On the road back to Ling'an, Zhou Cangyan traveled with Song Lianhe as if they were on a leisurely tour, in no hurry at all to return and report to the Emperor.
When they reached Jiguan Mountain, Zhou Cangyan ordered them to rest.
Jiguan Mountain was no more than thirty *li* from Ling'an City. Ever since their arrival, many vegetable farmers had appeared in the vicinity, squatting by the roadside and hawking their wares. The passing villagers also seemed strange; though they leaned on crutches, their steps were remarkably steady.
Song Lianhe sat in an open-air teahouse, sipping her tea as she glanced around.
"Lianhe, don't you think these people are strange?"
Ah Jun couldn't help but whisper, "They keep sizing us up. You don't think they're watching us, do you?" He then glanced at the man standing outside talking with a Shadow Guard. "Should we tell Prince Qing?"
Song Lianhe chuckled and set down her cup. "If even you've noticed, how could he possibly not know?"
