Capital, North Gate.
The mist before dawn shrouded the city walls. The guards yawned, leaning against the battlements and growing drowsy. Last night, another squad of the Imperial Guard had ridden out of the city on a "grain collection" mission. When they returned, their horsebacks were loaded with bulging sacks, and several weeping young girls were tied together with ropes, stumbling along behind them.
"Old Liu, when do you suppose this kind of life will ever end?" A young soldier rubbed his frozen hands and asked in a low voice.
Chapter 259