General Yuwen chatted with them for a few more moments. Everyone tried to draw out more useful information, but General Yuwen was highly guarded, so they had to give up.
A little later, General Yuwen summoned several guards from the manor. After giving a few instructions to the one in charge, he had them escort Jiang Cheng and the others into the city to look into the situation, while the rest were kept behind.
As he watched Jiang Cheng and the others gradually disappear into the distance, Shao Tong's gaze swept over the five figures one by one. It lingered briefly on Jiang Cheng, then finally settled on the person walking behind Wang Fugui.
"May I ask your name, young brother?" Zhang Qizheng cheerfully greeted the guard leading them, the one in charge among those General Yuwen had briefed.
The man wasn't particularly tall, but his eyes were bright and alert, and his brows carried the fierce aura unique to hardened soldiers of the battlefield. Still, he didn't dare slight the honored guests Houye had invited. He promptly replied, "You're too kind. I'm Zhao Yidao. I'm temporarily on guard duty at the manor—in other words, I'm just a squad leader."
Seeing the man's weather-beaten face and guessing he was fairly old, Zhang Qizheng made a point of fishing for information. With a smile, he said, "So you're Guard Zhao. I've often heard that Houye is skilled at managing his troops. Today, I've seen it for myself. General Yuwen and all you brothers are neat and disciplined, with an impressive bearing. The rumors were true."
Zhao, the squad leader, was a rough fellow. When had anyone ever flattered him like this? Especially a distinguished guest invited to the manor by Houye. He was so flattered that he hurriedly waved his hands.