Zhang Zhao had not slept all night. After breakfast, he left his residence and boarded the carriage Hu Ke had prepared.
Pulling back the carriage curtain, he saw that Jianye's streets remained as peaceful as ever, save for several extra patrols of soldiers. It seemed no different from any other day.
At that moment, the great hall of the King of Wu was filled with Jiangdong's senior officials. Early that morning, armored warriors had summoned them in Zhang Zhao's name to discuss matters, forcing everyone to arrive here and wait at first light—including the aged, ailing, and sidelined Prime Minister Sun Shao.
Since Zhang Zhao was the one Sun Quan had designated before his departure, no one knew what medicine he was selling from his gourd. They could only gather together and whisper among themselves.
The night before, Hu Ke had struck like thunder and completely taken control of Jianye. He now stood outside the hall in full armor. When Zhang Zhao saw him, he gave a slight nod in response. With this man holding the field, today's affair should succeed.
The moment Zhang Zhao crossed the threshold, Yan Jun spotted him and hurried over to ask, "Master Zibu, you've finally arrived. What is so urgent? And why have the palace guards been replaced by the Jiefan Guard?"
"You'll know soon enough." With a grave expression, Zhang Zhao walked inward.
By then, more people had noticed him. Gu Yong cupped his hands in greeting. "Zibu, you've come?"
"It is good that you are all here." Zhang Zhao hurriedly returned the salute with a nod.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Prime Minister Sun Shao took the lead in asking, "Cough, cough... Zibu sent armored soldiers to summon us here. What pressing matter do you have to discuss?"
There was displeasure