Qinzhou Prefecture

The captain at the head of the column dismounted and strode forward. Dropping to one knee before Gu Changge, he cupped his fists and called out, "Your subordinate greets the Inspector! We have orders to meet you and escort the condemned official to the capital!"

Gu Changge dismounted, his expression composed.

"Rise."

He first walked over to the prison cart and addressed the accompanying Demon-Suppression Guards from the Jiannan Regional Office. "Thank you for your efforts on this journey. You may all return."

The Jiannan Demon-Suppression Guards looked as though they had been granted amnesty. They hurriedly bowed, then turned and left as if fleeing for their lives.

Only after settling that did Gu Changge approach Jiang Yuechu's horse.

"Miss Jiang."

He tilted his head up to look at the girl in the saddle.

"Here at Qinzhou, our paths part."

Gu Changge's voice was gentle. "I must escort this old bastard back to the capital and report. I'm afraid I won't be able to treat you to a meal before I leave."

Jiang Yuechu nodded. "Your official duties come first, sir."

Gu Changge smiled, reached into his robes, and drew out a token made of something that resembled jade, yet was not.

"Take this."

Without leaving room for refusal, he pressed the token into Jiang Yuechu's hand.

"I may not be anyone important in Chang'an, but the Gu Clan still carries a little weight."

"With your temperament and talent, this little patch of land in Longyou won't hold you forever. Sooner or later, you'll come to Chang'an."

Gu Changge looked at her earnestly. "Once you're there, if you run into trouble—or simply want someone to drink with—bring this token and find me."

Jiang Yuechu did not stand on ceremony. She simply tucked it into her robes.

"Thank you."

Seeing her