Though he could borrow someone else's blade to kill, he feared raising a tiger that would turn on him. After much thought, Yan An decided to keep a backup plan. He visited an old friend in the middle of the night, only to be told by the friend's page that he had gone out.
Yan An asked, "Where did he go? When will he be back?"
The page stammered, "The flower boats in Hequ Lane."
Yan An knew what sort of place that was as soon as he heard.
After finding out which flower boat his old friend was visiting, he immediately told the driver to turn toward Hequ Lane. It was the liveliest, most prosperous place in the Capital City. Even with the moon high overhead, the streets were still packed with visitors.
The place blazed with lights, as bright as day.
Whether scholars and refined guests or wandering knights, everyone liked to linger there. Countless tales of lovestruck men and women had begun in its pleasure houses.
Yan An rarely set foot in such places.
His old friend, however, was a regular.
As soon as he boarded the flower boat, a young servant who had been waiting for some time hurried over to welcome him, smiling as he asked, "Might you be Young Master Yan?"
Yan An said, "My surname is indeed Yan."
The servant's face lit up. Still smiling ingratiatingly, he turned to lead the way. "Then it must be you, sir! Please follow me..."
Yan An asked, "Did someone tell you to wait here for me?"
He already had someone in mind.
"Yes, sir! I've been waiting here for over half an hour!" The wind was harsh this time of year, and the servant was not dressed warmly. His hands were red with cold, icy as