The two hid in the woods during the day and traveled at night. When they were hungry, they gnawed on dry rations; when thirsty, they drank from streams. After nearly a full day of travel, they finally saw the distant outline of the royal city.
The royal city's walls were tall, built from bluish-gray stone. Jin soldiers guarded the gates and inspected everyone strictly.
"How do we get in?" Lin Taichu asked.
Gao Yang observed for a while. "They're recruiting laborers at the gate. They say the palace needs people to work. We can blend in."
The two walked over to the recruitment area. The one in charge was a fat Jin soldier who gave them a few appraising looks. "What can you do?"
"We're strong. We can do any kind of work," Lin Taichu said.
The fat Jin soldier did not ask further questions and waved his hand. "Go in."
The two entered the city with several other newly recruited laborers.
The royal city was somewhat better off than the outside, but not by much. Most pedestrians on the streets were sallow and emaciated, dressed in ragged clothes. Whenever they saw armored Jin soldiers, they lowered their heads and hurried out of the way.
They were taken to a courtyard outside the palace, where they waited with the other laborers to be assigned work.
The courtyard was a mess, with miscellaneous items piled everywhere. Several Jin soldiers acting as stewards occasionally shouted at the laborers.
Before long, a tall, thin Jin soldier entered with a roster in hand. "Those whose names are called, follow me. You'll be cleaning the palace halls."
Both Lin Taichu and Gao Yang were called, and they followed the tall, thin Jin soldier farther inside.
After passing through several palace gates, the scenery gradually changed.