The main gate of the county government office in Baojiao County was flanked on the left by the Court of Appeal, primarily used for resolving minor incidents such as disputes over civilian land properties, brawls, and other disagreements.
In the center stood the "Ceremonial Gate," a grand entrance opened only for significant events. Towering majestically atop two layers of three-tiered steps, it featured gray tiles, azure walls, a vermilion door, and large brass door studs.
All government building doors were red, which made the vermilion door synonymous with the Imperial Court.
Chen Ku quickly tore a wanted poster from the azure wall next to the vermilion door, accompanying his action with a shout of "Reporting!"
Instantly, the eyes of the eight men from the Zao Class stationed on both sides of the gate were drawn toward him.
"Who is it? What are you reporting?" a vice head dressed in Zao Class garb asked sternly, clutching his knife as he approached Chen Ku.
