Torn

Capital City · Docks

For security reasons, the docks could not lead directly into Capital City. Even at the canal's end, they lay some distance from the city, lest someone use the waterway to launch a surprise attack.

The canal had silted up in places after falling into disrepair during the wars of the Former Wei. It was restored in the third year of Chengshou. Tens of yards wide and over ten feet deep, it offered passage to the sea and access to inland shipping routes.

As a result, shops and businesses stood shoulder to shoulder near the docks. The district rivaled a county town in size and even had troops stationed there.

Dawn had barely broken, yet the place was already crowded. Some had come to leave the capital with Imperial Envoy Luo Pei; others were friends and family there to see them off.

Most were there for Luo Pei, but some had come for Su Ziji, who was hitching a ride to Shunan Prefecture.

Shunan Prefecture happened to lie along Luo Pei's water route. Su Ziji would still have to travel overland after disembarking, but he could accompany Luo Pei for the river journey.

Both were traveling on imperial business, so the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites had simply arranged for them to depart together.

The ceremony to see off the imperial envoy had just ended. The Ministry of Rites had withdrawn the musicians, and several officials stood surrounded by well-wishers exchanging farewells. One man who appeared to be a Second Rank official said with a smile, "Lord Luo, you look a little older, though your complexion is good. His Majesty has shown you great favor and entrusted you with an important duty, but you must take care of yourself."

"I'm uneasy to have Chancellor