The Yan Prefecture County Office
Outside, night hung low, yet in one corner of the County Office, a candle still flickered.
Dai Sheng was fully dressed, without the slightest trace of sleepiness on his face. With his hands clasped behind his back, he paced his bedroom, his expression grave.
The words Yang Qing had spoken to him earlier echoed in his ears with perfect clarity.
He knew that, given Yang Qing's temperament, he would never say something so cryptic without a reason.
Besides, Dai Sheng was merely a civil official and had never concerned himself with affairs on the frontier.
Yet Yang Qing had made himself clear: the day he departed for Yan Pass would also be the day Dai Sheng left Yan Prefecture.
But why had he made such a decision?
Dai Sheng continued pacing the room, his silhouette clearly reflected against the window lattice.
At last, the candle consumed its final drop of wax. Its flame went out in an instant, leaving only a faint wisp of acrid smoke curling upward.
The bedroom became so dark that he could not see his hand before his face. Dai Sheng stood silently in the darkness for a moment, then finally gave a soft sigh, felt his way slowly to the bed, and lay down.
What he did not know was that someone else was tossing and turning that night, just as unable to sleep as he was.
That man was Wu Tianyong, the deputy county magistrate of Yan Prefecture.
Ever since learning that day that Dai Sheng would leave Yan Prefecture, countless thoughts had surged through his mind, refusing to settle.
Although driving Dai Sheng out of Yan Prefecture was the purpose of his mission, having him travel with Yang Qing had never been his intention.
Besides, as long as