In the capital city, within the outer walls, two figures, one on the left and one on the right, strolled from the remote streets of a northern village towards the direction of the inner city.
The streets on both sides bore a desolate and chaotic appearance, with scattered beggars and vagrants lying on the ground, their eyes devoid of light, gazing numbly at the passing crowds with a defeated air.
Separated by a wall, the inner city and outer city resembled heaven and hell.
"The Great Ming capital city was thought to be a place of excellence, renowned for its spiritual and talented individuals. Yet, the sight of the outer city is unexpectedly worse than some affluent villages in Jiangnan," remarked one of the figures.
"It's truly beyond expectation!"
"So, even the capital city has such places!"
Observing the scene, the man expressed his amazement, clasping his hands in front of him as he curiously scrutinized the beggars and vagrants.