Only after a long while, when lanterns had already been hung in the courtyard outside, did Ma Youliang return. He saw an official in the hall but said nothing.
"That is the general substance of the memorial from the southwest."
The speaker was someone he knew: Zhang Min, a fifth-rank official around thirty, with a refined bearing that marked him at a glance as a born scholar. Though the autumn weather was still hot, his official robes, lined in snowy white, were impeccably arranged. He handed the document to Prince Shu and said, "The southwest is said to have been pacified, but its underlying roots remain unchanged."
"The native chieftains still hold great power. The local authorities can only keep them in check, hoping to deal with them gradually."
"That alone would be one thing, but the new ruler of the Kingdom of Ying seems no mild character either. As soon as he ascended the throne, he attacked two neighboring kingdoms without awaiting an imperial decree and took them in a single stroke. He annexed their territories and divided them into commanderies and counties, considerably increasing his strength. Perhaps His Majesty should be reminded."
"Oh?" Prince Shu startled, but a sudden thought crossed his mind, and he calmed down again. He said to Zhang Min, "You were right to bring this to my attention. For now, go home and get plenty of rest."
"Then I shall take my leave." Zhang Min rose. "But the Mid-Autumn lantern viewing is drawing near. There was an incident last year, and those involved nearly lost their official hats-I still need to go and inspect things."
With that, he bowed and left. Once he was far away, Ma Youliang bowed and said clearly, "Your Highness, I went. The chief minister gave me a reply."
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