Chapter 78
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Following the Path of Ban Chao
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I led my key subordinates—Jeon Pung, Jia Xu, Zhang Liao, Gao Sun, and even Wei Sok—and waited for the imperial envoy.
Dust rose in the distance as the envoy's procession came into view. But something seemed off about it.
"Brother, is that really the court's envoy?"
Wei Sok, who I'd thought had matured a bit, was back to his snarky self.
"The officials from the capital are always all flashy and gaudy. That looks more like a bunch of poor scholars on the road."
He was right.
For an imperial envoy from the Emperor, the procession was unbelievably modest. No gold or silver decorations, not even a fancy carriage. But the Central Army soldiers escorting it with such strict vigilance confirmed they were indeed the envoys.
"Quiet down. Look at those banners and soldiers. Can't you feel the difference from those showy fakes?"
The Central Army troops moved with perfect discipline and sharp aura—true elites of the Emperor.
Then Jeon Pung whispered to me alone.
"My lord, no need to be surprised. Colonel of the Four Garrisons Ma Gong is from the renowned Ma family of Ma Rong, a senior statesman of the upright Pure Stream faction."
And he shared the most crucial fact.
"More than that... he's the sworn friend who petitioned alongside Master Bai Gai—your father-in-law—to correct the texts of the Six Classics."
'Well... a friend of my mentor. No wonder his bearing is so unique.'
As an incorruptible scholar-official, his simple procession made sense.
As the envoy's procession drew nearer, I mounted up to offer proper greetings.
But as my cavalry unit approached, the Central Army guards immediately crossed their spears to block my path.
A man who looked like their commander stepped forward and barked sharply.
"Halt! This is the procession sent by His Majesty the Emperor! State your identity!"
Wei Sok bristled—"Those bastards!"—but I raised a hand to stop him and replied calmly.
"You've worked hard. I am Zhangye Commandery Administrator Lu Bu. I've come to welcome the envoy."
"Commandery Administrator, you say? If you'll pardon the rudeness, could you show proof of your office?"
I silently drew the administrator's seal from my robes. The commander inspected it meticulously before snapping to attention with military precision.
"Verified. My apologies!"
'Ho... quite thorough. No flexibility, but they keep discipline well.'
I politely asked the commander.
"May my Zhangye forces take over escorting the procession from here?"
"That would—"
As he started to reply, the carriage door opened.
Out stepped an elderly scholar with a dignified face etched by years—Ma Ilje.
I immediately dismounted and bowed respectfully.
"Zhangye Commandery Administrator Lu Bu pays respects to Colonel Ma!"
"Ah, so you're Administrator Lu."
Ma Ilje tossed out those words, then turned to the commander.
"Good work."
"Yes, my lord."
Then he looked back at me.
"I'll leave the escort to you."
"Understood. What are you waiting for? Escort the procession!"
"Yes, Administrator!"
Ma Ilje showed no interest in further talk and retreated back into the carriage.
"........."
I stared blankly at the closed door for a moment.
"Heh heh... seems his personality is anything but ordinary."
"My lord, this will be tough. Men like him are strict on etiquette and show no gaps. He won't tolerate even minor slip-ups."
'Hm? Strict and picky... he just reminds me of my mentor.'
The troops I led escorted the envoy's procession rigorously as we set off again.
My cavalry formed up on either side, while the Central Army wrapped around Ma Ilje's carriage as we entered the city gates.
Ma Ilje remained motionless inside, and the Central Army kept vigilant even within the walls, scanning their surroundings.
As we reached the main avenue, the carriage window finally opened. Ma Ilje's sharp eyes began scanning the streets.
The orderly streets and bustling markets teemed with life.
"Hey! How can you haggle any harder than that?"
"Cheaper, cheaper, cheaper!"
Han merchants and Qiang women shouted back and forth in lively bargaining, while Han soldiers and foreign troops stood shoulder to shoulder on guard throughout the streets.
As we neared the government offices, the carriage stopped, and Ma Ilje stepped out.
Without even glancing at me, he stared fixedly at the foreign soldier guarding the office doors and spoke.
