Chapter 142

Zhou Hong's head, pickled in lime and stripped of closure in death, still hung high atop the flagstaff at the main gate of Canglang City. A spear point pierced the mandible, and the congealed black blood occasionally dripped under the whistling northern wind, smashing onto the cold bluestone slabs below and splashing into tiny, heart-palpitating dark red flower-like spots. Passersby invariably gave it a wide berth, their eyes a complex mix of vindictive glee and deep awe. That spear hanging the traitor's head had become Qin Lie's most direct and bloody declaration after taking command of the Prefect Mansion: Canglang City had a new master! And the rules had changed, too!