Zhao Yan and his party strolled leisurely down the street, occasionally stopping to take a closer look at novel items. The county office was easy to find; it was situated on the east side of Nanxun County, and they reached it after a quarter-hour walk.
The outer walls of the county office were made of blue brick. From a distance, they still looked rather imposing, but up close, the office revealed the marks of time. The plaster on the walls was mottled and had lost its original color; the only thing still presentable was the main gate, which maintained a hint of dignity.
A bailiff armed with a saber stood guard at the entrance. Generally, unless it was a major matter, the common people would not easily disturb the authorities. As they walked further, the area became increasingly deserted the closer they got to the office.
Chapter 439