"Hm. Administrator Lu, I've heard reports that Zhangye is stable... but with more barbarians in the city than Han Chinese, it's hard to tell if this is a Han commandery or a foreign village."
From horseback, I met his gaze steadily without a hint of unease.
"My lord, these people were here long before they were barbarians—they've put down roots in Zhangye soil. They accept Han rule and follow this land's laws. How can we call them barbarians?"
I continued.
"To me, anyone who follows Han rule and obeys the law is simply one of the 'people'—nothing more."
At my firm reply, Ma Ilje fell silent for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.
"...Ha ha. Hahaha!"
The stern, picky old scholar's face relaxed in an instant.
"Bai Gai... he's taken on quite the disciple and son-in-law."
"...Pardon?"
'Was he testing me?'
Ma Ilje nodded in satisfaction.
"The divide between China and the barbarians isn't blood—it's whether one knows law and reason!"
He surveyed the stable city and continued.
"Lately, across the realm, people have forgotten law and reason, groaning under tyrants and raising rebellions. But seeing these folks' faces, I understand well how you've governed, Administrator Lu."
I was stunned.
He'd tested me not as a strict official, but as my mentor's friend—and dropped his guard the moment I passed.
I cleared my throat and replied.
"Ahem... you flatter me, my lord. Please, come to the offices."
"Yes, thank you. Ah, but Iljeom. Could you call the child too?"
"Of course, my lord."
I led Ma Ilje into the government offices at last.
I guided Ma Ilje to the reception hall.
Jeon Pung, Jia Xu, and I took our seats and were about to offer tea when I began.
"My lord, for coming all this way to this remote—"
"Enough."
Ma Ilje cut me off.
"Tea later. First... where's Iljeom? I've been worried since Bai Gai's letter."
"Ah, right. I'll fetch her at once."
I was just about to summon Chae Yeom.
But she'd already heard the envoy had arrived and entered the room cradling Ryeong Gi.
The moment he saw the child and Chae Yeom, Ma Ilje's demeanor shifted completely.
"Oh, Iljeom! Suffering in this far-off borderland, even bearing a child... Bai Gai should see this!"
—Where was the dignified air he'd shown me moments ago? Jeon Pung, Jia Xu, and I stared in disbelief at Ma Ilje's beaming smile.
"Uncle Ma, thank you for the long journey. As you're here on official duty, I apologize for not greeting you privately."
Chae Yeom bowed deeply, still holding Ryeong Gi.
"Uncle? Too formal! Call me 'Uncle' like old times."
"Personally, you're Father's dear friend, but officially, you're a high courtier representing the throne and bearing His Majesty's decree. How could I let private ties override official propriety?"
Ma Ilje chuckled helplessly at her firm response.
"Heh heh... studying under Bai Gai turned you into a proper lady. Just yesterday, it seems, you were running wild through the capital like a tomboy—"
"...Eh? What are you talking about?"
At my reaction, Ma Ilje lit up and opened his mouth.
"What, you didn't know? Back in the day, Iljeom would ride horses through the capital—"
"Un-Uncle! Stop it!"
Chae Yeom's face flushed crimson as she shouted. Only then did Ma Ilje grin in victory.
"Hahaha! Finally calling me Uncle!"
"You really haven't changed a bit."
Ma Ilje chatted with Chae Yeom, laughter filling the room. Finally, he held Ryeong Gi briefly before looking at her.
"Iljeom, now I must discuss official business with Administrator Lu. Would you step out for a bit?"
"Of course, Uncle."
Chae Yeom bowed and withdrew.
—Creak.
As the door closed, Ma Ilje's kindly smile vanished. His face returned to that of the stern, dignified envoy, fixing me with a straight gaze.
"Administrator Lu."
"Yes, my lord."
"Now, as the envoy bearing His Majesty's decree, I must deliver the edict. Prepare the formal reception."
'Edict? For me?'
I was caught off guard.
I'd heard the envoy would pass through Zhangye, but an edict for me?
This was news to me. But at Ma Ilje's grave expression, I quickly composed myself.
"Prepare to receive the envoy at once."
"Yes, Administrator!"
Jeon Pung and Jia Xu moved to set the space.
Once ready, I straightened my official robes, knelt before Ma Ilje, and bowed.
