The hawk settled on the man's shoulder, then tilted its neck back and swallowed the field mouse into its stomach.
The man extended his calloused hand and gently stroked the hawk's head.
The hawk closed its eyes contentedly, rubbing against the man's rough palm.
The man affectionately said, "Little Grey, there's work to do! It's going to be tough on you again."
The hawk seemed to understand and let out a soft cry.
The man securely fastened a bamboo tube containing a secret message to the hawk's leg, then patted its back to signal it to take off.
The hawk rubbed its head against the man's face, suddenly spread its wings, flapped twice, and with a kick of its legs, shot into the sky.
In midair, the hawk began circling, ascending in circles, and when it became a barely discernible speck in the man's eyes, it abruptly accelerated, flying in a certain direction…
On this day at dusk, a rather luxurious carriage swayed toward the East City Gate of Xianggu County.
