An ox cart was rolling slowly along when it was stopped. The Capital City was unlike the prefectures: rules governed every movement. Even ox carts traveled at a measured pace, emphasizing smoothness and comfort, so this one eased gradually to a halt without jostling its passenger.
It was spring. Outside the cart, the roadside trees were turning green, and clear ripples stirred across the ponds. A backward glance revealed dark clouds rolling across the sky. Though the wind occasionally scattered them to let the sunlight through, they had gathered again, shrouding the entire Capital City and dimming the light considerably.
A fine rain began to fall, pattering against the ground and leaving it damp.
Su Ziji gazed out, lost in thought for a moment, before asking the servant who had hurried over, "Just up ahead?"
The servant replied, "Yes. The two gentlemen are waiting at the inn ahead."
Yu Lü and Fang Xi had gone early to the Crown Grandson's Residence, only to find him absent. Once the household servants obtained his whereabouts, knowing how much His Highness currently cared about these two men, they immediately hurried over and intercepted him on the road.
The ox cart had been about to turn onto another road, but since the two wanted to see him, Su Ziji said, "We needn't return to the residence yet. Let's see Yu Lü and Fang Xi first."
"Mr. Lu, please continue."
Having delivered his message, the servant from the Crown Grandson's Residence got out. Aside from Su Ziji, two men sat inside the cart: Wild Daoist and Hui Dao.
Since they were going to see Yu Lü and Fang Xi, mentioning the two inevitably brought them back to the difficulties they currently faced.
The atmosphere along the way was somewhat subdued. Wild Daoist had only recently