Beside the official road, in a tea stall, two merchants in disguise were conversing in low tones.
"Did you hear? General Su's death was so strange, said to be struck by heavenly lightning, but on that day clearly..."
"Shh!" His companion nervously glanced at the Turkic carriage, "Now deserters fill the streets, it's said Canzhou is offering double military pay. They say chaos breeds heroes, might Canzhou..."
"Such words must not be spoken recklessly," the merchant surveyed his surroundings, lowering his voice, "Quickly drink up, we've got a journey ahead!"
The scorching sun baked the official road until it was blistering, the air filled with the scent of sweat and dust.
He Shu lowered the carriage curtain, instructed the Turkic warrior beside him: "Make a note, the Jingzhou army has collapsed, Canzhou is expanding its forces."
After speaking, he waved his hand, and the carriage continued struggling down the crowded official road, kicking up a murky cloud of dust behind.
