"Locust Bridge Ward?"
Locust Bridge Ward faced a lake and bordered a river. Though it was not the most prestigious district, it was still a fine ward in the Capital City. By day, shops and awning-covered stalls stretched in unbroken rows, but now it seemed deserted.
The ox cart stood on this side of the bridge, a few steps from the stone span, while Prince Dai stood on the bridge, gazing into the distance.
Was something wrong here?
Hui Dao certainly did not believe Prince Dai had forgone sleep and brought him here at night to admire the moon and scenery.
Even with its bridge and water, the scenery was merely picturesque, hardly enough to lure Prince Dai out in the middle of the night. He must have had a special reason for bringing Hui Dao here.
Yet Hui Dao surveyed the surroundings, looking all around, and found nothing amiss.
"The terrain has some favorable feng shui, but that is all." Hui Dao frowned and followed Prince Dai's gaze. The nearest building was a residence. His keen eyesight allowed him to make out its weathered plaque in the moonlight: this was the Old Vice Minister's Residence.
Perhaps its owner had moved to a larger residence and left this one vacant, or perhaps something had happened here and the owner had temporarily gone elsewhere. The house was not small, but it had no sign of human life. An air of desolation pervaded it, inside and out.
Prince Dai had forgone sleep, ridden here, and stood gazing at this residence. Was something wrong with it?
But Hui Dao could see nothing wrong with the residence, which only deepened his confusion.
Had I guessed wrong? Had Prince Dai simply been struck by a sudden leisurely mood and brought me out for a stroll?