The next day, barely as dawn broke, the River Gang's stronghold was already bustling.
Yang Jing, Zhou Zhong, and the Third Elder of the Jiang Family bid farewell to Li Tieyun and prepared to return to the County Seat.
Li Tieyun led his gang members to see them off at the stronghold's gates.
Zhou Zhong's blue-cloth-covered carriage stood beside the road. He smiled at Yang Jing. "Young Hero Yang, the road is rough. Why not share my carriage?"
Yang Jing gave a slight nod. "Sorry for the trouble, Steward Zhou."
The Third Elder of the Jiang Family swung onto his horse and cupped his hands toward them. "I'll take my clansmen back to report first. Young Hero Yang, come visit the Jiang Family when you have time. We can have a proper chat then."
With that, he flicked his whip and galloped away with several Jiang Family experts. The clatter of hooves soon vanished into the morning mist.
The carriage slowly set off, its wheels rolling over the bluestone road with a steady rumble.
Soft cushions lined the warm carriage interior. Zhou Zhong and Yang Jing chatted casually, mostly about recent minor happenings in Yuhe County.
A little over two hours later, the carriage entered the County Seat, passed through its bustling streets, and finally stopped at the entrance to the alley housing the Sun Clan Martial Arts School in Chengping Ward.
Yang Jing lifted the curtain and stepped down, cupping his hands toward Zhou Zhong. "Steward Zhou, I'll take my leave here."
Zhou Zhong followed him out and smiled. "A moment, Young Hero Yang. I'll begin making arrangements for the matter you mentioned as soon as I return. Just wait at ease."
"Thank you for taking the trouble, Steward Zhou." Yang Jing nodded his thanks.
On the return journey,