Ning Que returned to the house by Yanming Lake. The blood dyed on his clothes was sprinkled by the spring rain on his way back, diluting the color, and making it look like a watercolor painting.
There were many people awaiting his return and for him to sign his name to complete the agreement.
No matter the ministers of the Tang empire, the Head of the West-Hill Divine Palace's Revelation Institute, or the important figures in the diplomatic corps, they all heaved a sigh of relief when they saw him entering the house.
Ning Que took the handkerchief from a maidservant, and wiped the rain off his face. He came to a desk and carefully read the clauses in the agreement. Then, he lifted his brush pen and prepared to sign without any hesitation.
The Head of the Revelation Institute looked at the bloodstains on his shirt and a grim thought flashed through his mind. He asked softly, "Hold on, where has Mr. Thirteen been?"