Elder Master Xiao wore black robes and a jade belt around his waist, which made his figure appear straight and upright.
Though his face was still aged, his complexion had improved greatly, carrying several traces of his former imposing presence.
The guests present all grew solemn as well.
Even Chen Yunfan, who had always been unconcerned with trivialities, wore a calm expression as he watched Elder Master Xiao, wanting to know what he would say.
"Taking this cup of wine as an occasion, this old man wishes to speak of the events that have recently occurred in Shuzhou."
"First, Liu Hong..."
Any military campaign required a just cause.
These days, Elder Master Xiao had killed Liu Hong, and Xiao Jinghong had killed Zhu Hao. Though there had been reasons for both acts, not everyone knew the hidden details.
Thus, while everyone was gathered here, Elder Master Xiao explained the entire sequence of events.
From Liu Hong to Zhu Hao, from the Liu Family of Jingzhou to the Jizhou Trading Company, from the Barbarian Tribe to the Poshushuo Kingdom.
Bit by bit, he revealed nearly everything.
There were only three matters he concealed.
The first was the things "Dragon Tiger" Liu Wu—Chen Yu of Hundred Herbs Hall—had secretly done to help the Xiao Family.
The second was His Majesty's Oral Decree. He concealed his speculation that the Imperial Court would soon send troops on a Northern Expedition.
The last concerned the Barbarian Tribe heir apparent Asutai's visit to Shuzhou.
Although "Liu Wu" had been intended to lure Liu Hong into his scheme, once this matter spread, it would inevitably invite criticism.
After he finished speaking.
Elder Master Xiao paused for a breath, then solemnly raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.
"Whatever is right or wrong, this old