Locust Tree Village

The morning mist had yet to disperse, and the Qinhuai River flowed in a hazy veil.

The Jinling Commandery Commandant Office garrison stood in Dayang Gully in the city's southeast. To the west bordered the imperial city's forbidden gardens, while to the east connected to the Ministry of Revenue Transport Office and the Ministry of Works Armaments Bureau. It had once been the station of the Former Dynasty's "Longxiang Guard."

Speaking of which, Jinling differed from other places in yet another way.

During the Former Dynasty's Da Xing era, this had been the capital. The world's rarest treasures converged here, and the waterways of Jiangnan allowed it to control all regions while standing in opposition to the Golden Horde Wolf Country from north to south.

When Da Xing fell, the imperial clan set fire to the palace. Though the Jinling Royal Palace was later built upon its foundations, being the vassal king of this place was hardly easy.

Because of its unique geography, Jinling was naturally subject to suspicion from the capital. Thus, every generation of Jinling kings lived with extreme caution. Even when reprimanded, they never interfered in local affairs.

As a result, the eminent families and officials of Jinling enjoyed greater status.

When Li Yan and the others climbed the slippery stone steps and stepped onto the flagstones before the Jinling Commandery Commandant Office, they happened to run into Chiliarch Zhou of the Yangzhou Commandery Commandant Office, who was striding out with a saber at his waist. The soles of his boots, along with those of his guards behind him, were caked with mud.

His eyes were webbed with blood vessels. Clearly, he had not slept all night.

"Young Hero Li!"

Seeing Li Yan, delight flashed in his eyes. He forced himself to rally and cupped his fists.