Yu Ze sincerely shares my worries

Sun Quan's face turned livid. He stood up and said calmly, "Arguments or rumors, say whatever you like, but we must reach a conclusion today. Otherwise, no one is going home."

"Understood." The intense atmosphere was suppressed, and the assembled officials bowed and responded in unison.

Seeing Sun Quan leave his seat, Sun Shao hurriedly asked, "My Lord, where are you going?"

Sun Quan said softly, "The hall is stifling. I am going out to cool off. I hope that when I return, you will have a sound strategy. Changxu, I leave the proceedings to you."

"Uh... understood." Sun Shao bowed in salute.

After speaking, Sun Quan left through the back of the hall, returned to the palace to change into casual clothes, and headed to the streets of Jianye. Several Tiger Warriors accompanied him through the alleys, finally stopping in front of a grand merchant firm.

"Welcome, guests." The attendant at the door saw their distinguished appearance and stepped aside before he could even finish his greeting.

Yu Xiu was at the counter clicking an abacus. When he looked up and saw Sun Quan in person, he quickly patted his robes and went to greet him.

"Manager, they..." The attendant stammered, intimidated by the aura of the Tiger Warriors, unable to finish his sentence.

"Go wait at the door. I will attend to these distinguished guests myself," Yu Xiu instructed the attendant, then bowed to Sun Quan with a smile. "Please come inside, honored guest. I have some private stock to show you."

Sun Quan nodded slightly and followed Yu Xiu to the back of the hall. They passed through two corridors to reach a familiar secret room, where the guarding Tiger Warriors stood watch as usual.

Closing the door, Yu Xiu called out "My Lord" and knelt to