After reaching this place, the next stop was Chenggao.

During the Sui Dynasty, Chenggao was renamed Sishui, and this place was renamed Sishui Pass.

But now it is still named Hulao Pass because King Mu of Zhou imprisoned tigers here.

Although Hulao Pass is not one of the Eight Passes of Luoyang, its position is not inferior to any other pass.

Because of its special terrain, with Songyue Mountain to the south and the Yellow River to the north, and mountains on both sides of the road, it is considered a place that must be contested by military strategists.

It was at this place where the Three Heroes fought against Lu Bu in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

When Qiao Yan accompanied Huangfu Song to arrive at the foot of the pass, looking up at the majestic gate, he couldn’t help but feel that he was approaching the important area near the capital.

Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the defense here has been tighter than before, to prevent bandits from breaking through the pass and causing irreversible consequences.

Fortunately, the disaster of the Yellow Turbans has always been blocked outside the pass, and the reinforced defense has not been put to use.

Of course, whether the defense is reinforced or not has nothing to do with them, after all, the soldiers guarding the pass would not fail to recognize those under the pass.

It’s worth mentioning that Bi Lan and others also took this road when they left Luoyang on an imperial decree, and Huangfu Song can be said to be…

roughly speaking, an idol of these pass guards.

Seeing Bi Lan and others returning, along with Huangfu Song leading the troops back, it was clearly good news of victory.

They immediately opened Hulao Pass.

The heavy gate slowly opened in front of Qiao Yan, and when their group entered the pass, there was a heavy sound echoing between the mountains behind them.

Qiao Yan glanced back at Hulao Pass again, her expression thoughtful, but probably no one could guess what she was thinking at the moment.

At least Bi Lan, who had just communicated with her before entering the pass, didn’t know. This could probably be considered a kind of sentimentality.

Qiao Yan’s momentary trance did not affect her from continuing to talk to Bi Lan about the battles that Hulao Pass had experienced.

For example, when Han invaded through Hulao Pass and annihilated the Zheng state, or when King Zhuangxiang of Qin forced Han to surrender Hulao Pass during his reign, allowing Qin to station troops there and confront the other six states.

..

“Attaining the position of county marquis with such conduct is truly…

It’s truly absurd!

In terms of the identities of the people present, although Yuan Shao is just a collateral branch member,

After being adopted by Yuan Cheng’s main family, he can be considered a half-legitimate child.

Moreover, because of his imposing appearance, he is highly regarded by Yuan Feng and Yuan Wei without a doubt, ranking the highest among these people.

But to Qiao Yan, even if she converses with the eunuch, she treats him as if he were nothing, how could Yuan Shao not keep this in mind.

Even more so when Yuan Shao saw that Qiao Yan did not refuse Bi Lan’s proposal.

After passing through Hulao, they chose to travel by land and water along the Luo River.

This way, they wouldn’t have to endure the hardships of mountain roads.

However, Yuan Shao didn’t know that this time Qiao Yan’s actions were not to create any illusions for them, but rather because Bi Lan had more reason to talk to her than Zhang Rang, Yuan Shao, and the others.

Chunyu Qiong looked down on Bi Lan because he got promoted due to his tricks and skills.

But in just two years, in the third year of Zhongping, Bi Lan would be tasked with building a waterwheel by the decree of Liu Hong.

At that time, the waterwheel was intended for Liu Hong to see the scene of water sprinkling on the road.

However, in terms of its impact on future agriculture, this invention undoubtedly wasn’t a trivial matter.

Establishing a good relationship with Bi Lan, who was more of an inventor than a eunuch, would be beneficial and harmless for Qiao Yan.

She only knew about the waterwheel by name, but couldn’t outline its structure like she could draw a map by hand.

As for Yuan Shao…

If Qiao Yan were a man, it would indeed be necessary for her to maintain a good relationship with him.

Whether it’s using the reputation of the Yuan family to gain visibility or using Yuan Shao’s social circle to make connections with talented people at the end of the Han Dynasty, it would be much easier than fighting alone.

But as a woman who ascended to the position of county marquis, she didn’t rely on the support of the Yuan family, but rather on the decision of Liu Hong.

So she must maintain a good distance from the aristocratic families.

For Liu Hong, eunuchs who have no offspring and must rely on his existence are undoubtedly the most loyal to him, and even in extreme cases, they can be used as scapegoats.

That’s why some people launched accusations against the Ten Eunuchs during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and he only extracted wealth from these people. And that’s why—

At this moment, Qiao Yan can show them appropriate goodwill.

But Bi Lan didn’t know about the twists and turns in Qiao Yan’s mind.

