"Although the branches and leaves were damaged the previous night, the old locust tree of unknown age still overlooked the courtyard. The heavy rain for the past two days had washed it clean, making it shine brightly. The sun, at just the right temperature, filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting a shaft of light into the yamen. When the wind blew, the golden shards of sunlight danced to its rhythm.
Walking through the patchy spots of light and shadow, Pei Ye headed towards the main hall. Upon reaching the entrance, he knocked the soil from his shoes onto the stairs, the pale yellow dust falling away soundlessly.
Upon opening the door, he saw three extraordinary strangers seated in the court. With their tall frames, they resembled military officials from the Imperial Court. Their clothing, in terms of material and style, was beyond anything seen in Feng Huai County. The first impression they left on others was that they were exceptional men among humans.
