Few pedestrians walked along Wealth Street, which ran north to south through Red Valley County. Most shops had closed early, and patrols passed from time to time. After asking around, they learned that Yang Daoyuan, governor of Xiezhou and Li Tianheng's most capable aide, was personally leading this campaign. His temporary headquarters had been established in Red Valley County, which explained the stringent security.
Hu Xiaotian and his companions dared not linger outside and invite unnecessary trouble. They found a relatively secluded inn, whose proprietor was exceedingly cautious. He questioned them repeatedly about their identities and inspected their travel documents before preparing rooms for them. Generous with his money, Hu Xiaotian rented the entire courtyard on the western side of the inn. It would give them peace and quiet and make it easier to look after one another. Most importantly, once the courtyard gate was shut, they had a space entirely to themselves, offering some measure of security.
After dinner, Xia Changming and Hu Xiaotian sat chatting in the courtyard. Xia Changming asked, "My lord, are we leaving first thing tomorrow?"
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "There's no hurry!"
Having spent so much time with Hu Xiaotian, Xia Changming had gained some understanding of his character. He glanced around, leaned closer, and asked quietly, "Do you have something else in mind, my lord?"
Hu Xiaotian chuckled without answering. Gazing at the full moon overhead, he suddenly asked, "What's that?"
Xia Changming looked up and saw a dark shape streaking toward them like lightning. He rose to his feet in delighted surprise. It was the black-beaked sparrow he had lost when the beasts surrounded them on Black Cool Mountain.
Unable to conceal his delight, Xia Changming held out his hand. The black-beaked sparrow landed on his palm and chirped incessantly. He laughed. "You