A captain from Qinzhou Prefecture, leading the group, swung down from his horse and strode forward. He dropped to one knee before Gu Changge, cupped his fists, and shouted, "This subordinate greets Patrol Envoy Gu! By order, we have come to receive you and escort the criminal official to the capital!"
Gu Changge dismounted, his expression calm.
"Rise."
He first walked over to the prison cart and said to the several Jiannan Regional Command Demon Suppression Guards traveling with him, "You have all worked hard on this journey. You may return now."
The Jiannan Demon Suppression Guards looked as though they had been granted a pardon. They hurriedly bowed, then turned and left as if fleeing for their lives.
Only after finishing all this did Gu Changge walk up to Jiang Yuechu's horse.
"Miss Jiang."
He raised his head to look at the girl on horseback.
"Once we reach Qinzhou, we'll be going our separate ways."
Gu Changge's voice was gentle. "I have to escort this old bastard back to the capital to report in. I'm afraid I won't be able to treat you to a meal before we part."
Jiang Yuechu nodded. "Your official duties come first, my lord."
Gu Changge smiled and reached into his robes, pulling out a token that seemed like jade, yet not jade.
"Take this."
Without waiting for her response, he stuffed the token into Jiang Yuechu's hand.
"In Chang'an, I may not count as any great figure, but the Gu Family has at least a little standing."
"With your temperament and talent, this little patch of Longyou won't be able to hold you forever. Sooner or later, you'll go to Chang'an."
Gu Changge looked at her with earnest eyes. "When you reach Chang'an, if you run into any trouble, or if you want