Early that morning, Chan'er was performing his morning devotions in the courier station courtyard, worshipping the Buddha and chanting sutras, when he suddenly heard a clamor from the front yard. Looking toward the sound, he saw a youth from the Crow-Cock Kingdom in a long silk robe jogging in through the station gates.
Hearing the commotion, Shen Luo and Bai Xiaotian also emerged from their rooms one after another and came out into the courtyard.
The Crow-Cock Kingdom youth had slightly curly hair, a high nose, deep-set eyes, and a faint dark-blue gleam in his pupils. The instant he saw Shen Luo's group, his eyes lit up.
But before the youth could run over to them, Duke had already caught up and blocked his path.
"Young master, this is the courier station. Unauthorized people are not permitted inside. Please leave at once. If there is an official in your household, have him bring you back." Seeing that the youth's attire was far beyond what ordinary people could wear, Duke did not dare speak too harshly.
The youth paid him no heed at all. Waving toward Shen Luo and the others, he called out, "Are you guests from the Great Tang?"
Shen Luo found it both amusing and strange. Why did this young man speak entirely like the master of the house?
So he said a few words to Duke and had him let the youth into the courier station.
"You came looking for us?" Bai Xiaotian asked with a smile.
"Yes, honored guests." As he spoke, the youth placed his right hand over his left chest and performed their customary salute.
Chan'er returned the gesture with his palm raised. Shen Luo and Bai Xiaotian exchanged a glance, then smiled and clasped their fists in return.
"Tell us, then. Who are