654 taels of the second watch

At this hour, the night market was bustling with activity, the streets crowded with carriages and pedestrians, which slowed Nangong Li's carriage to a pace that made it easier for Gu Jiao to follow.

Nangong Li had lost an arm and was seriously injured. Rumors said he was dying, yet he looked very much alive. How then did the rumors of his imminent death come about, and what was their purpose?

Gu Jiao speculated that Nangong Li had failed in his mission to assassinate Xiao Hen and had pretended to be gravely wounded to lessen his punishment.

But who had assigned him this task? Was it the head of the Nangong Family or someone else?

Regardless, Nangong Li was by no means innocent.

His carriage first made its way along the main street and then turned right into a small alley.

On the other side of the alley was a quieter street.

This street was lined with antique shops and calligraphy stores, not nearly as lively as the main street with its brothels and lanterns.