Windy starlight flowed over the willow-leaf pear tree and there! two small glowing spheres like full moons flew up into the air and rested on a branch. The bright amber spheres bobbed and weaved, turning from here around to here or around the other way to here. Then the owl hooted distinctly in the garden.
Shortly after, Jian hurried outside and ZingZing the owl messenger hopped on its master's arm. The bodyguard retrieved the message rolled inside the small bamboo tube tied around his pet's leg. While he read the words, his heart skipped many a beat. Once he realised the implications of the message, his fingers suddenly froze and the bamboo tube slipped from his hand.
Jian stood motionless for a long time, looking at the black sky and not looking at the sky at the same time. This news required him now to confess his deeds.
...
