Outside Changping Post Station, scholars were sitting silently in the street.
Inside Changping Post Station, Chen Ji sat in the main hall, stilling the flames of eight candles with his presence. He held a Whale Blade across his knees, his eyes closed in meditation, breathing evenly.
All station officials and the Crown Prince were held in the main hall, sitting on the floor to prevent anyone from sending messages.
The only female guest, Princess Liyang, had gone up to the second floor. The others, wanting to use the lavatory, had to find a wooden bucket in the main hall, even the Crown Prince wasn't exempt.
At the sound of a rooster crowing in the backyard, 'Princess Liyang' descended the stairs wearing a white veil, and asked Chen Ji, "Is it time?"
Everyone turned to her, not understanding what she meant by 'time.'
Only Chen Ji opened his eyes to look at the sky, "If nothing goes wrong, she should have been sent away by now."
