self-possession, and without hesitation took a large step back. Bowing deeply to Zhao Wan, his head lowered as far as it would go, his voice came from deep in his chest, carrying a resolute finality:

“Han Zhen pays respects to Sister-in-Law!”

Beside him, Han Yun had initially been curious, sizing up the carriage and the new arrivals. But when his brother paid respects to Zhao Mingyuan, his gaze finally fell upon that graceful figure.

The moment the mountain wind stirred the veil, the youth froze—he had never seen such a woman… such a one who held his gaze so completely.

Even through the veil, the faint outline and the subtle grace emanating from her had already made this half-grown boy blush and turn his face away in a fluster.

Only when his brother’s solemn voice announced “Sister-in-Law” did Han Yun snap back to his senses, realizing his own impropriety. His ears burned red with embarrassment. He hurriedly imitated his brother and bowed deeply, his voice slightly unsteady from nervousness: “Han Yun… pays respects to Mr. Zhao and Sister-in-Law.”

Zhao Wan, even through the veil, could feel the gaze upon her—one that had instantly grown sharp and intensely focused. She turned slightly and returned the courtesy, the veil of her hat swaying as she said softly: “Brother Han, please rise. Little Brother Han, please rise as well.”

“Brother Han.” Qin Chuan’s voice came from behind. He had secured the mule cart and stepped forward, clasping his hands to Han Zhen. His smile faded, his gaze calm and steady. Then he looked toward Han Yun, who was stealing glances at him, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Little Yun, don’t complain about being tired on the road.”

Han Yun, still flustered, perked up at being called out by Qin Chuan. He straightened his back: “Brother Chuan, I’ve trained with my brother. I won’t complain about being tired!”

Han Zhen’s gaze met Qin Hu’s briefly in mid-air. Qin Hu gave an almost imperceptible nod, his eyes unfathomably deep.

“Everything ready?” Qin Hu looked at the flatbed cart, which had clearly been carefully prepared and even reinforced in places, and at the spirited blue mule.

“Ready, Big Brother,” Han Zhen nodded, speaking concisely and clearly as if reporting.

“As you instructed last time, we’ve prepared a month’s worth of dry rations, common medicinal herbs, thick bedding, and all weapons are in good condition. This mule has good stamina and speed, can keep up with the convoy. I’ve also prepared ropes, hooks, sickles, flints, and other odds and ends we might need on the road.”

He glanced at his younger brother, “Xiao Yun can help too—keeping watch at night, scouting ahead, that sort of thing.”

Han Yun nodded vigorously beside him, with a “I can do it” expression.

“Good.” Qin Hu said no more. He turned and agilely climbed back onto the carriage. “Move out. There’s an abandoned river god temple fifteen li ahead. We’ll make camp there before dark.”

“Yes sir!” Han Zhen responded crisply, turned and patted his brother’s shoulder. “Get on the cart. Stay sharp.”

Han Yun acknowledged with a sound, nimbly vaulted onto the cart bed, and settled himself among the securely lashed luggage. His hand had already moved to rest on the short cudgel tucked at his waist.

Qin Chuan did not immediately get on the cart. His sharp eyes swept over the surroundings of the pass, confirming there was no one ahead or behind, before he vaulted onto the mule cart, took the reins, and led the way smoothly out.

Qin Hu drove the carriage closely behind. Han Zhen took his seat on the front of the flatbed cart, lightly shook the reins, and the blue mule stepped forward. The cart rolled silently into the last position of the convoy.

Three vehicles, led by Qin Chuan, formed a small caravan as they left the pass. Wheels rumbled, slowly disappearing into the rolling mountain wilderness where heat haze began to shimmer after noon.

Han Yun sat on the cart bed, his eyes constantly scanning the road ahead and behind, but mostly watching the rear and the woods on either side. On the youth’s face, curiosity and eagerness gradually gave way to a vigilant wariness.

And Han Zhen, bringing up the rear, swept the entire rear and flanks of the convoy with his steady gaze, an unyielding iron gate.