As they spoke, another towering city wall appeared ahead. Though slightly lower than the Outer City's, it looked even more lean and murderous.
At the city gate, the guards were no longer ordinary soldiers, but two constables dressed in black Government Office uniforms, iron rulers and chains hanging at their waists.
Their eyes were sharp as eagles as they scrutinized the passing pedestrians.
Chen Zhengyang urged his horse closer, and the hard, cold expressions on the two constables' faces immediately shifted into utmost respect.
The two stepped forward in unison, clasped their fists, and bowed. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, their voices carrying unmistakable humility:
"Master Chen!"
Chen Zhengyang gave a slight nod from horseback in return, his tone mild. "You two have worked hard."
One of the older constables hurriedly replied, "We dare not accept Master Chen's concern! Are you returning home, Master?"
His gaze naturally swept over Fang Yuan's family following behind the horse. Seeing their plain clothes and travel-worn appearance—
especially Fang Yuan, who carried an enormous basket on his back—a trace of barely perceptible surprise flashed through his eyes.
"These people are...?"
"They are new hands recruited by my Martial Arts School."
The constable immediately understood and asked no further questions. Stepping aside to clear the way, he plastered on a smile. "Please, Master! This way, please!"
The younger constable also hurriedly helped disperse the slightly crowded people near the gate, his attitude exceedingly attentive.
Shielding his wife and daughter, Fang Yuan followed close behind as they stepped into the true core of Qinghe County—the Inner City.
The moment his foot crossed that lofty threshold, a ripple of complicated emotion rose within him.
The Inner City... so this was the Inner City.
Even while studying at the county school, regarded as a scholarly seed with hopes