At the break of dawn, vendors from outside the city were already carrying their wares and pushing their carts into the city. Changjing was indeed a bustling place. Every morning, both sides of this street would be lined with stalls. Many vendors had their own fixed spots. For example, in front of Song You’s door, there was a woman selling eggs, an old man selling vegetables, and a short man selling tofu.0

Changjing provided them with ample opportunities to earn a living, and it also brought countless conveniences to the people within the city. Yet, before the sun had even risen, who knew how far these common folks had traveled from the mountains at this hour?0

Voices began to rise from below.0

It was the vegetable farmers and vendors discussing in low voices, negotiating the prices of vegetables and setting a minimum price.0

Sometimes they sighed and complained. Other times they chatted and laughed. Their emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness—came in through the window.0

Song You glanced out and suddenly noticed three figures approaching from the left side of the street.0

An elderly man, not very tall and dressed in officer robes, were accompanied by two deputy officers. One was a civil officer and the other military officer, whose attire was either grand or imposing....0