Shen Qing skillfully maneuvered the reins, blending seamlessly with the numerous caravans, and again slowly approached the gate of Taiping County.
The arched gate was wide open, revealing the dry road beyond.
Over the years, the gray brick-paved road had been worn shiny black, with snowmelt accumulating in the cracks between the bricks.
Upon closer inspection, there were also a few piles of horse dung scattered about.
The guards, clad in old-fashioned armor, stood inside the gate, either leaning against the walls or sitting on simple wooden stools, showing no intention of cleaning up.
The horse dung was continually crushed by the passing carts' wheels, turning into green manure water.
The guards' gazes drift nonchalantly between the pedestrians and the goods passing by.
They would occasionally look up lazily to ask a few questions, perfunctorily checking the luggage and waving through anyone who paid the city entrance fee.
