On May 14, Yu Dacheng hosted a banquet for Wulong County's prominent families. "Alas! What are we to do?" Song Ziqian stared at the invitation in his hand, his face full of uncertainty. Yu Dacheng had no roots within the county and no reinforcements beyond it. Nobody thought much of his prospects, but he still commanded five hundred county soldiers! The prominent families were still at his mercy, their lives and deaths in his hands.
If they went, they would surely have to bleed—hand over money and grain, all of it thrown into a bottomless pit! And how much would he demand this time? Hopefully, he wouldn't cripple the Song family.
"Father, there's no need to worry. I'll go with you," Song Yu said as he entered, idly stroking a folding fan, his expression relaxed and his manner composed.
"Nonsense!" Song Ziqian scolded him. If he went alone and something happened, Yu'er would still be there to inherit the Song family. But if they went together, what if they were both taken hostage and used as leverage?
Yu'er had always been levelheaded. Why was he acting like this?
Only then did Song Ziqian notice the two men behind Song Yu. Both were broad-backed and burly, their faces fierce and courageous. He couldn't help asking, "And who are these men?"
"They're warriors. I recruited them to keep our family safe."
"Good! Good! I've been worried that we don't have enough men guarding the household. But as for attending the banquet, your father is old. Even if I lose my life, you'll still be here to manage the family affairs. That's nothing to worry about. But you absolutely mustn't take any risks!" "Don't worry, Father. Yu Dacheng is all bark and no bite. The banquet seems dangerous but is actually safe. My