The soldiers on the city wall, seeing the strange movements of the group, became vigilant.
A soldier shouted from atop the wall, "The city gates are closed. Come back tomorrow."
A soldier hurried to report to the duty city defense officer.
This hefty man was fair-skinned with a round, rotund belly, and a face equally round and plump with flesh, squinting eyes paired with a smile, resembling a Laughing Buddha.
With a smile on his face, he spoke politely, "Honorable officials, we have urgent matters to attend to, please kindly open the gate."
As he spoke, he pulled out a token from his chest and held it high for all to see.
In the darkness of night, the details of the token were not clear, but the shouting soldier knew that anyone with a token coming in and out of the Capital at this hour was no ordinary person. He dared not waste more words, and promptly lowered the basket, telling the plump man to dismount to place the token inside for verification before being allowed entry.