Li Xuanyong crushed a Jade Talisman. It turned into a streak of light and shot through the air.
Once that was done, Li Xuanyong turned to Cao Wenzhao, his expression much gentler. "Wenzhao, sit down and rest for a while. The clan head is presiding over a grand assembly at the provincial seat. He will return as soon as he can once he receives the message. Now that you are here with the Li Family, there is no need to worry. Have some tea and steady yourself."
"Yes, Third Elder."
Yang Province, the Governor's Mansion.
Inside the magnificent, solemn council hall.
Over a thousand civil and military officials of Yang Province stood in rows on either side.
At the very front of the hall, atop the jade steps.
A man sat upright and composed.
He wore a crown with nine strands of beads, white jade hanging before his face, and black ceremonial robes embroidered with the sun, moon, mountains, rivers, stars, and clouds. A jade belt encircled his waist, bearing the seal and ribbon of the Marquis of Chu.
This was none other than Great Zhou's Marquis of Chu, governor of two provinces and head of the Yang Province Li Clan—Li Xinge.
He said nothing, yet the oppressive aura of authority radiating from him seemed almost tangible, forcing everyone in the hall to breathe with utmost care.
At that moment, Yang Province Chief Clerk Fu Yu was reporting to Li Xinge on the province's recent affairs.
Though his head was lowered, he could clearly feel that majestic gaze resting calmly upon him.
"...That concludes the particulars of Yang Province's farmland, taxation, population, trade routes, and other affairs over the past year."
Fu Yu bowed and presented a jade slip. "Please review it, my lord."
Elder Jiang, who stood attending