The Jing'an Directorate stood only two or three large wards from the Northern Market, a distance that could be covered in moments.
Bai Yousi and the others entered the Jing'an Directorate and headed straight for the Black Tower. The scenery along the way remained unchanged, with countless Patrol Cavalry, clerks, and servants hurrying to and fro, Black Sashes and White Ribbons everywhere. Whoever saw Bai Yousi's party greeted and saluted them as usual, and everyone in the Second Patrol Team returned those greetings as usual.
The atmosphere was so harmonious, and both sides wore the same uniforms, that several of them privately felt a pang of sorrow at the changing times.
Of course, they were all adults. Perhaps both sides understood perfectly well and simply showed none of it.
"Knowing Inspector Bai and everyone from the Second Patrol Team would be coming today, I waited here especially. Thank you for your efforts on this journey."
Unexpectedly, the person who greeted them upon entering the Black Tower was a Vermilion Sash, and a familiar one at that-Xue Liang, Intendant Cao's second adopted son.
Perhaps it was his imagination, but Zhang Xing seemed to see the man smile specifically at him after saying this...
"Vermilion Sash Xue." Bai Yousi responded gravely. "Our inspection of the six Huaiyou commanderies was successfully completed. Here is the formal summary report, bearing my signature and mark. Reports on the various matters in Huankou Town were also sent back promptly before this..."
Bai Yousi stopped halfway through, because the other man made no move to accept her documents.
"Here's the situation." Xue Liang held his hands before him and gave a dry smile. "The Intendant suddenly had business at the Southern Office. He instructed me to wait here for you and insist that you wait for his