Iron Chariot, Ornate Chamber: Hidden True Dragon; Mighty Crossbows, Sternly Guarding Ten Thousand Peaks

The Rail-Car consisted of thirteen carriages in all. The first six carried guards and accompanying officials; the seventh and eighth held supplies and attendants; Ying Zheng was in the ninth.

The tenth through thirteenth carriages held the remaining high ministers and accompanying guards.

From the outside, each carriage was nearly identical in size and appearance: iron-gray shells, similarly sized windows, even the iron chains and buffers connecting the carriages were exactly alike.

But only upon entering the ninth carriage did one understand the regulations reserved for those "one rank below the Son of Heaven."

The inside of the carriage was far roomier than it appeared from without.

The wall panels were made of dark sunken wood, their deep-brown grain flowing like ripples beneath the candlelight. Bronze strips were set into the walls, engraved with cloud patterns and kui-dragon motifs. The lines were as fine as hairs, yet every stroke was crisp and forceful—a craft beyond ordinary artisans.

Underfoot was not wooden flooring, but a single expanse of brocade carpet. Against its indigo ground were woven muted golden diamond patterns. A foot sank half an inch into it, making not the slightest sound.

By the window stood a cushioned couch layered with three mattresses. The uppermost layer was white fox fur, thick and lush, gleaming silvery white in the candlelight.

A bronze hand-warmer rested on the couch's armrest. Its lid was pierced with coiled chi-dragon designs; the charcoal within was still warm, and an exceedingly fine thread of white smoke curled up through the carved gaps, carrying the clean bitterness of agallochwood incense.

A tea set rested on the long table opposite the couch.

Not ordinary pottery bowls, but a set of white porcelain tea ware, its body so thin that light passed through it. Landscapes, pavilions, and towers were painted