Chapter 434

In Xiaotun, not far from the magnificent siheyuan belonging to Xiao Jian, a ragged, haggard-looking middle-aged beggar stood watching. His eyes, which should have been bright and alert, were now dazed and unfocused as they stared straight ahead at the striking siheyuan. Wild, tangled locks grew haphazardly from his head like a clump of weeds, half of his face completely hidden beneath the long, unkempt strands. Long, filthy beards surrounded his mouth, making him look as though he had not bothered to groom himself in ages. On top of that, he wore a battered garment covered in all manner of stains and grime, emitting such a pungent, foul stench that passing pedestrians instinctively covered their noses and gave him a wide berth, not daring to come within half a step of him. Not far away stood the siheyuan with its green bricks and red walls, the high courtyard wall shutting off the world within from the outside. From atop the wall, several emerald branches stretched out from the courtyard, swaying gently in the breeze like a beautiful painting. They framed the courtyard just right, giving the place an air of serene, tranquil elegance.