In the Pipa Hall, Lin Chaoqing held a red-hot branding iron in his hand, hesitating to put it down.
Only when it cooled and turned an iron-gray did this Commander of the Jiefan Guard smile slightly, turning back to look at Chen Ji: "Every time I see Dr. Chen, it seems to be a spectacle of finding life in a desperate situation. Here in the Pipa Hall of the Imperial Prison, it's the first time I've seen someone come and go as they please, impressive."
Chen Ji remained tied to the wooden frame, his expression unchanged: "Perhaps I was never at a dead end?"
Lin Chaoqing laughed heartily: "Quite reasonable."
He casually tossed the branding iron back into the furnace, personally untied the ropes for Chen Ji, and gestured with his arm toward the outside: "Please, it's late, and His Majesty is still waiting."
Chen Ji rubbed his wrist and looked down at his bare feet.
He lifted his foot and looked at the Jiefan Guard beside him: "Could you help me put them on?"
