Road Pavilion, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Upper Right Office.
A dust-covered rider galloped up to the gates of the Upper Right Office and swung down from his horse.
The Strongman guarding the gate immediately approached with a hand on his saber. Before he could ask a question, the newcomer took a silver-inlaid waist token bearing the raised inscription "Northern Pacification Office" from his belt and flashed it before him.
The gatekeeper immediately cupped his hands in salute. "My respects, sir."
The newcomer put away his token. "Where is Commander Fang Ke?"
The gatekeeper replied, "Sir, Commander Fang is currently on duty."
The newcomer immediately strode toward the gate. "Take me to Commander Fang at once. I have a matter of burning urgency to report to him immediately..."
The gatekeeper caught up with him. "Please allow me to announce you, sir..."
The newcomer added between breaths, "It concerns your Commander Yang."
The gatekeeper immediately turned around and grabbed the sturdy horse, which was still panting at the foot of the steps. "Quick, sir, get on! I'll take you to Commander Fang right away!"
The newcomer: ...
The gatekeeper slapped his thigh. "What are you standing there for? Get on! Our Upper Right Office doesn't stand on so much ceremony!"
The newcomer thought, Liar! You just said you had to announce me first!
While he was still hesitating, the gatekeeper had already grabbed the stirrup and begun physically pushing him toward the horse.
The newcomer could only reluctantly mount. Grabbing the reins, the gatekeeper sprinted through the gates.
"Clop, clop, clop..."
Inside the hall of the Deputy Thousand-Household Commander's Office, Fang Ke lifted his head from his paperwork and looked toward the doorway in puzzlement. *Which bastard has so little regard for the rules that he rode a horse right into the