In the pitch-black curtain of rain, lightning cleaved the night sky like a sharp blade, illuminating the wretched, fleeing convoy on the muddy mountain road. The wagon wheels were deeply mired in the mud, emitting a teeth-setting squeak. The sobs of the female dependents and the curses of the drivers intertwined, appearing exceptionally desolate in the downpour.
"My lord! The axle has snapped!" The elderly steward stumbled forward, collapsing before the most magnificent carriage, rainwater dripping down his white hair. A horsewhip suddenly thrust out from within the carriage curtain, cracking across his face and instantly leaving a bloody welt behind.
"Useless trash!" Governor Mu threw open the curtain and roared. Rain beat against his pampered face, and the peacock feathers on his official hat were already drenched, drooping miserably. He turned his head and barked at the personal guards beside him: "Change horses! Take only gold, silver, and valuables, and leave the dependents... unattended for now!"
Chapter 146