Chapter 100: Petty Souls in a Great City

Early the next morning, Wei Wuji, filled with restless anticipation, led Zheng Dali and a squad of guards as they galloped toward the city of Wu'an. Huan'er followed behind at a more leisurely pace in a carriage, escorted by the remaining guards.

Traveling on swift steeds, they covered the distance rapidly. Before Wei Wuji had his fill of the scenery, the silhouette of Wu'an loomed in the distance. As they drew closer, the city walls became increasingly distinct. To describe it in a single word, it was "vast."

Reining in his horse upon a hill, the view of Wu'an unfolded before him with crystalline clarity. Endless rows of dwellings stretched deep into the horizon, while the crisscrossing streets revealed a sense of majestic grandeur. Protected by towering, formidable outer walls, the city appeared impregnable. In terms of sheer scale, influence, and prosperity, this was, without a doubt, the most magnificent city Wei Wuji had ever seen.

"The capital of a great power," Wei Wuji remarked with a sigh. "Truly extraordinary."

As the State of Wei was a formidable player on the world stage, the imposing nature of its capital served as a testament to its status.

"Pick up the pace," Wei Wuji urged, eager to enter the city. "Let us get inside."

"Hyah!"

With dirt flying into the air, the sound of hooves faded into the distance. Driven by a sense of urgency, Wei Wuji soon arrived at the West Gate. He dismounted and joined the queue of commoners waiting to enter. Though his status entitled him to bypass the line, he preferred to remain low-profile and avoid unwanted attention.

Fortunately, he had arrived early; otherwise, the growing throngs of people might have forced him to abandon his desire for anonymity. Amidst the clamor and bustle, Wei Wuji quietly savored this rare moment of peace. After spending so long in the grim atmosphere of a military camp, losing himself in the human tide was a genuine pleasure.

"Have you heard? Our great Wei has captured Changping Pass, forcing the Qin troops to retreat for hundreds of miles!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.

The comment immediately drew the attention of those nearby, and others joined in.

"Indeed! With our Lord’s brilliance and might, Wei has finally washed away its past humiliations. Among the great powers of the world, who dares to challenge us now?"

"This campaign has certainly brought forth many heroes!"

"Absolutely! General Du Ji, who took the pass in a single day, and General Xu Guanxiao, who led the night raid on the Qin—they are truly peerless warriors!"

The speaker’s words were met with cheers. The emergence of so many heroes was a source of immense pride for the citizens.

"Heh! That’s not all," another added. "I received a letter from relatives in Henei Commandery, and they say one of our own princes is a true young hero."

Wei Wuji’s attention sharpened, and he waited in anticipation for the man to speak his name.

"I heard that too. It’s the Fifth Prince, isn't it? So young, yet he led his troops to crush the armies of Qin and Chen. Absolutely remarkable!"

Hearing himself being discussed, a bright smile bloomed on Wei Wuji’s face. The feeling was intoxicating.

"Not only did the Fifth Prince defeat the Qin and Chen armies, he did so while being heavily outnumbered. And he is only sixteen!" a middle-aged man who looked like a wealthy merchant chimed in.

The passion of the crowd only grew as they discussed the young general who had conquered the battlefield. The conversation centered entirely on Wei Wuji, with the citizens painting vivid, imaginative pictures of his exploits in their minds.

"The Fifth Prince is so young, surely he couldn't be that capable," Wei Wuji interjected.

The comment was like poking a hornet's nest. The crowd glared at him with fury; had there not been soldiers on patrol nearby, they likely would have swarmed him.

"How insolent..."

"Hmph! You ant, how dare you speak so recklessly of the Prince..."

"If it weren't for the guards, I’d show you a thing or two..."

Amidst the jeers, Wei Wuji led his men to the other side of the crowd. Zheng Dali had wanted to take action, but Wei Wuji stopped him. Despite the insults, Wei Wuji felt incredibly happy. Being held in such high regard made him want to jump for joy.

*Is this what it feels like to be a hero?* he wondered. *Though I wasn't even bragging! It seems the military merits I earned in the recent wars have truly made an impact.*

In high spirits, he slowly made his way into the city. The gate towers were tall, the walls thick, and the tunnel-like gate felt long. Once he finally stepped inside, he was stunned by the sight before him.

*This is the backward ancient world, yet how can it be so prosperous?* Wei Wuji could hardly believe his eyes. *Can't it at least look a little more primitive for the Warring States period?*

Amidst the roar of the crowd, the wide streets were lined with bustling shops, where merchants beckoned constantly to passersby. In his previous life, Wei Wuji had seen more affluent cities, but Wu'an still filled him with awe. He strolled slowly down the street, absorbing everything around him.

"My Prince, shouldn't we be heading back?" Zheng Dali asked in a low voice.

Wei Wuji hesitated. By "heading back," Zheng Dali did not mean the military camp. But Wei Wuji felt he wasn't mentally prepared to face his mother just yet.

"Let's walk a little longer," Wei Wuji said, searching for an excuse. "We should buy some gifts. It wouldn't do to arrive empty-handed."

"That makes sense!" Zheng Dali agreed.

Without a specific destination, Wei Wuji continued to wander. He ordered several guards to lead the horses away, as having a dozen warhorses in tow was far too conspicuous.

"Dali, what do you think I should buy?" Wei Wuji asked, feeling troubled. He had no idea what his mother liked.

"That... this subordinate has no idea," Zheng Dali said, rubbing his hands together in embarrassment.

Wei Wuji sighed. Asking him had been a mistake. "I suppose we’ll just have to see as we go!"

He began to scan the storefronts with intent, hoping to find something suitable. Finally, he found what he was looking for: the finest bolt of cloth from a luxurious textile shop. He couldn't think of anything else to get. Fortunately, he had seized quite a bit of wealth from the Gu estate while in Tielin Town; otherwise, he could never have afforded it.

"I hope she likes it," he murmured.

From Zheng Dali, he had learned that his mother lived in great hardship and had not had a new garment in years.

"Let's go," Wei Wuji said firmly, his mood settled.

Zheng Dali led the way as they headed back. They hadn't traveled far before Wei Wuji noticed a large crowd gathered at a street corner, accompanied by the faint sound of angry shouting.

"What's going on?" Driven by curiosity, he drifted toward the commotion.

Before he could reach the edge of the crowd, he heard a lecherous laugh from within.

"Little beauty, why don't you come out and let me have a look?"

*Another scene of someone harassing a woman,* Wei Wuji thought to himself.