At the entrance to Swallowtail Lane in Ning'an City lay a large patch of open ground where rubbish had once piled up. Since it had been thoroughly cleared, it had become a place for nearby residents to gather and enjoy themselves. They had heard that young Magistrate Fang planned to turn it into a public park. No one was quite sure what that meant, but it would surely be better than before.
As night fell, people set out chessboards, some for Chinese chess and others for Go. Spectators crowded around every board. Occasionally someone offered a comment, only to be shamed into silence with, "A true gentleman watches chess without speaking."
The autumn breeze was crisp and refreshing. Beneath the dim moonlight, the women chatted about household affairs, their neighbors, and their relatives, occasionally bursting into laughter together.
Scholars who had eaten and drunk their fill also gathered. Disdaining conversation with the unlettered, they wore scholars' robes and passionately debated literature and the affairs of the realm.
Many children chased one another, their delighted voices spreading laughter everywhere.
Suddenly, Fang Yun's voice rang out. Everyone froze, never imagining that such a grave crisis would suddenly strike peaceful Ning'an City.
"The Demon Barbarians are attacking the city? No fear! With Void Sage Fang here, what the hell is there to be afraid of?"
"Right! Void Sage Fang has Great Scholars protecting him, and we have a Temple of Sages here too. I refuse to believe the Demon Barbarians can succeed!"
"Come on, let's go to the street patrol office and enlist!"
"As men and scholars, we ought to repay our country with hot blood and lay down our lives on the battlefield!"
"Let's go!"
When the children heard they would be helping Fang Yun, they whooped and tried to follow, but