Wind and clouds gathered, and within moments, dark clouds blanketed the sky above Phoenix Terrace. A cold wind swept silently south across the Yong River, carrying the damp chill of its waters and biting into the bones. Below Phoenix Terrace, a spray of newly blossomed winter jasmine trembled in the wind, as though regretting that it had arrived too early. Its golden petals finally lost their battle against the cold, scattering through the air. A few landed on Hu Xiaotian. He took the reins from Xiong Tianba and swung into the saddle. Just as he was about to leave Phoenix Terrace, he saw a party of riders approaching from the distance.
Hu Xiaotian initially thought Wen Boyuan had returned, but when he looked closely, the man leading them was actually Zhao Wusheng.
Hu Xiaotian reined in Little Gray and smiled at Zhao Wusheng.
Zhao Wusheng approached and abruptly pulled on his reins. His horse surged forward several more steps before stopping. He cupped his hands toward Hu Xiaotian. "Eunuch Hu, you really are here!"
"Did you need something, General Zhao?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
"The boats to escort the princess across the river are ready," Zhao Wusheng said. "We can send her belongings over ahead of time tonight. General Wen told me that Lord Hu was responsible for all the logistical arrangements, so I came specifically to discuss them with you."
"Aren't we crossing tomorrow?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
Zhao Wusheng smiled. "Sending the belongings ahead will save us from scrambling about when the time comes."
"How would you like to arrange things, General Zhao?" Hu Xiaotian asked.
"Why don't we find somewhere to sit? I can explain everything to you in detail."
Hu Xiaotian looked around. He was unfamiliar with Cangmu City and was about to ask Xiong Tianba when Zhao