On this particular deep night in Yanjing City, a sudden downpour began.
Spring rains are usually light and lingering, as if reluctant to harm the newly blossomed flowers. However, that night, with flashes of lightning and rolls of thunder, a torrential rain came out of nowhere, causing the lanterns under the eaves to sway precariously.
In the stables, Xiao Lan grew restless, lifting her hooves uneasily and stamping on the ground. She paid no attention to the fodder in the stone trough, which made the stable boys anxious. This prized horse was now Old General Jih's treasure. They had to look after her carefully; if anything went wrong, Old General Jih would certainly spare no one.
In the birdcage in the courtyard, Xiao Hong, too, was startled by the thunder, making a rustling noise. It no longer mimicked human speech but sounded like an ordinary frightened bird. The stable boy then took the birdcage inside, where the thunder was less intense.
