Taiping County, in front of the government office.
Two gatekeepers were quietly exchanging gossip and trivial news of the day, their faces relaxed and at ease.
Suddenly, a rapid patter of footsteps accompanied by a frightened shout interrupted them.
"Something terrible has happened, I need to see Lord County Magistrate!"
Not far away, a young man, his clothes slightly disheveled and face filled with urgency, rushed to the front of the office like a gust of wind.
The smiles on the faces of the gatekeepers gradually faded, and they exchanged a meaningful glance. One of them then stepped forward and asked in a deep voice, "What has happened in your Cang long Gang that has made you so panic-stricken?"
They recognized the wolf head embroidered on the young man's chest.
He was a member of the Cang lang Gang.
Not long ago, this gang had pledged allegiance to their Lord County Magistrate and had been working for him.
In a way, they were all on the same side.