They followed the gravel path lined with poplars on either side. Led by a jailer, they turned right and came upon a gate and a wall ten feet high. The gate bore the words "Jiaxuan."
Several officials stood before the gate.
The man at their head wore the robes of a Provincial Graduate. Smiling, he hurried forward and bowed with his hands clasped. "This student, He Mao, pays his respects to Master Fang. Your survival is a blessing for our Jing Kingdom, Master Fang, and a blessing for our Human Race."
Fang Yun nodded lightly. "Prison Warden He has overseen Ruolu Prison for five years and earned a fine reputation. You deserve a commendation."
He Mao chuckled. "Thank you for your praise, Void Sage Fang! May I ask what brings you here?"
Fang Yun glanced at the jailer, then looked at He Mao. "Do I need to repeat myself?"
He Mao gave a dry laugh. "As long as you have a document from the Grand Secretariat, you may take all these people away."
"The Grand Secretariat? Which has greater authority, Jing Kingdom's Grand Secretariat or the Sacred Academy?" Fang Yun asked.
"The Sacred Academy, of course," He Mao replied.
Fang Yun asked, "Were these people arrested by the Sacred Academy or by Jing Kingdom?"
He Mao said, "It should count as an arrest by Jing Kingdom. After all, they acted under the slogan of purging the ruler's entourage and slaying traitors and villains. At its heart, this still concerns Jing Kingdom's internal affairs."
"I have come on behalf of the Sacred Academy," Fang Yun said.
He Mao froze, then said helplessly, "Please present your document from the Sacred Academy."
"Very well."
Fang Yun agreed without the slightest hesitation. He reached out to borrow brush, ink, paper, and inkstone from Chen