Traveling back to ancient times to get rich

Chapter 371 People Arrive in Loulan

Returning from the edge of the frozen ocean, Gu Mochen and Ye Qingchen were slightly tired, but it still took them several days to get back to Steward Li's place. Steward Li kept a close watch on Gu Mochen and the others, repeatedly confirming that they were alright before he was relieved. However, he still allowed them to rest and recuperate for a few days before letting them leave for the Western Regions. After several days, Gu Mochen and the others insisted on leaving. Steward Li, seeing that he couldn't stop them, finally allowed them to head west, their destination the Western Regions, which had always caused them so much trouble. The Western Regions, this vast and boundless land, is a unique existence pieced together from countless small regional tribes. Each tribe is like a proud lone wolf, unwilling to yield to each other, and none willing to submit to the rule of the others. It is precisely because of this that those who can rise to the top and become emperors in the Western Regions, ruling over all people, are all ruthless and possess an iron fist.

Therefore, Manager Li was always worried and sent a few reliable men with them. After all, there were many deserts in this area, and he was afraid they would get lost and never find their way out. Even with such thorough arrangements, Gu Mochen and the others still found their journey to the Western Regions extremely difficult.

Gu Mochen, Ye Qingchen, along with Bai Zhi, Fu Ling, Bai Yufei, Song Ming, and their companions, slowly made their way through the long journey. The grass beneath their feet grew increasingly sparse, replaced by vast expanses of golden sand, signaling to them that they had entered the Western Regions. In the Western Regions, camel riders were a common sight, exuding an air of mystery. In fact, their journey from the Northern Frontier had been far more arduous than their journey from the Great Xia. Having already traversed the grasslands for several days, and now plunging into the desert, Gu Mochen's body was beginning to give way. Equally exhausted from the long trek were Bai Zhi, Fu Ling, and the horses that had accompanied them.

Gu Mochen looked at his horse, panting heavily and unsteady on its feet, and felt a pang of pity. He immediately called the steward and instructed, "Go rent a few camels. The horse probably won't be able to endure this desert journey." While everyone was busy, he quietly approached Ye Qingchen and whispered, "Qingchen, put the horse away. Tell everyone it's been set free." Ye Qingchen understood and nodded slightly. Using her mental power, she carefully placed the horse in her spatial storage. The horse, upon entering the space and seeing the water, was ecstatic. Soon, a dozen camels were brought over by a group of people, and everyone mounted them, continuing their journey deeper into the Western Regions. Ye Qingchen thoughtfully took out sweet spatial water from her storage and distributed it to everyone. Thanks to the abundance of water, their westward journey was quite fast. After several more days of arduous travel, an ancient and mysterious city finally came into view. The men hurriedly asked the camel driver, "Excuse me, where is this place?" The man looked up at them and replied, "This is Loulan. The most exciting thing in the city today is that the Loulan princess is choosing a husband in the street."

Although people in Loulan still call her Princess, everyone knows that Loulan is no longer the independent country it once was. Now, Loulan is merely subordinate to the Western Regions, its status equivalent to that of a city lord's territory, and this princess is simply the city lord's daughter. However, because she is exceptionally beautiful and possesses unparalleled charm, everyone still habitually addresses her as Princess Loulan. Hearing this news, everyone was filled with curiosity and quickened their pace, heading towards the city.

Upon entering Loulan City, a bustling and lively atmosphere immediately enveloped them. The streets were lined with a dazzling array of goods, vendors hawking their wares at the top of their lungs, their various accents blending together to create a unique symphony of everyday life. Gu Mochen and his entourage followed the flow of people, slowly approaching the venue for selecting the consort. The area around the venue was already packed with people, with exclamations and whispers frequently escaping from the crowd. "I've heard that the Loulan princess is as beautiful as a fairy; we must have a good look at her today." "Yes, I wonder which young master is so fortunate as to become her consort."

Amidst the eager anticipation of the crowd, a magnificent sedan chair was slowly carried in. The curtain parted slightly, and a woman in splendid attire stepped out gracefully. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyes like clear springs, sparkling with life. Her long, glossy black hair cascaded casually over her shoulders, adding a touch of allure. This was Princess Loulan. Holding a delicate folding fan, the princess parted her lips and said, "Today, I am here to choose a husband, hoping to find a suitable match to spend my life with." Her voice was clear and melodious, like a mountain spring flowing in the ears of the crowd.

Gu Mochen and the others stood in the crowd, quietly observing everything. Ye Qingchen frowned slightly and said softly to Gu Mochen, "The selection of a consort for the Loulan princess seems ordinary, but something feels off." Gu Mochen nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the princess, and said, "Yes, the Western Regions are inherently complex; this matter is probably not so simple." At this moment, a young man dressed in brocade robes strode forward, bowed to the princess, and said, "Princess, I am the son of a wealthy merchant in the city, with immense riches. If I could marry the princess, I would surely grant her a life of wealth and honor." The princess smiled slightly, without replying, but simply gently shook the folding fan in her hand.

Following this, several more young men stepped forward, displaying their talents or boasting of their family backgrounds. However, the princess only smiled politely, never showing any particular favor. Just when everyone thought the princess would have difficulty choosing a consort that day, a tall, handsome man stepped forward. He was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, a sharp sword at his waist, and exuded a heroic air in every gesture. The man knelt before the princess on one knee and said, "Princess, I am willing to use my sword to protect Loulan and safeguard your life." A strange light flashed in the princess's eyes. She carefully examined the man before her, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded slightly. The onlookers cheered.

Just then, a group of people dressed as royalty from the Western Regions shattered the festive atmosphere. A man shouted, "This prince hasn't agreed yet! Who gave Loulan the right to marry off its daughters at will?" Everyone was immediately alarmed. The people from the Western Regions' royal city had arrived; they were here to seize the Loulan princess!