In his view, the newly appointed Marquis Qiao was much easier to get along with than those noble and powerful families.

Earlier, she spoke confidently about the historical evolution of Hulao Pass.

Now, as the boat sailed on the Luo River, she did not hide her limited knowledge about Luoyang.

She had only visited Luoyang once when she was very young and had since lived in the state of Liang.

For this reason, she relied on Bi Lan for more information.

Bi Lan, feeling the weight of this reliance, found herself talking more than usual.

During their pleasant conversation, the boat passed through Gong County and Yanshi.

As they approached the confluence of the Luo and Yi Rivers, Qiao Yan could already see the houses on the outskirts of Luoyang.

However, the outskirts were mainly used for farming and rituals, with most residences located within the city walls.

Han Luoyang was a unique city compared to later capitals.

Or rather, all capitals during the Qin and Han dynasties had this characteristic.

The city walls did not have fortifications but relied on rivers, canals, and mountains for defense.

Beyond the city walls were the suburbs, followed by fields.

As the boat crossed the main bridge over the Luo River, Bi Lan noticed Qiao Yan looking north and decided to stop the boat to explain.

“The southern boundary of Luoyang uses the Luo River as its border.

If there is a need for defense, troops are stationed on the floating bridge,” Bi Lan said, signaling to the guards on the bridge before continuing.

“South of the floating bridge is the southern suburb of Luoyang, where the altar for worshiping the Red Emperor is located. And to the north of the bridge—”

Following Bi Lan’s gesture, Qiao Yan saw a prominent square platform on the north bank.

Bi Lan explained, “That is the Lingtai, where the Grand Historian observes and records the stars.”

While they were on the river, Bi Lan had mentioned that besides the rewards given to those who helped suppress the rebellion in Jizhou,

The current emperor had made a particularly special move. He appointed Lady Ma, the wife of the Minister of Works Yuan Wei and a member of the Ma family from Fufeng, as the Grand Astrologer.

So, the Lingtai was now her workplace.

This change, differing from historical development, did not make Qiao Yan feel out of control or panicked.

On the contrary, if she could not create some changes through her intervention in the Yellow Turban Rebellion, she would feel insignificant.

Lady Ma becoming the Grand Historian was a development that Qiao Yan found quite pleasing.

Bi Lan continued, “Opposite the Lingtai is the Mingtang and Biyong.”

“These are places of worship, my father once mentioned them to me,” Qiao Yan replied.

“Yes, they are indeed used for rituals, sacrifices, and inspections,” Bi Lan confirmed.

Bi Lan said, “Behind Biyong is the location of the Imperial Academy.”

No matter how prestigious the Hongdu Gate Academy established by Emperor Liu Hong became due to the emperor’s support, it could never surpass the status of the Imperial Academy.

This was the most coveted place for scholars across the land.

Thus, the southern city, or Nanguo, south of the imperial city, held a significant position in Luoyang.

Within this area, which was six li wide from east to west and four li long from north to south, were places dedicated to rituals, star observation, and education.

Even the southern market here was known as Tiaoyin and Yuelu, reflecting its cultural importance.

There was a saying that the people within this area were known for their music and songs, making it undoubtedly the cultural hub of Luoyang.

Only a few scattered residences were located near the Luo River.

However, these homes were not safe, as they were at risk of flooding whenever the Luo River rose.

What about the eastern city, or Dongguo?

Dongguo, bordered by the Yang Canal on its east side, included the Xuanping Gate, which connected to the officials’ meeting hall.

This eastern area also had a protective barrier, with the remaining area mainly used for residences.

The eastern market, known for commerce, was called Tongshang and Dahuo.

Many foreign merchants resided there, extending to the horse market outside the East Gate and the Upper Merchant Lane at the foot of Mang Mountain in the northern city.

Naturally, the closer the residents lived to the imperial city, the higher their status.

But Qiao Xuan did not live there. He lived in the western city, or Xiguo.

According to Bi Lan, just outside the Guangyang Gate was the Luoyang Grand Market.

From Zhangfang Canal to the east, south to the Luo River, and north to Mang Mountain, covering an area two li wide and fifteen li deep, this area was inhabited by members of the royal family and was nicknamed the Prince’s Quarter by the locals.

West of the Prince’s Quarter was where high-ranking officials lived.

Although Qiao Xuan was an honest and upright official, he had made great contributions to the Han dynasty.

When he retired a few years ago, Emperor Liu Hong, citing the hustle and bustle of the East Market as unsuitable for his health, arranged for Qiao Xuan to have a residence in Xiguo.

However, the lavishness of this residence exceeded Liu Hong’s expectations and seemed out of place among the luxurious surroundings.

