Linjiang Prefectural City.
A biting wind swept up withered yellow leaves, carrying them toward the Wei Family's mansion in the eastern part of the city.
The Wei Family patriarch was already seventy-five, yet his hair remained glossy black without a single strand of gray. His face bore few wrinkles and glowed with a healthy flush.
Ordinary-looking and of medium build, he exuded languor as he lay on a rocking chair in the courtyard, enjoying the breeze and watching the dead leaves flutter down from the sky through narrowed eyes.
With his leisurely, carefree air, no one could have connected him to the man at the helm of the Wei Family, the foremost great clan in Linjiang Prefecture.
An old steward with an honest face and a respectful bearing stood behind him and said with concern, "Master, the weather is cold and the wind is biting. You would be warmer indoors."
"A little cold wind is good. It clears the mind and keeps one from doing foolish things." The Wei patriarch waved a hand and asked mildly, "I hear the Guo Family and the Hua Family have both moved into Brightlight Courtyard?"
Bowing, the old steward reported gently, "Indeed. They have also gathered their troops there, with roughly two thousand men guarding the courtyard. Besides that, they have privately contacted the city's great clans and wealthy households to borrow weapons and armor..."
"How much did our Wei Family lend them?" The Wei patriarch chuckled.
He did not ask whether the Guo Family and the Hua Family had come begging favors from the Wei Family. There was no need. If those two families wanted to borrow arms and armor, they might pass over anyone else, but never the Wei Family.
"One hundred suits of leather armor and fifty suits of lamellar armor.