The blazing sun hung overhead. A thousand sails gathered at West King Town's docks, and merchants and travelers streamed back and forth.
An unremarkable ferry lay moored among the fleet. Li Sanwen and the others spoke with merchants onshore, loading miscellaneous goods to take back to Capital City along the way.
The river wind snapped the tavern banners along the bank. Dressed in black robes, Ye Jingtang stood beneath a flagpole and accepted a small parcel from a Pei Family shopkeeper who had hurried over.
The parcel was small, containing a token-a new waist token from Prince Jing's Manor-and a letter.
The corners of Ye Jingtang's mouth lifted in a smile. He opened the envelope and unfolded the letter, revealing forceful, vigorous handwriting.
The letter's contents were perfectly solemn, including such statements as, "I am impartial and incorruptible. Should any falsehood be discovered in your testimony, the law dictates such-and-such." In short, he was to return for questioning.
Ye Jingtang read for a moment, smiled, then put the letter away and called to Li Sanwen aboard the boat:
"Uncle Li, I still have urgent business in the capital. Once the cargo's stowed, let's get ready to leave."
"Right you are. Everyone, pick up the pace..."
Ye Jingtang went to a tavern on the bank, where Song Chi and Chen Yuanqing, who were escorting him and Third Madam back to the capital, were both waiting.
Seeing him enter, Third Madam, who had been drinking tea in the main room, approached and asked softly:
"Well? What did they say in the capital?"
Ye Jingtang nodded. "Prince Jing has put out word that the Black Bureau killed him. The matter is being handled, and my safety will be protected."
Song Chi, who had spent several days on tenterhooks, let out a long