Chongli Pass, the most formidable pass of the Ning Dynasty.
Heading north out of the capital city, a swift horse could reach it in three days.
Beyond that, passing the Great Horse Mountains, you would enter the territory of Fengsheng Prefecture along Jing Dynasty’s West Capital Route.
The nearest Jing city was Baidadan City of Fengsheng Prefecture, about two hundred li away.
On the official road south of Chongli Pass, a merchant caravan slowly appeared on the horizon.
The mules in the caravan had bronze bells hanging on their necks, jingling non-stop.
Chen Ji rode his horse Zaozao beside the caravan and tossed a copper coin to the man leading the mules. “Brother, are you all going to do business in the Jing Dynasty?”
The man’s weathered face was full of wrinkles from sun and wind.
He dropped the coin into his shoulder bag and said, “No way. To get out of Chongli Pass, you need a pass permit. That kind of thing requires connections with the Celestial Bureau.”
Chen Ji was curious. “Then where are these goods being transported to?”
The man stayed silent.
Chen Ji smiled and tossed another copper coin.
The man finally answered, “These are all headed to the military market at Chongli Pass. From tiny needles and threads to fine wine and smoked meats, everything’s there.”