The crowd gathered around the execution ground gradually dispersed.
Zhou Shunqing, disguised as an old woman and hidden among them, also suppressed his grief and turned to leave. He wasn't heading back to the inn where he was staying, but straight for the city gate beside the execution ground.
After two or three days of rest, his injuries had healed considerably. He had come today to see off his comrade, but also to take advantage of the bustling crowd to leave Tongzhou.
After leaving the city, the number of pedestrians around him dwindled. By mid-afternoon, Zhou Shunqing was the only one left on the road.
He dropped his guard and his disguise. Though he still had the appearance of an old woman, his body was no longer stooped and his steps were no longer staggered. He hurried swiftly toward the Prefecture City.
