August 6th, at the start of the Chen hour (7:00 AM). On the bluestone path of a narrow alley in the West City of the Capital, Jiang Wan, wearing a bamboo hat, followed Heir Lu into a cramped rice shop. The scent of moldy rice mingled with the damp air as it rushed to meet them. Manager Wang, the proprietor, was huddled behind the counter; when he saw the Kirin Jade Pendant at Heir Lu’s waist, his entire body gave a sharp shudder.
"Don't be alarmed, Manager Wang," Jiang Wan said, removing her bamboo hat to reveal a gentle smile. "We aren't here to hold you accountable. We are here to hear the truth."
"I... I don't understand..." Manager Wang lowered his head, rubbing the corners of his tunic. His fingertips were covered in thick callouses from handling heavy rice sacks.
Chapter 182