Adopted Husband.

Summary

In May, a caravan traveled through Zizhou, crossed Wangyuan Bridge, and reached Lion Ridge, where the Jurchen army had retreated. By May 22, they arrived at Jianmen Pass, which had undergone significant changes over the past year. Former military encampments became rest stops and offices, while strict staff maintained order on the busy mountain roads. Scholars noted the arrogance of these minor officials compared to high-ranking ones in Chengdu. The military hospital where Ning Yi had stayed was now a quarantine station for incoming civilians, many of whom were sold into labor. Memorial sites for past battles were prevalent, with ongoing projects to erect memorial stones, as many soldiers' remains could not be properly buried. The soldiers were honored through rituals, though Ning Yi expressed skepticism about the existence of gods. After leaving Jianmen, they remained in Chinese military territory, where the seventh army's victory secured a vast area for resource transport. The Chinese military established distribution points to improve transport efficiency, despite the challenges of the region. Workers faced strict quarantine measures and uniform clothing upon arrival, with a system of servitude contracts in place, some of which were exploitative. Scholars discussed the implications of these contracts, highlighting the precarious situation of the laborers.

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