The Yangtze River Ghosts Had Swum Quite Far

Lan Tian sat at the table, absorbed in his work as he carefully sketched out plans for the Tiger Guards Martial Hall. He sensed someone nearby but didn't look back, instead asking casually without changing position, "Who's there?"

"Father, dinner's ready. Mother asked me to come get you," Lan Yuan said softly behind him.

"Got it. I'll tidy up. You go ahead."

"Yes."

Lan Tian set a paperweight on the sketch, then blew out the candle to keep it from tipping over and setting the paper alight. When he turned around, he saw Lan Yuan standing motionless by the door. Curious, he walked over. "Didn't I tell you to go ahead? Is there something else?"

"Chairman Song just sent someone over. He said there's been a lot of intelligence gathered over the past two months, and some of it needs your decision. When will you have time?" Lan Yuan explained.

Lan Tian stroked his beard and frowned. Jiao Province was stable now, so this was probably about events elsewhere. He smiled and replied, "Clear my schedule tomorrow morning. I'll set aside the time for the Jiao Province Chamber of Commerce."

"Yes."

With a definite answer, Lan Yuan turned and headed out, moving briskly. Lan Tian hurriedly called after him, "Where are you going? We'll talk after we've had our family dinner."

"People from the chamber are waiting in the front courtyard. I'll let them know, then come straight back," Lan Yuan answered with a cupped-fist salute.

Lan Tian nodded. He still had to finish the plans that evening, and he could meet with Song Chen through the night if necessary, but that would mean neglecting sleep and meals. As the saying went, sharpening the axe wouldn't delay the work of chopping wood. There was no need to rush. With the