"My Lord, Celestial Capital City is just ahead."
Shen Zhen's voice came from outside the carriage.
Pei Shaoqing lifted the curtain and looked out. The sheer, imposing grandeur that rushed toward him made his heart skip a beat.
The city walls, built of green stone, were at least a hundred feet high by his estimation. They stretched out of sight to either side, like a colossal ancient beast lying in wait. Mottled moss and arrow scars crisscrossed its surface, and one could vaguely make out armored soldiers standing guard and banners fluttering in the wind.
Above the open city gate, a plaque of black iron hung high, bearing the two words "Yong'an Gate." Below the archway, a lively stream of people and carriages flowed in and out.
The wide moat glittered under the sunlight, its surface busy with boats. The robust chants of boatmen mingled with the cries of vendors, a powerful chorus of sounds vying for his attention.
