The Grand Governor's Residence, in the capital of Ye.
For years, Ye had been racked by unending internal strife. Fortunately, Lin Shoucheng had risen from Tiezhou, capturing city after city and crushing rebel forces across the land.
By now, he had occupied the capital and proclaimed himself "Grand Governor of All Troops and Horses Under Heaven"!
The courtyards ran deep, and armored warriors patrolled everywhere.
Jiang Wang, still dressed in a blue robe like a scholar, strode into the pavilion.
The singing and dancing filling the pavilion fell silent at once.
"So it's Wenhe! Haha, today you must have an extra cup!"
Lin Shoucheng sat at the head of the table, raising his cup with a laugh.
"Ahem... I have an urgent matter to report, my lord!"
Jiang Wang coughed and raised his voice.
"Since the Military Advisor has business to discuss with my lord, we shall take our leave!"
The generals present were all old hands who had followed Lin Shoucheng in conquering the realm. They naturally knew that their lord and the Military Advisor had been friends since boyhood, and that their relationship was no ordinary one. The two had always trusted one another as lord and subject, never giving way to suspicion. At once, they withdrew.
Soon, the musicians and dancers followed them out, leaving the pavilion completely empty.
"What is it, Wenhe? You can tell me now, can't you?"
Lin Shoucheng held his wine cup and spoke without haste.
By now, his martial arts had reached perfection, and power was in his hands. An air of ruthless decisiveness had naturally settled over him, the majesty of a man who held the lives of thousands in his grasp.
"It's... Yang Xiu is dead!"
Jiang Wang narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice.
"What?"
Lin Shoucheng