In Xiangyun Village.
As twilight fell, wisps of smoke from kitchen chimneys began to rise from every household.
Out in the fields, the vast golden sun, like a fiery crow, was about to set, its light filtering through the hazy twilight.
Uncle Liu was a diligent man, always the last person to leave the fields.
He was now heading home along a narrow path through the fields, a carrying pole slung over his shoulder, the aroma of meals cooking over wood fires filling the air.
Just as he reached the village entrance, he saw two men peering furtively ahead.
Uncle Liu frowned. "Who are you!"
Startled by his resonant voice, the two men flinched.
They turned around. Both were about thirty years old, with unremarkable, forgettable faces.
"Brother, do you know if a Wu Sanfu is in this village?"
Uncle Liu eyed them with even more suspicion.
"What's your relation to Wu Sanfu?"
"Distant relatives. We came to the Capital City to seek his help, hoping to stay with him for a few days."
