Dongcheng.
It was not a person's name, but a city. Since the Dong Family, a local Aristocratic Clan, lived here, it had simply been renamed Dongcheng.
One could imagine that if the Dong Family were to fall someday and another clan rose to prominence, it might become Li City, Zhang City, or Royal City. Dongcheng, having just endured the flames of war, had not changed much. Perhaps that had something to do with the truly petty emperor-like Dong Family surrendering so swiftly and cleanly. They pledged allegiance to whoever was strong—such was the survival code of the Aristocratic Clans of the Central Plains.
In recent days, martial law had suddenly been imposed, and the Dong Family residence had been requisitioned by a great warlord.
The Dong Family only knew that the Great General of the Yan Army was surnamed Jiang. His true name was unknown. He was a legendary figure who had risen in recent years, with quite the bearing of an emperor. They did not resist the temporary requisition of their residence, treating it as an early investment to build connections.
Before the appointed date arrived, General Jiang moved into the Dong residence.
That night, the city's powerful nobles and Aristocratic Clans held a grand banquet to welcome General Jiang. Dancers swayed gracefully, musicians played decadent melodies, and cups passed from hand to hand amid a lively atmosphere.
The Jiang Family had a daughter newly come of age, a lovely girl of fifteen or sixteen. At the Dong Family's arrangements, she took the stage to dance especially for the Great General. Her movements were exquisite, her figure captivating. General Jiang stared until his eyes went blank, utterly falling before the carefully cultivated young lady of an Aristocratic Clan.
When the music ended and the guests dispersed, he returned to