Night fell, but the Eastern Hedge Retreat on the outskirts of Sacred Capital City blazed with lights, illuminating the entire courtyard as brightly as day.
The property belonged to Yongzhen Academy. Yue Dongyang and the others had temporarily lent it to the Green Lotus Hermit, Tang Taibai, as a residence. Many came to visit, drawn by his reputation, and for several days the stream of callers had been unbroken.
At that moment, the pleasing strains of strings and flutes drifted faintly through the courtyard. Some sang along, indulging themselves to their hearts' content, while others composed poems and rhapsodies, giving full expression to their poetic passions.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps and the neighing of warhorses came from outside. Members of the Demon-Quelling Bureau poured in, provoking several startled cries and shattering the peaceful atmosphere of song and dance.
Someone demanded, "Who are you? How dare you trespass upon Master Green Lotus's residence!"
"Hmph! The Demon-Quelling Bureau is acting under orders. Who dares obstruct us?" The newcomers declared their identity: they were men of Great Qian's Demon-Quelling Bureau.
"What is all this commotion?" Li Chen sat in the inner courtyard. Hearing the clamor outside, he already understood what was happening, but he remained where he was and deliberately asked the question.
"Master Green Lotus, the eunuch faction's running dogs are here." Several scholars in splendid robes rose to their feet and angrily rebuked Eunuch Ma, who had just entered with his subordinates. "Here, our conversations are with great scholars, and no unlettered commoners pass through our doors. How could this be a place where you gelded dogs may trespass?"
Eunuch Ma's eyelids twitched violently. Anyone slapped in the face without provocation and called a gelded dog to his face would hardly be in a good mood.
"Insolence! I am carrying out orders.