The wind and snow grew fiercer.
Jiang Zhizhou sat on the crossbeam at the front of the carriage, gripping the whip tightly. A thin layer of snow had already settled on his clothes.
The horse pulling the carriage blew long plumes of warm breath from its nostrils. Sweat beaded across its back, and the carriage gradually slowed.
Ahead of them, a city loomed faintly into view.
That city was their destination.
Tong City, the outer city of Northern Liang's Imperial City.
As Tong City lay on the outskirts of Northern Liang's Imperial City, all carriages and horses entering it had to undergo strict inspection by the soldiers guarding the gates.
When Yang Qing's carriage reached the gate, a long line was already waiting there. The stringent inspections made progress painfully slow.
As the sky gradually darkened, the residents of Tong City who had yet to enter began to grow restless.
Facing the disgruntled townspeople, the gate guards brandished their long sabers and barked, "Silence! Silence! Stay in line! Anyone who dares cause trouble today will be left outside to feed the wolves!"
Their words instantly stirred the already uneasy crowd into agitation, with people shoving and jostling one another.
"Sir, we leave and enter the city every day, and the checks have never been as strict as this. May we ask why?"
One bold soul ventured the question, only to receive a glare from a guard, who also raised the long saber in his hand.
The blade traced a cold gleam through the wind and snow, sending a shiver through those who saw it. The man who had asked swallowed, drew in his neck, and slowly squeezed back into the line.
At that, the others dared say even less. Each clutched their belongings tightly and slowly followed the people ahead.