Travel Permit

Yuan Youshang returned home and waited a full six hours before heading to Qiao Yi's residence.

He did this to avoid the courier delivering a letter to Qiao Yi.

That courier carried news of the Great Totem. The Ghost Servants had seen only scattered fragments, but if the Great Totem truly had been restored to seventy percent, the matter carried immeasurable significance for all of Shang Country. The situation across the Eleven States and the Three Thousand Kingdoms might be about to change.

The lid of the letter tube had been opened. Qiao Yi would very likely investigate the matter thoroughly. But the courier did not know Yuan Youshang; as long as they did not meet, the matter would not be traced back to him.

Six hours later, Yuan Youshang arrived at Qiao Yi's residence. Nian Shangyou was there as well.

Yuan Youshang kept his eyes lowered, doing his best to avoid interacting with Nian Shangyou.

The atmosphere was somewhat awkward. Smiling, Qiao Yi said, "Shangyou, Youshuang, let all past grievances become bygones.

"Drink these two cups of wine and set aside this private resentment for now. With danger pressing upon us, you two are pillars of the realm.

"You must join hands and give your all, turn back the raging tide when it has already begun to collapse, and prop up the great mansion when it is on the verge of falling."

Qiao Yi poured each of them a cup of wine. Nian Shangyou drank, while Yuan Youshang held his cup and lowered his head without speaking.

"Youshuang," Qiao Yi stepped forward to persuade him, "Shangyou has already explained the circumstances of the past to me. In the battle at Knife Ghost Ridge, you were not at fault. He Jiaqing and Cui Tike joined forces, and you were outnumbered.