Almost at the same time Meng Zhao and Shi Jie were talking, Meng Jizu and Meng Hongdao were also holding a secret discussion in the study of the Meng Mansion.
Meng Jizu held a letter in his hand. His tough, resolute face was filled with gravity as he said worriedly, "That old ghost from the Sun Family wants to add another witness to the Martial Arts Arena—the Shen Tianci who caused quite a stir on West Market Street today. Third Brother, what do you think that old ghost from the Sun Family is plotting?"
The matter of the two families' Martial Arts Arena had been settled before Meng Jizu and Meng Hongdao went out, and quite a few witnesses had originally been selected.
Most were prominent local figures.
Yet the truly weighty ones, the only people either family truly regarded highly, were Nan'an Commandery's Prefect Cui Tan; Hu Baiwan, president of the local Thirteen Families' chamber of commerce and a great merchant; and Xi Siyuan, the former Censor-in-Chief, who had retired to his hometown but was still regarded by Emperor Beitang Sheng as a minister of utmost importance.
Prefect Cui Tan represented the Imperial Court and naturally could not be slighted. Hu Baiwan might appear to be a merchant reeking of copper, beneath the notice of the powerful and noble, but wealth at his level was equally terrifying. Moreover, he was adept at maneuvering through every social circle, with friends throughout the land. His influence was immense and could not be ignored.
Last was Xi Siyuan, who had retired to his hometown.
He had risen through the recommendation for filial piety and integrity, born of a distinguished commandery family. He had served at court for many years and enjoyed an excellent official reputation.
He had started as a local county