Gu Shenwei's sudden course of action would never have won Fang Wenshi, Zhong Heng, and the others' agreement, but none of them were by the Dragon King's side. The loyal guards bowed to the Dragon King in greeting, never daring to ask where he was going.
Chu Nanping, Tie Linglong, and the others stood ready at all times. After a brief moment of thought, Gu Shenwei decided to act alone that night. He had not even worked out the entire plan himself; he merely felt that time was pressing and he had no choice but to act.
As he repeatedly replayed the day's meeting in his mind, Gu Shenwei finally realized what he had overlooked. He had focused too much attention on the Unrivaled King, Wei Song, and Luo Qikang, treating Sun Chengqi, who had done most of the talking, as an insignificant bystander. As a result, he had missed the most important person behind the vice envoy.
The eunuch Zhang You had stood humbly behind Sun Chengqi, pouring his tea and water. Every movement had been so slight as not to attract notice—he truly was a servant from the imperial palace. Gu Shenwei searched his memory carefully before recalling that Zhang You also served Wei Song, even though that was not his duty at all.
Wei Song and Sun Chengqi had sat to Abbot Fa Feng's right, separated only by a small table. Zhang You had naturally served both men at once. Gu Shenwei had seen it then, but had paid it no attention.
Looking back, however, it had been an unusual act. Zhang You had been bestowed by the Emperor upon Ma Lian, the envoy, and had nothing to do with the Western Regions Protectorate Official. Wei Song had brought his own attendant, who had stood shoulder to