Ma Ilje drew the edict from his robes and unfurled it. His grave voice filled the hall.
"Zhangye Commandery Administrator Lu Bu, receive His Majesty's edict."
"I receive His Majesty's edict!"
"Zhangye Commandery Administrator Lu Bu has taken the lead in stabilizing Zhangye and subduing the foreigners, finally reclaiming Jiuquan and Dunhuang to restore Han rule—his merit is great indeed. Moreover, We accept the earnest petition of the Yang Province Administrator and shall resume trade with the Western Regions!"
Ma Ilje glanced at me and read the key part.
"Appoint Colonel of the Four Garrisons Ma Ilje as Chief Envoy and Zhangye Commandery Administrator Lu Bu as Deputy Envoy to proceed to the Kushan Empire, confirm past agreements, and reopen trade!"
'Deputy Envoy? Me? To the Western Regions...? And where the hell is Kushan?'
The unexpected mission left me dazed. Images of newborn Ryeong Gi and wife Chae Yeom flashed by.
'Damn it... how long ago did she give birth! And the Western Regions, of all places!'
But it was the Emperor's command—I couldn't refuse. Besides, this was the first step toward opening the 'Silk Road' I'd wanted.
I suppressed my emotions and kowtowed.
"Your servant Lu Bu shall obey His Majesty's command!"
Ma Ilje nodded at my swift acceptance. He pocketed the edict and reverted to the kindly 'mentor’s friend,' patting my shoulder.
"Heh heh! Administrator Lu! No, Deputy Lu now. The journey ahead will be long, but I entrust my escort to you!"
'Ha...'
A sigh nearly escaped, but I held it back.
"Of course, my lord. But after your long trip, rest well today. We'll discuss the journey details tomorrow."
"Heh heh, yes, thoughtful as ever."
After arranging Ma Ilje's quarters, I summoned all my subordinates.
In the spot Ma Ilje had left, I slammed the edict onto the table with a grim face.
"Deputy Envoy... Deputy..."
I couldn't hold back and punched the table.
—Bang!
"Damn it! Why me, of all people! Kushan? Where the hell is that dump?!"
As I fumed, the two looked odd.
Jeon Pung and Jia Xu weren't angry—they were flushed with excitement and anticipation.
"My lord! Calm down! This is a chance from heaven!"
"Advisor Wonho is right. Administrator, 'Kushan'! Do you know what that place is?"
"If I did, would I be like this?!"
At my irritated snap, Jeon Pung raised his voice.
"It's the heart of the trade route General Ban Chao of the Western Regions Protectorate conquered and paved! Records say goods even reach the distant Daqin Empire!"
Jia Xu added.
"Not just that, my lord. Look at Lord Ma Ilje—he's Master Bai Gai's sworn friend and a court elder. Escorting him is the perfect chance to gain a solid patron in the capital!"
"Advisor Munhwa's right!"
Jeon Pung backed him up emphatically.
As I listened, my head cooled.
'Ha, it's the Emperor's order—no choice but to obey. Fuming won't solve anything. Time to maximize what I gain here.'
I glanced at the edict, then at Jia Xu.
"...Advisor Ga. The envoy's official procession... nothing says our Zhangye trade caravan can't trail close behind to 'assist' with escort, right?"
Jia Xu's eyes gleamed.
"Ha ha! Exactly! Who'd dare block the road with the Emperor's envoy ahead? This is the safest way to launch our first trade run!"
"Good! It's decided—time to prepare. The issue is—"
The biggest problem hit me with a headache. Who to leave in charge of Zhangye?
"Me being away. It'll take at least a year. Who can I entrust this place to?"
Jeon Pung and Jia Xu exchanged looks.
"My lord, better we stay and guard Zhangye than sightsee the West with you—"
"While you're away."
"I want you two to stay and protect Zhangye well. And when deciding major matters, heed my wife's words carefully. Understood?"
"Understood."
With those two and Chae Yeom handling internal affairs, no issues there. I steeled my resolve and called out.
"Summon Zhang Liao and Wei Sok at once!"
"Yes, Administrator!"
I'd never dreamed I'd end up traversing Central Asia, a place even my past life hadn't seen.