Once their luggage was packed, the group left the inn.
Today was the first day of the new year. The shops along the streets were almost all closed, but there were plenty of pedestrians. They were all in family groups, carrying bags of all sizes, clearly on their way to pay New Year's visits.
Hua Manman was sitting in the carriage, happily petting her cat, when she suddenly heard a commotion outside.
Yue Niang pushed open the carriage window to look out and saw a troop of government officers hurrying toward them.
The group of officers seemed to have received some urgent orders. They were acting aggressively, shouting harshly at the pedestrians on the road.
"Government officers on duty! Make way!"
Li Ji didn't want any trouble. He raised a hand, signaling for everyone to move to the side and let the officers pass.
They thought that would be the end of it, but when their convoy reached the city gate, they found many more government officers stationed nearby.
