The bloodstained carriage was battered and broken. Supported by his personal guards, Zhou You stepped down, one hand pressed to his chest as blood still flowed from his wound.
His guards and attendants were wounded as well, some lightly, some severely. Clearly, they had endured more than one fierce battle on the road.
More importantly, a corpse was being dragged behind the carriage, its identity impossible to discern.
At such a solemn occasion, Zhou You had brought a corpse to their door. He was clearly planning to make an issue of it.
For a time, everyone was exceedingly curious about the corpse's identity, all guessing at its true face.
"Governor of Qingchu Prefecture!"
Young Master Buying spoke first. "You have finally arrived. Please, come in!"
"I'm not late, am I?"
"Of course not. You came at exactly the right time. Everyone has been waiting anxiously."
Young Master Buying's gaze fell on the corpse dragged behind the carriage. "And this person is..."
"Oh, an assassin I encountered on the road. I killed him and dragged the body along while I was at it."
Zhou You spoke as calmly as drifting clouds and a gentle breeze, yet his words stirred a tremendous storm in everyone's hearts. An assassin—could it be...
Young Master Buying remained composed and continued, "The fortunate are blessed by Heaven. Governor of Qingchu Prefecture has turned misfortune into safety."
"Don't be so optimistic. My injuries are grave. I nearly lost my life."
Zhou You looked toward the other governors, who had yet to speak. "Let's talk inside!"
Once the gates closed, the many onlookers were deeply disappointed. It seemed they would not be hearing any more news for the moment.
The corpse behind the carriage was also unloaded, wrapped in white cloth, and carried into the Prime Minister's Estate.