Wind and rain lashed the city, and the day passed uneventfully. The Capital City suddenly fell quiet.
The lights in every household were dim. Night watchmen had already appeared in the narrow, winding streets and alleys, but for the grand mansions of the powerful, nightlife had only just begun.
Amid songs, dances, and wine, one could often hear strings and bamboo pipes, even soft, lilting singing.
Though it had rained, the wind that blew in still carried a smoldering heat. After dinner, Wild Daoist hurried over to the pavilion atop the artificial hill and met Su Ziji.
"My lord!" Wild Daoist bowed, then stood to one side. He had already reported what should have been reported during the day, and for a time, neither spoke.
"My lord, it was only by your guidance," Wild Daoist said after an unknown length of time, "that I realized the Qimen Guards, Imperial Feather Guards, and Eagle Yang Guards have already reined in their weapons, fed their horses, and laid out a bag to catch us in."
"Mm. Sixteen thousand five hundred men from the three guards, against two thousand." Su Ziji smiled as well. "That is how the Emperor acts—leaving no loophole, ensuring absolute certainty!"
"When the weak grow angry, they draw their blades against those stronger than themselves."
"When the strong grow angry, they draw their blades against those weaker than themselves."
"This is the great way of Military Strategy. It must be said that although the Emperor is not the Founding Emperor and grew up in peace, he is indeed formidable—not inferior to the Founding Emperor."
Wild Daoist was startled by his words, then smiled. "Yes. Prince Qi is absolutely no match for him. Fortunately, my lord is here!"
"Is that so?" Su Ziji looked at Wild Daoist, sighed, and said,