Jiao Wan'er nodded slightly and replied softly, "During this period, every major power has sent people to Yangzhou to win over Li Kexiu. Aside from those factions too weak to have any hope at all, there are still envoys from five states: Qing, Jin, the Mongol Empire, Liao, and Southern Song."
"Li Kexiu is still nominally an official of the Qing court. Since the Qing Imperial Court knows he has other intentions, it sent the senior court minister Suo'etu in person. I heard that after Li Kexiu spoke with him several times, he used the rampant water bandits and brigands as an excuse to hide among the Green Standard Army, leaving Suo'etu hanging at the regional intendant's yamen. At the same time, he had officials at every level in Jiangsu and Zhejiang constantly pay Suo'etu visits, making it impossible for Suo'etu to lose his temper even though he knew Li Kexu was up to something."
"The Jin envoy entered the city today. He seemed to be someone called Tang Kuobian. I heard he holds a very high office in Jin and is their foremost powerful minister. Yet he did not bring many guards with him. These Tartars are all brawn and no brains; they do not even understand that a gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall. Bringing so few guards, isn't he afraid someone here might seize the chance to assassinate him? Eh, Great Leader, why does your complexion look so terrible?"
Song Qingshu was full of frustration. I'm the one you just called all brawn and no brains. But he could not conveniently explain the reasons to Jiao Wan'er, so he merely gave her a few perfunctory replies.
Jiao Wan'er continued, "The Jin envoy has also been placed in the regional intendant's yamen. This time, the Qing