Two days later, the Imperial College was buzzing with activity.
Several rounds of rain in Bianjing had finally brought some relief from the heat. Pig herders drove their livestock into the city to sell them, while the owner of a paper-effigy shop on the main street dozed with his eyes half-closed.
Martial artists working as caravan guards rested in a teahouse, watching a group of people playing leaf cards. A dispute over winnings turned into a shirtless brawl, startling a donkey tied to a nearby pole, which began to kick and jump, nearly overturning the tables and chairs.
Chapter 63