Dawn had barely broken when Zuo Xiong returned to the escort party. The Imperial Guards were already up. A small stream ran nearby; some were washing their faces, some filling their waterskins, while others took out rations to prepare breakfast.
Carrying a bag of freshly filled stream water and a steamed bun, Zuo Xiong walked over to the prison cart and said to Xue Ji, who sat inside, "Governor Xue, have something to eat."
Xue Ji looked at Zuo Xiong, nodded, and accepted them. He first took two swallows of water, then slowly began eating the bun.
But Zuo Xiong did not leave. He said quietly, "Governor Xue, if you need anything, please speak up. I'll do my best to provide it."
Xue Ji looked at Zuo Xiong and said softly, "Thank you for your consideration, Commander. As long as I have something to eat and drink along the way, enough that I do not starve or die of thirst, that will be enough. I only hope that, upon reaching the capital, I may see His Majesty. I fear I will not escape this calamity, but I only hope to use this fervent blood of mine to awaken His Majesty."
Zuo Xiong fell silent for a moment.
Seeing the shackles on Xue Ji's hands and feet, he said, "Governor Xue, those chains must be very uncomfortable. Shall I remove them for you?"
Xue Ji looked at Left Battalion Commander in surprise.
Seeing that no one nearby was paying attention, Zuo Xiong opened his hand and released the City God Guard Official Seal. The seal floated above his palm. Xue Ji was slightly stunned when he saw it and asked in surprise, "Could it be that you also serve under the City God?"
"Last night, King Fumingling summoned me and made