It had not been long since the uproar over the incident at Dragon Painting Temple had died down around Eternal Capital.
With the cold of late winter and the New Year approaching, nothing mattered more than the festivities. All of Eternal Capital was steeped in the holiday atmosphere.
Early one morning toward the end of the twelfth lunar month, the investigation into the Haiyu County Magistrate finally reached a conclusion.
The outcome was naturally a good one, at least for Daoist Xue and Zhong Xingwen.
As a matter of course, both men were released from the Heavenly Prison. The Eternal Capital Yamen and the Case Inspection Office even hoped Zhong Xingwen would remain in Capital City to serve, but he turned them both down.
Under an overcast sky outside the Heavenly Prison, a gust of cold wind swept past, nearly making both men shiver as they followed the jailer out.
By comparison, the Heavenly Prison almost seemed warmer.
Outside the Heavenly Prison was where Daoist Xue and Zhong Xingwen would part ways. Though the latter still wore his official uniform, he intended to resign once he returned home.
Some guards and an elderly eunuch were waiting outside. The old eunuch was a familiar face by now; he had visited the Heavenly Prison every few days during their stay, sometimes even daily.
Seeing Daoist Xue and Zhong Xingwen emerge, the old eunuch hurried over.
"Daoist Xue, Chief Constable Zhong, proving your innocence is truly cause for celebration! Oh, yes, Daoist Priest, His Majesty requests your presence. He hopes you will accompany this old servant into the palace for an audience!"
Daoist Xue frowned slightly but did not immediately refuse. He recalled Old Mr. Yu's words, though he still instinctively glanced at Zhong Xingwen.
The old eunuch spoke again.
"Oh, and Chief