In a courtyard in Linchuan City.
Ever since Chen Ye had gained leverage over Feng Zhao, Feng Zhao had followed his instructions.
He had quietly found a pretext and, through someone's recommendation, smoothly worked his way into Xie Xuan'an's service.
Under Xie Xuan'an, he had remained diligent and eager to advance. As a son of the Feng Family, albeit born of a concubine, he also possessed some martial skill. No one suspected him; instead, he often received praise.
That day, the weather was clear and pleasant.
As usual, Feng Zhao waited outside Xie Xuan'an's residence early in the morning, ready to be summoned.
He was now assigned to the outer courtyard, handling errands and delivering messages. This gave him frequent opportunities to encounter Xie Xuan'an and gather information.
The moment Feng Zhao entered the courtyard, he sensed that today's atmosphere was different.
Several attendants hurried through the courtyard. They had no time even to greet Feng Zhao before rushing off to their tasks.
Puzzled, he walked beneath the covered walkway and happened to encounter a retainer he knew coming out of the hall. He quickly stopped him and asked quietly, "Brother Li, why is it so lively today? Has something good happened?"
The retainer glanced at him. "You haven't heard?"
Feng Zhao's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. "I'm still new here and don't understand many things. Please enlighten me, Brother Li."
The retainer glanced around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, he stepped closer and whispered, "His lordship received intelligence from elsewhere. The Heavy Martial Pavilion has fallen out with the Northern Liang Kingdom. The two sides are fighting each other!"
Feng Zhao's heart gave a sudden thump. "What? How did that happen? Wasn't everything going well before? How did things change so quickly?"
The retainer made