To pass through the capital city, one would need to prove their identity. An identification tablet, merchant license, or examination pass would usually suffice. If you've arrived at the gate possessing none of these items, then hopefully you'll have enough money to 'convince' the guards to vouch for you.
Mu Zhonghuai had no tablet, no license, and is about to be extorted of all his money. His name wasn't found in the list of examination participants, and so even with his examination pass, he was barred from entering. Taking the guard aside, he handed over what was left in his wallet, and bowed gracefully.
"Brother, this is all I have on me. As you know, there's not much time before the exam, so I hope this can make things easier."
The guard sneered at the petty weight but pocketed the money anyway. Turning away, he signaled to the other guards, allowing the broke scholar through, but before Mu Zhonghuai could step foot towards the city, a voice interrupted,
"Halt!"
A few moments before:
Arriving at the Southern Gates, Lu Yu no longer feared the identity check. This morning, he wanted to avoid leaving his name at the Eastern Gates due to the properties that were retrieved from the teahouse. The incompatibility of its worth to his current status could potentially throw him into deep waters. For his official entrance into Chang'an, he could openly lead his three-carriage entourage through.
The carriage slowed, alerting the Lu Yu of his arrival. He yawned, stretching to wake himself from his nap. Peering out the window, he was surprised to find that a long queue had formed within the time that he left the city. It seemed that he would have to wait for quite a while before entering again. Sensing his boredom, a voice outside asked,
"Young Master, the road has been rough and tiring. Would you like to come out and stretch your legs for a while as we wait?" It was his attendant Xiaowan. Parting the curtain, he reached his hand towards Lu Yu to accompany him outside.
The moment Lu Yu stepped out of the carriage, a crowd of maids and manservants came rushing to his side, hoping to be of some assistance. He frowned at this sudden onslaught and glanced at Old Shen.
"All right, all right, settle down everybody. You, you, and you hold these. Xiaowan, come here. Everyone else, get back to your job," Shen Pei commanded.
Except for Xiaowan, the rest of the servants had not been informed of Lu Yu's escapade that night and had been beside themselves with worry. They'd woken up to an empty, cold bed and a note telling them to go to the Southern gate from the side path in the woods. Many had questions about this disappearance that they were bursting to ask. A glare from Shen Pei warned them to hold their tongues.
Xiaowan is one of Lu Yu's personal aides, having been friends with his young master since they were toddlers. Xiaowan's mother had been one of Lu Yu's nannies. Since their ages were so close, he became a playmate. They've known each other for their entire lives, their relationship closer than brothers. Of course, they still kept up a pretense in public,
"The seasons are changing, Young Master. Be careful of catching a cold." Xiaowan seemed particularly attentive. In reality, he was copying his mother's tone, trying to annoy Lu Yu with incessant harassment. To Lu Yu's satisfaction, before the little brat could continue nagging, the sound of galloping hooves interrupted his words.
A group of teenagers around Lu Yu's age emerged from the city, draped in brocade capes and riding chestnut horses. Chicken feathers and vegetable baskets flew into the air, as people cursed under their breaths, trying to get out of the way. Despite the chaos, they were an impressive view in the eyes of an average traveler waiting at the gates.
Many outwardly gawked as the figures approached without a sign of slowing down, but it was a different story for the guards. Sensing the impending disaster, the overseeing official rode out to 'welcome' them.
"Young masters, you must slow down! Galloping in the city is strictly prohibited," he tried to warn.
"Oh, if it isn't Officer Ban. Good day to you too. I'll be on my way now!" As if to retort, Xiao Zhihao picked up even more speed, dismissing the poor man.
"Wait up Brother Xiao! Our horses can't keep up with that cavalry steed of yours. Slow down!"
"I guess you'll have to eat my dirt, Ziman! Giddy up!"
The leader sped past without so much as a glance. He was dressed in lively green riding robes, a flowing cape, and tall leather boots. His hair, tied tightly in a military fashion, was fixed in place with a decorative jade headpiece. As he approached the gates, Lu Yu could clearly see his defined brows, an arrogant smirk, and the glint of elation in his eyes.
Lu Yu recognized Xiao Zhihao, the prodigal son of the Lingnan Xiao family. They met at a banquet when they were younger. He was notorious for killing a large amount of fish from the imperial ponds. As for the others behind him, Lu Yu didn't recognize a single one. It seemed that many new families had risen after his trip to Pingzhou.
The second son of the Xiao family had decided to go late-season hunting with his posse. Though the grounds inside the capital are full of easy game, the spirited teens were not satisfied with such docile creatures. Bears and tigers roamed in the forests outside the city, becoming the most optimal choice for a group of adventure seekers.
With the lofty goal in mind, the group was full of vigor, speeding through the city without a hint of slowing down. That was until Xiao Zhihao changed his mind.
"Halt!" he roared, rearing his horse in front of a young man with a donkey cart. The bustling gate fell quiet.
"Officer Ban, it seems you've grown complacent."