It’s important to note that the markets of Luoyang developed along with the city quarters.

While the East City was connected to the horse market, the West City was connected to the gold market, a place common people rarely had the chance to visit.

When Bi Lan mentioned this, a hint of pride was evident in his tone, which did not surprise Qiao Yan.

Thanks to the emperor’s favor, his residence outside the palace was in this prestigious area.

Although it was seldom used, being adjacent to the Prince’s Quarter was a great honor in his eyes.

Qiao Yan had no intention of interrupting Bi Lan’s proud recounting.

As they disembarked at Hutao Palace, she listened to his introduction of the place while observing the site where envoys from all over once greeted Luoyang, now reduced to mere ruins in historical records.

Past Hutao Palace, they entered an area with numerous courtyard residences surrounded by high walls.

Among these, a few stood out, such as the Royal Daughters’ Terrace built by Liang Ji, a powerful minister during the reigns of Emperors Shun and Zhi of Han.

It was said that in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, the platform was still over five zhang high.

Now, according to Qiao Yan’s observations, it was at least seven or eight zhang high, an anomaly within the city.

Although Emperor Huan eradicated the Liang family’s influence twenty-five years ago, Liang Ji’s impact on Xiguo remained significant.

For instance, the Xianyang Garden north of the Prince’s Quarter was once Liang Ji’s park.

Despite Liang Ji’s notorious acts, such as poisoning Emperor Zhi and arrogantly entering the throne room with sword and shoes during Emperor Huan’s reign, his actions didn’t diminish the current Emperor Liu Hong’s reliance on and empowerment of the imperial consorts’ families.

As Qiao Yan reflected on this, she suddenly heard Bi Lan’s tone become more serious.

He said, “Since you are new to Luoyang, you must follow its rules. You need to know that Luoyang is unlike any other place.

The walls of the neighborhoods are enclosed, and no doors open onto the streets. At night, the gates are locked, and no one is allowed on the streets.”

Bi Lan’s reference to Jian Tu, the uncle of Jian Shuo, who was beaten to death by Cao Cao for violating the curfew and roaming the streets at night,

Illustrated the strictness of Luoyang’s regulations.

Unlike later dynasties that had bustling night markets, Luoyang’s curfews were rigidly enforced.

Acknowledging Bi Lan’s advice, Qiao Yan understood the importance of following local customs.

In Luoyang, even a casual stone thrown might hit two members of the royal family.

Her title as a county marquis didn’t provide immunity.

Bi Lan’s advice indicated his concern for her well-being, and Qiao Yan gratefully accepted it.

“It’s good that you understand. Follow me,” Bi Lan said.

Familiar with the area, he led Qiao Yan through several streets and alleys.

Bi Lan’s familiarity with the area was evident as he navigated without hesitation, even though there were no visible street signs.

He led her into a neighborhood called Yanxi Lane.

The gatekeeper of Yanxi Lane was surprised to see Dian Wei, Qiao Yan’s bodyguard, following her.

Yanxi Lane was known for housing high-ranking officials and nobles.

Even the gatekeepers were well-dressed and carried themselves with pride.

Seeing a rugged and imposing figure like Dian Wei was unusual in such a refined area.

The gatekeeper, who resembled a butcher from outside the city, recognized Bi Lan.

Since Bi Lan, the palace attendant, deemed it acceptable to bring this person into the neighborhood, the gatekeeper had no objections.

Unlike the domineering wet nurse of Emperor An of Han, who occupied two entire blocks, the residences in Yanxi Lane were modest in size.

As Qiao Yan observed during their walk, there were nine households in this neighborhood, with Qiao Xuan’s house being the smallest.

When Bi Lan knocked on the door, Qiao Yan glanced at the faded red paint on the door plaque.

When the gatekeeper opened the door, the courtyard inside looked desolate and rundown.

Despite it being summer, the largest tree in the courtyard was leaning against the adjacent wall with an unhealthy appearance.

Plants and people alike seemed neglected.

The elderly gatekeeper stood quietly, allowing them to enter after they announced themselves.

As they walked through the courtyard, the only sounds were their footsteps and the rustling leaves in the wind, along with—

Qiao Yan suddenly heard an unusual noise and looked up towards the wall.

She saw a young girl, around four or five years old, peeking over the wall with curiosity.

When the girl realized she had been spotted, she didn’t seem embarrassed.

Instead, she smiled at Qiao Yan before disappearing behind the wall.

“Who is that?” Qiao Yan asked, pointing towards the wall.

Bi Lan thought for a moment before replying, “She is the daughter of Marquis Fushi, her name is Shou.”

Marquis Fushi’s daughter… Shou?

Fu Shou?