Two days later, the group rode into the city, with no concrete plans. They had discussed every option, from using their golden medallions to just breaking into the city jail. Unfortunately, each plan rested on a single drawback; they simply did not have enough information. Even XYZ, ever impatient, could see the practicality of getting as much information as possible before settling on a clear course of action. Finally, they decided to ride into the city, stay a few days, and get a feel for who Wang Da Ye really is.

As they rode along the crowded streets, enjoying the glorious sunshine, they were surprised by the hustle and bustle around them. The vendors proudly displayed their wares, restaurant owners called out the day's specials, and the city people went about their business. All in all, the city didn't seem that different from the streets BeiJing. Nothing gave any hint to the hidden darkness the group knew existed. Only when they questioned their Innkeeper about any night-time activities did they receive their first inkling that something wasn't quite right.

EK: "Sir, we are just traveling through, and my wife was wondering if you had any specialty evening events that we could attend? My sister is especially fond of specialty foods and in our hometown, the best food always made their appearance at night."

At this question, the Innkeeper paled: "Young sir," he replied, "I'm afraid I must ask you to stay in at night. In this city, we all lock our doors and close our shutters once the sun sets. Otherwise…." He glanced around nervously and finished in a whisper: "otherwise…maybe we'll get caught and get sent who knows where!"

YQ was startled: "Sir, whatever do you mean?"

But the Innkeeper would only shake his head: "Please, young travelers, I can't say much more. But please, stay in tonight. You're not familiar with our customs, I ask only that you follow them."

Bewildered, the group could only look at each other in concern before going to settle into their rooms. They had managed to get a suite with 6 individual rooms that shared a common area. Each couple had their own room while XJ and Qing-er each had a room to themselves.

Dinner was unexpected early that night and the dining room emptied quickly before the sun could set. The eight friends were curious about this interesting pattern. While the others looked puzzled, XiaoJian bravely approached one of the few remaining guests seated at the table next to them.

XJ: "Sir, this is our first night here, is this early dinner normal?"

The other man took a sip of his wine: "Ah! I wondered about it the first day I was here too! It's been like this every night since I first arrived a month ago. Fortunately, my business is almost complete and I should be able to go home soon, where people aren't afraid to step outside during the evenings."

XJ: "Oh? It's like this every day?"

The other man nodded: "Oh yes. It's always so quiet at night. And it's really not safe to step outside at night."

The others had by this point joined the conversation.

Qing-er asked: "Sir, what do you mean it's not safe?"

The man hesitated but then sighed: "Well, I should tell you. I don't really know the whole story of course, but sometimes, you hear strange noises out in the streets. I've discovered that it's when they transport the prisoners from the fields outside the city back to the prison. You can hear their chains rub against the ground. I took a peak through my window once and the prisoners barely look human. I suppose I shouldn't feel bad, since they must have done something truly awful to end up in prison, but it's an eye-opening experience to see them. No wonder people stay inside at night."

Zi Wei thought back to what JinSuo went through on the trip to Mongolia before Liu Qing, Liu Hong, and Er Kang managed to rescue her and shuddered. Er Kang felt the movement and gently held her hand, trying to reassure her that everything would be alright.

ET thought out loud: "Well, it doesn't take them all night to transport the prisoners, does it? Why are people afraid to go outside once the transport is done?"

The man shrugged but his buddy chimed in at this point: "Ah. Well, I've heard that the city's official set a mandatory edict that the streets are to be cleared between sunset and sunrise. The guards in this city have no qualms about seizing a violator and taking them into prison. And, I hear that the prisoners are not the most well-treated, if you catch my meaning."

The first man added: "Yes, sometimes, even in the day-time, you can hear screams coming from the prison section. Everyone avoids that part of town now…I only went near because I got lost one of the first days I was in the city. There, we have said enough. I think it's time you folks retired for the night too. Don't worry, you'll get used to it after a day or two."

XiaoJian thanked the two for their information and insisted on purchasing their last round of drinks.

After the two men left, the group decided to follow their advice and rest for the night. However, they did decide that two of the men should go check out the prison area in the daytime.