In the afternoon, Yang Jing brought everyone to Chengping Square.
The courtyard next to the Martial Arts Hall had been tidied by Sun Ningxiang until it was spotless. It was paved with blue-gray bricks, and two pomegranate trees grew within. Though winter had come and their leaves had fallen, their sturdy branches still held a hint of vitality.
After settling his family in, Yang Jing immediately went to Sun's Martial Arts Hall to report back to Sun Yong.
Sun Yong was in the inner courtyard drinking tea. Seeing him arrive, he set down his teacup. "Are they all settled in?"
"Yes. Thank you for your trouble, Master," Yang Jing said with a nod.
"Go on, and don't worry," Sun Yong said with a wave of his hand. "Ning Xiang and I will look after them. Nothing will go wrong."
Reassured, Yang Jing gave Sun Yong a deep bow before turning to leave.
His figure was a blur in the twilight, swift as a hunting leopard as he raced straight for the River Gang Stronghold outside the city.
