The young man looked to be eighteen or nineteen years old, strikingly handsome and full of youthful confidence.
As his voice fell, the curtain of the carriage was lifted. An elderly man, around fifty, leaned out and surveyed the surroundings. Though aged, traces of his former elegance remained in his features. His composed bearing and scholarly air made it obvious—this was no ordinary man.
"Why did the Xianbei withdraw so early this year?"
He watched as the people of Yuyang returned home in steady streams, unable to hide his curiosity.
When the carriage reached the city gate, Xianyu Fu and the local officials were already waiting.
"Xianyu Fu, a humble official of Yuyang, together with my staff, respectfully welcomes Lord Cai!"
"We welcome Lord Cai!" the officials echoed.
"You are too kind," Cai Yong said, coming back to his senses. He stepped down from the carriage and personally helped them up one by one.
"At this time of year, I've troubled you all to come out of the city. The fault is mine," he added with a gentle smile. "I have been appointed by His Majesty as Prefect of Yuyang. I hope you will forgive any shortcomings on my part in the future."
"We wouldn't dare," Xianyu Fu replied respectfully. "Your reputation is known throughout the realm. Your presence here brings honor to Yuyang. How could it be trouble?"
At that moment, the young man beside Cai Yong spoke with clear dissatisfaction.
"If my teacher is so renowned, why only greet him at the city gate? And where is the Prefect? Is he waiting at home for my teacher to pay respects? How presumptuous."
"Yuan Tan, mind your manners," Cai Yong said, frowning slightly. "I am but a subordinate official. It is only proper that I pay respects to my superior—not the other way around."
Xianyu Fu quickly asked, "May I know the young master's name?"
"This is my student—surname Gu, given name Yong, courtesy name Yuantan," Cai Yong introduced.
"Greetings, Young Master Gu," Xianyu Fu said politely, then explained, "Please forgive us. It is not intentional discourtesy."
"When the Xianbei invaded, all cities fortified themselves and adopted scorched-earth measures. Now that they have retreated, we are occupied with helping the people return home. Lord Cai arrived so swiftly that we truly could not leave our duties."
"As for the Prefect—he is currently not in Yuyang."
"Not here?" Gu Yong frowned. "Where has he gone?"
"The Prefect has gone beyond the pass to campaign against the Hu," Xianyu Fu replied.
Gu Yong's brows knit together. "According to Han law, officials of two-thousand-shi rank cannot leave their jurisdiction without imperial orders. How could he go without authorization?"
"Young master may not know," Xianyu Fu said with a smile, "the Prefect also serves as Protector of the Wuhuan."
"I see," Cai Yong nodded. "No wonder the Xianbei withdrew so quickly this year. It seems your side has achieved notable success."
In past years, raids in You, Bing, and Liang provinces would last one or two months. This year, however, the Xianbei had retreated after barely ten days—most unusual.
"I believe so as well," Xianyu Fu said, gesturing toward the city. "It is cold—please, Lord Cai, return to the carriage. I will escort you inside."
"I will walk," Cai Yong replied. "I wish to see more of the city."
"Very well. This way, please."
Just then, the carriage curtain lifted again, and a young girl of thirteen or fourteen peeked out.
"Father, may I also look around the city?"
Though not yet of age, her bright eyes and delicate features already hinted at a beauty that could captivate all who saw her.
Xianyu Fu and the others were visibly struck, though etiquette restrained them from staring.
"If Zhaoji wishes to see, then come along," Cai Yong said with a smile.
Cai Yan stepped down gracefully and followed behind him.
The group entered the city together.
Along the way, Xianyu Fu asked about Cai Yong's journey, and Cai Yong answered in detail.
Upon receiving the emperor's order, he had traveled without delay, hoping to arrive before the annual Xianbei raids. But the journey spanned over 2,500 li, and despite his haste, he was slightly late.
By the time he reached Guangyang, the Xianbei had already arrived.
Fortunately, Liu Yu had sent troops to escort him, sparing him from danger.
Now, walking through Yuyang, Cai Yong noticed that the people looked healthy and well-fed. Curious, he asked, "What are grain prices here these days?"
"Forty coins per shi," Xianyu Fu replied.
"So low?" Gu Yong exclaimed in shock.
In Jiangdong, grain sold for around the same price—but that region had enjoyed peace for years. Yuyang, by contrast, was a border commandery plagued by constant raids.
Yet its grain price matched that of a stable region?
"This Prefect is remarkable," Gu Yong murmured.
"It is thanks to the Prefect," Xianyu Fu said with a smile. "Since his arrival, he has campaigned against the Wuhuan multiple times, ensuring stability. He seized large numbers of livestock and traded them for grain. Combined with a good harvest, prices have fallen."
"In previous years, grain ranged from sixty to over a hundred coins. Life was very difficult."
At that moment, Gu Yong pointed ahead. "Teacher, look—there's a meat stall."
Cai Yong followed his gaze. "Let's take a look."
They approached the stall.
"Fresh lamb! Finest quality—" the vendor called out, before suddenly noticing the officials and dropping to his knees in alarm.
"Rise," Cai Yong said kindly. "How much is the lamb?"
"One… one qian per jin," the vendor stammered.
Cai Yong's eyes widened. "So cheap?"
"I won't take advantage of you," he added. "Speak honestly."
"It really is one qian per jin," the vendor said. "The Prefect forbids us from raising prices. He says meat should be affordable so all the people can eat it."
"So that all the people can eat meat…" Cai Yong repeated, deeply moved.
No wonder the people looked so robust.
"Is it profitable at that price?" he asked.
"Very profitable!" the vendor replied, gaining confidence. "The government sells us sheep at fixed prices. One shi of grain can be traded for a sheep with the Wuhuan. Grain costs forty coins, and the Prefect sells sheep to us for fifty—earning ten coins profit."
"A sheep yields over eighty jin of meat, which sells for over eighty coins. We still make about thirty coins profit!"
"The Prefect even tells you all this?" Gu Yong asked, astonished.
The vendor nodded. "He said common people should have… have…"
"The right to know," Xianyu Fu supplied.
"Yes, that's it!"
Cai Yong bought some lamb, his heart stirred.
"Your Majesty's brother-in-law governs this place so well," he murmured. "Why, then, have I been sent here to instruct him?"
Just then, a rider came galloping into the city.
"Great victory! Great victory!"
"The Protector of the Wuhuan has crushed the Xianbei at Tanhan Mountain! Over thirteen thousand enemies slain—and their chieftain, Kui Tou, captured alive!"