Wang Anfeng made his way toward the Ministry of Punishment in the County City. The vermillion gates of the yamen stood wide open, flanked not by stone lions but by the grim visages of Bi'an, the guardians of judicial fairness. Their fierce features seemed to pierce through the secretive depths of one's heart, coldly observing every passerby who walked by.
Wang Anfeng steadied his spirit and stepped inside. Because of previous incidents, patrol officers of the Ninth Grade and above in the Ministry all recognized this youth from the Academy. With little impediment, he soon saw Yan Ling, who looked unlike the one Anfeng had seen in the Academy. That day, although still slightly stunned, Yan Ling seemed energized, at least.
Yan Ling's eyes were filled with weariness now, suggesting he hadn't had a proper rest in a long time.