Han Anbo slipped the Night Guard a few pieces of silver, then returned and said, "Ye Han took your invitation and deceived Director Song. He claimed he was going to your house, but actually went to meet Wei Yong and Tang Enxuan."
Li Qingxian smiled. "They must be bringing me a grand gift."
The three boarded the carriage. Li Qingxian seemed to have closed his eyes to rest, but in truth, he kept running through his earlier plans and the explanations he had prepared long ago, checking for gaps and devising contingencies.
The carriage stopped.
A bustle of voices drifted in from outside, along with cooking smoke and the aroma of food.
The other two looked at Li Qingxian.
Li Qingxian opened his eyes and asked, "Uncle Zhou, who's protecting my family?"
Zhou Hen was silent for a moment before saying, "When I went to your house that day, I discovered concealed sentries around it and investigated. One of them recognized me and identified himself, but I can't tell you who he is. All I can say is that he's protecting your family."
"Because of my father?"
"Yes," Zhou Hen said.
"Come on, let's get out." Li Qingxian lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down.
The setting sun cast slanting rays, gilding the clouds overhead.
The Li Residence's front gates had been freshly painted bright red, their bronze rings gleamed, and the green moss between the steps had been swept away.
The gates stood open, adorned with lanterns and festive decorations. Strings of bright red lanterns covered the gates and walls of both households.
Two blue-robed Night Guards from the Street Patrol Office stood watch at the entrance.
"Lord Li! Lord Zhou!" Both Night Guards hurriedly saluted.
Li Qingxian smiled. "Sorry for the trouble, brothers."
"Just doing our duty, just