It Takes a Villain to Grind Down a Villain

"Have the intelligence channels in the Central Plains and Jiangdong been fully restored? When did you learn about this?" Lan Tian asked with a frown.

Song Chen replied, "I came to report to you as soon as I received the news. Although the Battle of Xiangfan ended later, there are many more roads leading north, so the trade routes were restored several months ago. Jiangdong was completely cut off from us starting last year, and only now has navigation on the Yangtze River resumed. News from there is a little slower."

Lan Tian nodded. "We need to find out how Jiangdong has deployed its forces, and get in touch with Hu Ke's side as soon as possible. It's strange to have gone so long without news from Jiangdong."

"Whether along the Yangtze River or south of Luling, Jiangdong suffered a crushing defeat last year. Lu Xun and Ding Feng have both waterways under tight guard. I think we should wait until relations between the two sides ease before sending anyone. If anything especially important comes up on Jiangdong's end, General Hu will send someone to contact us himself." Song Chen offered his thoughts.

Lan Tian nodded. "Jiao Province's internal affairs and military matters are at a critical stage. We need to pay close attention to gathering intelligence from both inside and outside the province. Your merchant association must keep its eyes and ears open. We absolutely cannot afford any mistakes. Report any urgent developments at once."

"Yes, sir." Song Chen nodded.

Not long after Song Chen left, Lan Tian performed a set of the Five Animal Frolics. He was sitting in his room with his eyes closed, resting, when Gao Yuan brought Xiahou Qi in.

Xiahou Qi was currently Prefect of Cangwu and also served as head of the Ministry