Shen Qing expertly controlled the reins, blending into the numerous caravans as they made their way to the city gate of Taiping County once again.
The arched city gate was wide open, revealing the road behind it.
Over the years, the gray-brick paved road had become dark and shiny, with snow water pooling into small puddles in the gaps between the bricks.
Upon closer inspection, there were several scattered piles of horse manure on it.
The guards, dressed in old-style armor, stood inside the city gate, either leaning against the wall or sitting on simple wooden stools, showing no intention of cleaning up.
They let the passing carriage wheels repeatedly crush the horse manure, turning it into green dung water.
The guards' eyes wandered leisurely over the passing pedestrians and goods.
Occasionally, they would lazily ask a few questions and routinely inspect the bags before waving people through after receiving the city entrance fee.
