This autumn seems hotter than previous years, and the leaves on the trees along the official road are all a bit wilted from the sun.
Xiao Song set off from Nanyi Prefecture City, riding a horse northward along the main road.
From Nanyi Prefecture to Pingyang Prefecture and then to Yuechuan Prefecture, the roads are particularly easy to travel on, regardless of the weather; the roads are clean and free of potholes, making for a smooth journey.
After leaving Yuechuan Prefecture, there is a stretch of road that is also very smooth.
But as one gradually travels north, the roads become increasingly difficult to traverse.
North of Yuechuan Prefecture, only a short stretch is paved with concrete, with the rest being dirt roads.
There are horse caravans and some convoys on the road, stirring up dust as they pass. Soon, hair and clothes are covered in a layer of yellow dust.
Xiao Song coughed constantly after traveling some distance.
