Just past dawn, the sun hung high in the sky, its heat and radiance beginning to rise.
The shadows of the trees on both sides stretched across the official road, a clear line dividing light from shade. The edges of the shadows flickered faintly.
That wasn't a gentle breeze; it was the thundering of fast horses and carriage wheels, approaching at a gallop from the far end of the road.
Chen Yi watched from a distance, murmuring, "So this is the grand procession of an Imperial Top Scholar."
Armored Warriors on fast horses cleared the way, followed closely by a Banner Officer holding his standard. Flanked by guards was a large, red carriage pulled by four fine steeds.
Despite their speed, it was easy to see that the carriage was perfectly stable, not swaying in the slightest.
Only when they were a li from the post station did the horses, banner, and carriage finally slow down, gradually coming to a stop beside it.
