The Great Wei Capital.
The north gate.
The Capital's gates were towering and majestic, with walls at least thirty zhang thick. There were three passageways: one for ordinary citizens, one for merchants, and one for officials. There was also a final, smaller passage reserved for urgent documents, whose delivery must not be obstructed.
Stepping down from the carriage, Xu Qingxiao gazed at the magnificent Capital City, an inexplicable swell of emotion rising within him.
He wanted to recite a poem, but decided against it after some thought. He feared attracting some supernatural phenomenon. Better to save it for a future banquet.
"Thank you both for accompanying me all this way."
After getting off the carriage, Xu Qingxiao took out two banknotes worth twenty taels each and handed them to the two officers.
Though this had been official business, the two men had done their utmost over the past few days. Whatever the circumstances, Xu Qingxiao could not let that go unacknowledged.
"You're too kind, Master Xu. We can't accept this money. You sought justice for our fellow officers. If we took your silver as well, we really wouldn't deserve to call ourselves human."
Both men cupped their hands, declining Xu Qingxiao's kindness.
"Very well. Thank you both."
Xu Qingxiao was gracious about it. He put away the banknotes and gave the two men a slight bow.
They returned the courtesy, then drove the carriage back.
After watching the carriage depart for a while, Xu Qingxiao joined the regular queue.
The line to enter the Capital was long. Under normal circumstances, it would take at least three hours.
Identities and other information had to be checked without the slightest carelessness.
Xu Qingxiao was patient enough.
After nearly three hours, his turn finally came. He handed his travel permit to the official