Jade Bamboo Manor.
Song Zhiqing was cooling off under the gallery, listening to a man beside him report the news he'd gathered from the city.
"No more discussions?"
The man, wearing a grayish-white jacket with two exposed arms and sporting a small-eyed mustache, swallowed and said, "Yes, indeed. I've heard that the Emperor has issued an order: whoever discusses it will be arrested. This announcement came from the Imperial Palace, in fact. I spent half a tael of silver to have someone print it out, and I'd like Third Master to take a look."
He reached into his chest and took out a folded paper, presenting it with both hands to Song Zhiqing.
The weather was hot, and the paper had absorbed some sweat from being kept close to him, becoming damp and emitting a sour smell.
Song Zhiqing was somewhat repulsed. He covered his mouth with a handkerchief before taking and unfolding the paper, then glanced at the man, half-smiling, "Half a tael of silver?"
