In the dead of night.
The moon was a hook, the night black as ink.
Tongzhou City was shrouded in darkness, utterly silent save for the occasional meow or bark.
A figure in black night-gear flew lightly onto the walls of the Pei Mansion, leaping across the rooftops. Following a familiar path, he arrived at the dungeon in the rear courtyard and landed without a sound.
He glanced around, confirming no one was present. Gripping the lock on the dungeon entrance, he gave it a gentle tug. With a CLICK, the lock was pulled clean apart. He opened the door and slipped inside.
Hugging the wall, he reached the cell. He saw the same woman from that day inside, and County Magistrate Wang's last hope died. He began to retreat quietly out of the dungeon.
"Who goes there! Halt!"
The moment he stepped out of the dungeon, he heard a loud shout.
It was immediately followed by the sound of gongs and yelling.
"CLANG CLANG CLANG!"
"An intruder! Catch the thief!"
