Chapter 479 — The Western Garden
Purple Streets of Chang'an · Page 4 of 4
The standard-bearers charged with raising the banners and holding the parasol had collapsed on the ground in terror, while the company commander in charge of the procession was white as paper, murmuring over and over, "I checked it all again last night — it was all in order. How could this happen? How could this happen?"
It was the company commander's quick-witted confidant who spoke up: "Had we not better report this to Lord Wu at once? Open the storehouse first and draw two banners and a red silk parasol to make up the loss, and talk after."
The company commander came to his senses with a start and hurried off to find Wu Liang.
Wu Liang was Jiang Ling's father-in-law and naturally gave Song Yan his full support.
But at that very moment, he had been summoned away by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who said something had gone wrong on their side and they wished to question him.
The company commander was struck dumb. Gritting his teeth, he said, "I will go find Lord Li!"
Suddenly a man ran out from the side and stopped him with a smile, saying, "Lord Li is discussing matters with Lord Song and Lord Shi at this very moment! If this matter reaches Lord Li's ears, it can no longer be kept from the Jinwu Guard and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. All three guards act together, yet trouble falls on our standard-bearers alone — where would Lord Li's face be then? Even Lord Wu would likely be implicated. Why not let me think of a way?" (To be continued)