The senior gate guard had been watching the exchange. He stepped forward with two subordinates, took the tally board from Qiao Zhi, and examined it with a frown. "These fees were not approved by the gate office," he said. "You three will come with us and explain who ordered you to collect them."
The leader tried to protest, but the guard's expression gave him no room. His companions lowered their eyes. One of them looked at Qiao Zhi with genuine resentment, while the other seemed mostly relieved that the fight had ended without serious injury. The guards escorted the three men toward a side office. The merchants stood beside their cart, uncertain whether to thank Qiao Zhi or hurry through the gate before someone else appeared.
The older merchant finally bowed. "You have our gratitude, young lady. We have paid those men twice before because we could not afford to lose a day arguing."
