The Ram Demons Attack

The two of them led their horses to a hollow in a rock wall sheltered from the wind.

The ground was slightly higher there, giving them a clear view of the narrow, winding ancient road below.

A few dead jujube trees leaned across the cracks in the rock, providing cover.

The mountain wind howled, carrying a trace of dampness from the rain.

Jiang Yuechu leaned against the rock wall and brushed the droplets from her clothes.

Gu Changge stood nearby, his gaze wandering. Every so often, he stole a glance at the young woman beside him.

Her profile was cool and composed, her nose straight. The wind had blown a few loose strands of hair against her fair cheek.

Even in this grim ambush site, he found it hard to look away.

"Ahem..."

Gu Changge cleared his throat and searched for something to say. "Miss Jiang, how do you find Chang'an so far?"

Jiang Yuechu kept her eyes on the northern mountain pass without turning her head.

"Big."

"Anything else?"

"Things seem rather expensive..."

Gu Changge paused, then laughed helplessly.

"True. Rice is dear in Chang'an, and making a home here is no easy feat."

"But with your abilities, it wouldn't be hard to put down roots in Chang'an."

"The Head Office has always been generous to talented people. Even a sinecure would pay enough each month, with the various allowances, to buy a small courtyard in the capital."

"You jest, Lord Gu."

Jiang Yuechu spoke evenly. "I've only been lucky. How could I dare hope for high rank and a generous salary?"

"Luck is a kind of strength, too."

Gu Changge sighed, then changed the subject, his expression turning a little strange.

"By the way, Miss Jiang."

"Yes?"

"If those little demons show up later, you'd best be prepared."