Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

On May 25th, Jia Huan and Hu Chi set off from the capital, reaching Baoding Prefecture by May 27th. They chose a direct route to Baoding, preparing to pass through Luoyang and Chang'an towards Dunhuang. Discussions on military supplies revealed challenges in funding and logistics for the western expedition army. Hu Chi, a wealthy merchant, emphasized the need for timely grain purchases. Shen Qian, a young scholar and Jia Huan's future brother-in-law, insisted on joining the battle despite Jia Huan's concerns for his safety. The two shared a drink, reflecting on their responsibilities and the pressures of war, highlighting the personal stakes involved.

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