"Regional Com-Changqing is here too?"
Elder Master Xiao sat upright in a grand armchair, his purple brocade robes setting off his broad, powerful frame, his expression stern.
"When did he fall back from Hanxu Pass?"
Lu Guan bowed. "I asked just now. Regional Commander Li said the internal turmoil in the Poshushuo Kingdom had settled down for the moment, so he brought a few personal guards back to the Prefectural City to rest for a few days."
Elder Master Xiao's expression softened somewhat. "Never mind. With Shi Junqing and Zhao Chengyan at Hanxu Pass, there is indeed no need for him, the Regional Commander, to stand guard there at every moment."
After a moment's thought, he looked at Lu Guan and instructed, "Have him wait in the side hall for now. Invite him over after I have seen Lord Yang."
Lu Guan acknowledged the order and left. He hurried to the front courtyard and bowed to Li Changqing, who wore a simple green robe. "Please forgive us, Regional Commander Li. The master is somewhat indisposed at present. Please wait in the side hall for now."
Li Changqing looked at him thoughtfully. "Does Teacher have a more important guest?"
Lu Guan's smile remained unchanged as he replied respectfully, "The master did not say."
Li Changqing naturally knew that the Marquis's mansion had strict rules. Whom the Old Master chose to see or not see was hardly something he could influence.
If an important guest had come, it would make sense for the Old Master not to see him, but if there was no such guest-
He was about to follow Lu Guan to the middle courtyard when he heard a servant of the Marquis's mansion announce behind him, "Lord Chen, Deputy Commissioner of the Shuzhou Commander's Office, has arrived."
At the