"Yes, sir. I'll lead the way at once." As the prison official spoke, he ushered the two inside. Su Ziji walked in front, while Fang Zhen was pushed along two steps behind by his young servant.
The great prison covered an enormous area and held criminals from the entire Capital City. Ordinary prisoners were confined in one section, convicted officials in another, and nobles and dignitaries in yet another. The monks of Clear Garden Temple, due to their special status and the special nature of their crimes, were held farther inside.
Su Ziji did not allow many manor guards to enter with him, bringing only two veteran guards.
Fang Zhen had brought only the young servant pushing his wheelchair. Su Ziji had seen this servant several times before and knew his martial skills were formidable. He understood that although Fang Zhen seemed to have fallen on hard times, he was far from destitute.
Withdrawing his gaze, Su Ziji continued forward, passively listening to the ghostly cries and wolfish howls within the prison.
They were currently walking through the ordinary prisoners' section. Dim oil lamps illuminated only a small patch around them, making the whole place seem even more sinister.
Weeping, shouting, screams, muttered ramblings—it was as though madmen had gathered here. Some people seemed to have grown from the corners like mushrooms, while many of the rest would cry out "Wronged!" whenever they saw someone pass the iron bars, reaching out to grab them.
"How dare you!" The prison official glared and shouted, viciously striking with the scabbard of his sword. The pained hands withdrew, but those numb, despairing eyes remained fixed on the people entering.
Pushed along by his servant, Fang Zhen's brows drew together slightly at the sight.
This was not his first time entering the great prison.