Zhizhou: \"You're An Official, But You're Raising A Bunch Of Demonesses?

Chapter 12: Students Enter the Capital, the First Blow

Liyang City,

The capital of the Qianyuan Empire,

Legend has it that in ancient times, there were nine scorching suns shining across the sky, bestowing blessings from immortals, and the dragon veins were nurtured here.

With its vibrant atmosphere and outstanding individuals,

It was named Liyang.

Through the rise and fall of dynasties, the capital always stood here.

The city walls are majestic, the marketplaces bustling, with songs and dances, and crowds of people,

What a prosperous scene it is,

But it sharply contrasts with the poor farmers who are exposed to the border winds and scorching sun, unable to eat their fill.

The triennial imperial examination is approaching,

To select the next generation of fresh blood for the empire's governance,

Students from various regions and schools are rushing here from all directions.

All for the sake of passing the imperial examination, advancing in social class, and entering the ranks of the ruling class, bringing honor to their ancestors.

In this already bustling and prosperous city,

At this moment, with the influx of a large number of scholars from outside, it adds a touch of literary elegance.

"Sister Long, look, this is the Qianyuan capital, Liyang!"

Outside the city walls,

A young scholar stands in place, quietly overlooking the majestic and bustling city,

Muttering to himself in a somewhat strange manner.

He has a handsome appearance and outstanding temperament, attracting attention.

Bai Yu looks at the capital and can't help but say to Long Zhi in his arms.

He is young, only sixteen years old,

Even though he is precocious, he has never left his hometown.

This is also his first time seeing such a prosperous ancient capital, and he can't help but feel amazed.

Majestic and magnificent,

This is a completely different feeling from the modern city of steel and concrete.

And at the same time,

A small snake head also poked out from his collar,

Its vertical pupils scanning the distance, filled with curiosity.

"Young master, this place is extraordinary!"

Of course it is extraordinary!

The capital of a dynasty, where the emperor resides,

How could it be ordinary?

Bai Yu chuckled, "Haha~ Let's go!"

...

"Report your name and purpose for entering the city."

Two soldiers dressed in armor and holding spears stood at the city gate.

Inspecting the people coming and going,

"I am a scholar named Yang Yi, here to rush to the capital for the imperial examination."

A scholar in plain robes bowed to the other party.

"A scholar? Another country bumpkin scholar!"

"Hey, the toll is 12 copper coins."

However, the two soldiers glanced at him disdainfully, sneered, and reached out their hands.

"A toll of 12 coins?"

"The Qianyuan Law states that anyone entering the royal city only needs to pay 6 coins! Why the price increase?"

However, the scholar was stunned,

Persistently asking in return.

However, these two soldiers neither explained nor explained,

Just saying indifferently, "Alright, now you owe 20 coins!"

"To enter or not to enter?"

"If you don't hurry up and leave, don't block the way for others."

They looked down on him, their words quite impolite.

"You!"

"At the feet of the emperor, at the gate of the royal city!"

"How can you raise the price while sitting on the ground, disregarding the law?!"

The scholar's eyes widened with anger, pointing at him and cursing.

"Now you want 30 coins!"

"If you don't enter, then get lost!"

The soldier yawned and said indifferently.

"You!"

"I will report you to the authorities!!!"

The scholar became frantic, shouting at the two of them.

The two shrugged their shoulders, shook the weapons in their hands, and said nonchalantly, "Whatever, you can go if you want! But if you don't pay the toll, you won't be able to enter the city!"

"Now you want 40 coins!"

"What?!!"

"How can this be..."

Seeing that the other party was unyielding,

the desperate scholar was also helpless.

His body was weak, unable to match the strength of the two soldiers with their weapons.

There was no other way,

calling to the heavens yielded no response, calling to the earth found no way,

if he didn't pay the money, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to enter the city gate.

His journey to the capital for the imperial examination was stuck here, which made him extremely uncomfortable.

"Two gentlemen, my family has very little wealth, and I really don't have much money. Can you please make an exception and let me in..."

He softened his tone, his voice no longer as resolute as before,

and pleaded with them as he approached.

"Now you want 50 coins!"

The soldier chuckled lightly,

glanced at him with an inexplicable look, and said calmly,

"Ah... this!"

"How could this be?!"

"How could this be?!"

"Sir, can we make some compromises, can we?"

"Now you have to..."

"I have, I have! I'll pay, I'll pay!"

Seeing that the two men were about to increase the price again, the scholar quickly waved his hand and pleaded, tremblingly taking out a few coins from his luggage and handing them over.

The two soldiers glanced at the money, nodded, and put the silver coins, except for the 12 coins, into their own pockets. "Alright, go in."

"Yes!"

The scholar walked into the bustling city in a daze.

Somehow, he felt that the world here was somewhat different from what he had imagined.

"Report the name and purpose of entering the city."

"I am Liu Xide, a returning merchant."

"Oh, a merchant. The entrance fee is 20."

"Yes, sir, take it!"

Compared to the previous soldier, the next merchant was much more sensible. He smiled and calmly accepted the unequal entrance fee, took out the silver coins, and handed them over to the two soldiers with a smile.

"Alright, go in!"

The two soldiers casually waved their hands, and the merchant quickly entered the city.

However, this scene was completely captured by Bai Yu, who was not far behind.

"Tsk, the capital city, giving people a blow right from the start."

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