Time passed quickly. Naya'a hurried toward Bayin Restaurant. Delayed by the investigation, he glanced at the darkened sky and saw that he was already late for the appointed time.
I'll drink a few extra cups later to apologize to the Water Moon Great Sect Master...
This was Naya'a's shrewdness. As one of the Mongol Empire's original Four Commanders of Ten Thousand Households, his status was far above the other man's. Yet he had taken the initiative to befriend him this time, making his sincerity all the more apparent.
Besides, the Water Moon Great Sect Master's situation had not been good lately. Humiliated in Western Xia and defeated by Tie Yan, his future had practically been ruined. Offering help in the snow was far more valuable than adding flowers to brocade.
After all, the Water Moon Great Sect Master was one of the few supreme experts whose martial arts ranked only below Lichimei and Phags-pa. He would surely still be useful in the future. A small investment now could secure a powerful ally, so why not?
Naya'a had not originally been such a calculating person. But years ago, being forced to personally send the woman he loved to another man's bed had dealt him a tremendous blow. Though he had never shown it, he had kept the matter buried in his heart and never forgotten it. Now that the Great Khan was advanced in years, he also had to plan for his own future and draw in every resource he could.
Song Qingshu hid near Bayin Restaurant, observing in secret. He had not seen Naya'a for quite some time and had begun to worry that he would not come. Only when he spotted him did he finally relax.
Naya'a had brought only two attendants. Since this was a private banquet, and