It was still early. Behind the administrative buildings of the Deng Province Office, most of the guards who had accompanied them from the Capital City and the local constables had yet to retire. Yu Ziye's piercing scream before he woke immediately drew the nearby officers' attention.
Thinking the Imperial Court's envoy had been attacked, several officers hurried over.
Bang, bang, bang!
"My lord! My lord, are you all right?"
"My lord?"
Still shaken, Yu Ziye did not answer immediately. The guards and constables outside exchanged glances and laid their hands on their sword hilts. One of them kicked the door open with a bang.
Several constables rushed inside, their blades leaving their sheaths in a chorus of metallic ringing.
"Ah-!"
The crash of the door and the sound of weapons being drawn gave Yu Ziye another fright, leaving him frozen on the spot.
Seeing Yu Ziye unharmed at his desk, the constables realized there might have been a misunderstanding. Yu Ziye finally recovered his wits as well.
"What are you doing? Who told you to come in?"
The constables looked embarrassed, and the lead guard hastened to explain.
"My lord, we heard you scream and thought you were in danger. Put your swords away, all of you!"
While the officer was speaking, a cold gust blew into the room. The oil lamp's flame flickered wildly, and the papers on the desk rustled.
Yu Ziye hurriedly secured his half-written memorial with a paperweight, then glared angrily at the officers.
"I merely had a nightmare. Nothing serious! Out, out, all of you!"
"Yes! We're relieved that you're unharmed, my lord. We shall take our leave."
Yu Ziye watched the guards and constables withdraw, but the chilly wind blowing in before they closed the door still made him shiver several times.
"Wait."
The