Rain pattered down, shrouding the street where the Water Cloud Shrine stood in a hazy veil that blurred everything from view.
This thoroughfare was called Water Cloud Street. Half of it belonged to the Water Cloud Shrine. Some residents had once lived nearby, but they had gradually moved away, leaving only half a street of shops, most selling incense and flowers. Apart from a few taverns and teahouses, there were scarcely any other businesses.
It was nighttime, and the Water Cloud Shrine had long since shut its gates. The nearby shops had all closed their doors and windows too. Only the lanterns outside swayed in the wind and rain.
A little farther down the street stood a three-story restaurant, from which faint sounds of drinking, laughter, and conversation drifted.
Unlike the first and second floors, which still had a few patrons, the entire third floor was quiet. On the side facing the street, there was not even a glimmer of candlelight.
Yet two people were sitting in the largest room, which also offered the best view, while several shadowy figures stood in the darkness.
Prefect Tan Ping appeared composed, but a closer look at his eyes and brows would have revealed a trace of anxiety.
Under Prince Dai's leadership, he had dispersed his forces and quietly arrived near the Water Cloud Shrine.
The bailiffs had spread out without anyone noticing and gathered around the Water Cloud Shrine, waiting for a single command to storm inside.
Meanwhile, Prefect Tan Ping and Prince Dai had gone up to the restaurant's third floor under the protection of a dozen or so men.
He knew perfectly well that the men outside were slowly approaching the Water Cloud Shrine under cover of the rain and mist, blocking its entrances and exits. Those inside were already