"Master, you've returned."
Prefect Xu stepped down from the ox cart, his face somewhat pale and his bearing weary. He merely nodded to the steward who came to greet him before heading inside.
The steward followed behind, glanced at the servants trailing after them, and instructed in a low voice, "Master is discussing matters. Do not let anyone barge in without permission."
"Yes, understood."
The household servants immediately answered and guarded the path leading to the courtyard, forbidding anyone—including the womenfolk of the rear quarters—from entering that yard.
Others even went outside to keep watch around the residence. Should anyone unusual approach the estate, they were to report it at once.
Prefect Xu walked straight into a courtyard. It was not the main courtyard, but a small one neither too near nor too far from it. Ornamental bamboo grew beneath the walls, and orchids lined both sides of the pathway, giving the place an air of quiet elegance.
The moment he entered, someone came forward to receive him. The servant shut the door, while Prefect Xu pushed open the door to the main room.
The main room was exceptionally dim. Several people were already seated inside. Though no one spoke, smoke and mist curled through the air. Some were smoking dry tobacco, while others drank tea and conversed. At the seat of honor sat an old man with white beard and hair, clearly advanced in years.
"Elder!" Upon entering, Prefect Xu unexpectedly greeted the old man first before taking a seat to one side of the place of honor. A servant immediately served him ginseng tea, then withdrew.
"Zhang Dai has used the Imperial Envoy's Seal to mobilize seven thousand soldiers and seal the grain depots."
Prefect Xu did not drink his tea at first. He recounted what had happened,