White Deer Grotto Stirred, a Judicial Officer Entrusts His Family

Dark clouds blanketed Wenning County, while Ci Prefecture shook with earth-shattering activity.

Riders with small flags planted at their backs streamed through the city gates without pause, some heading north toward Jiankang, others carrying orders to muster troops throughout the region.

Over two thousand armored soldiers had finished preparing under Li Yizhen's orders. Led by two army commanders, they marched south in a long column, accompanied by supply wagons laden with grain, fodder, and arrows, as well as prostitutes and merchants following the army.

Behind the enormous flag bearing the character for Liang came a motley procession of followers. Gaudily dressed women laughed coyly as they solicited customers, while peddlers pushing carts or carrying shoulder poles headed south with their wares.

The soldiers marching south all had the household allowances in money and grain just issued by the Circuit Censorate. Their purses were at their fullest, making this the perfect opportunity to sell them goods at a profit.

Wang Jian naturally had to make use of such a grand spectacle. He laid out a banquet atop the gate tower, saying he wished to see Inspector Li off and wish him swift victory.

Of course, the Imperial Demon Hunters Office also received an invitation. Chief Clerk Wang invited Su Che and Shi Chibao to attend the ceremony together.

Third Young Master Su politely declined. Su Che had little interest in such occasions, and Shi Chibao prudently chose to refuse as well.

Captain Shi was not a man to hold grudges, but Wang Jian had only just sent men to surround the Imperial Demon Hunters Office. Now that he was offering a banquet, Captain Shi naturally had every reason not to attend.

Su Che stayed at home with the venerable Yin-Yang Dharma King, while Lu Bai and Zhu Yi went out to