Lian Feihong came calling.
Less than ten days after the matter ended, this former "ally" paid a courteous visit. He had not even brought many personal guards.
His actions brimmed with goodwill. The moment he opened his mouth, he declared that his visit had nothing to do with the Eight Lords and that he had come solely to pay a social call.
One did not strike a smiling face, and besides, when they had broken with the Eight Lords, Lian Feihong had not kicked them while they were down. Both sides had maintained a tacit understanding.
"This jade platter bears a coiled dragon and a crouching turtle, steeped in ancient charm. It suits your young master's illustrious name perfectly."
"I came across it yesterday and immediately thought to bring it over. Brother Da Qian, please do not disdain it. Accept it!"
Lian Feihong held a jade platter in his hands, as large as a washbasin. Its jade was peerless, without the slightest cottony flaw or hairline crack. It was the sort of supreme jade that could not be found even by hollowing out ten jade mountains and leveling a hundred mines.
In a small or middling lineage, this jade platter would have been worthy of becoming a family heirloom.
"Pan, thank Uncle!"
Zhou Pan struggled to hold the jade platter, clamping it between his knees and wrapping both arms around it as he huffed and puffed, wiggling his bottom as he left.
Once Zhou Pan had gone, the pleasantries came to an end, and they formally entered the matter at hand.
"Brother Da Qian, I came to tell you something."
"Consort Mei in the palace has spoken. She told the Eight Lords to be more broad-minded and even bestowed eight words upon them... When gentlemen sever ties, they speak no