This city could not be called magnificent, but during the Warring States Era it had been the frontier of a state, so its foundations remained. With the surrounding strategic terrain to draw upon, it still possessed more scale than some cities in the Central Lands' interior.
Now, threads of smoke were gathering above the city. In Qiu Yan's eyes, they transformed into line after line of words, constantly flowing and shifting.
To ordinary people, however, neither the smoke nor the words could be perceived.
What was more, after rising, the smoke did not drift high into the air. Instead, it curved eastward, as though converging toward some place.
Following its course, one could see clouds and mist churning on the eastern horizon. They were not formed from water vapor, but from the profound and unfathomable Fortune of the people's hearts.
"Marquis, let us enter the city quickly. All these officials are waiting."
A figure beside him interrupted Qiu Yan's thoughts. He looked over and saw a square, upright face, its beard neatly trimmed, giving off an air of grandeur.
This man was Yu Siyan, the Prefect of Ze Prefecture. He had received word of Qiu Yan early on and mobilized the resources of the prefecture and its five counties in preparation. The moment Qiu Yan's party entered Ze Prefecture, the Prefect had hurried over to welcome them.
Yu Siyan had not merely come to greet them. He had laid out a grand banquet within the city and mobilized people to offer congratulations along the road. It could truly be called a massive undertaking.
"Since Prefect Yu has arranged it all, I would be disrespectful to refuse and merely add to the waste. Still, it would have been one thing had I not known of this beforehand. Now that I am