The heavy gates of the Commandery Prison slowly closed, shutting its damp and chill behind them.
Wang Yang stepped out, and glaring white sunlight struck him full in the face.
He narrowed his eyes and raised a hand to shield them. After standing there a moment, he lowered his hand and headed away.
Chen Qing Shan had been waiting for Wang Yang for some time. Seeing his expression, she frowned faintly, hurried over, and asked quietly, "What happened?"
Wang Yang forced a smile.
"Nothing. Let's go."
Chen Qing Shan asked no more and silently followed at his side.
The two left the Commandery Prison. Li Lin, Qian Zhan, He Ji, and the other three guards were waiting beside the carriage.
Sharp-eyed He Ji spotted Wang Yang at once, set down the mounting stool, then stepped forward to lift the carriage curtain.
Wang Yang stepped onto the stool and was about to climb aboard when he noticed another carriage stopping at the prison gates. Though it bore no banner or insignia, its body was lacquered black and traced with gold, its wheels gleaming darkly. It was clearly a work of fine craftsmanship.
A man alighted, wearing a brocade cap and silk robes. With one hand behind his back, he strode proudly through the gates without a sideways glance, looking as though the dust beneath his feet was beneath his notice. Four attendants followed him, all in plain white embroidered robes whose silver patterns shimmered like frost and snow in the sunlight.
Wang Yang withdrew his gaze and bent to enter his carriage.
The curtain fell. Chen Qing Shan, Li Lin, and Qian Zhan mounted their horses, while He Ji and the other three took positions on either side of the carriage.
Wang Yang closed his eyes.
"Go."
Lao Song flicked the