"Such powerful thoughts swirled around Yu Ji!"
At the roadside, Chen Cuo had left his carriage early and was walking. He studied the procession, a glimmer shining in his eyes.
"Yu Ji's bearing resembles Shen Zunli's. Both must wield the power of the Confucian Path, but judging by his manner, he hasn't noticed his own thoughts, much less restrained them."
Once the carriages passed, Chen Cuo withdrew his gaze. The Mind Daoist within him still shimmered as a vague realization took shape.
"To seal this chain of cause and effect completely, there's one final step: Hou Andu must make his move against me. Once he does, the cause will be set... Hm?"
As Chen Cuo thought this, the Mind Daoist's light suddenly flickered. His heart jolted, and a sensation drew his gaze to the street corner. A beggar stood there, smiling at him.
"It's that Old Beggar!"
He cast all stray thoughts aside and sprinted toward him!
"Your concerns are well founded, young friend. Affairs of state are tangled now, and this is precisely when men like us must rise. At the Green Willow Tower, speak your mind freely. Perhaps you'll enlighten a few people—or shake them awake!"
Inside an Ox Cart, Yu Ji sat opposite Jiang Yi as they talked.
Yu Ji and Jiang Yi's father, Jiang Zong, served as ministers in the same court. Their relationship was unremarkable, but Jiang Yi often sought Yu Ji out for advice on his writing.
Yu Ji was one of the organizers of this Green Willow Gathering. After hearing about it, Jiang Yi had come to him of his own accord.
Jiang Yi was renowned for his literary talent and was a prominent figure in Jiankang City. Yu Ji could not have been happier that he wished to attend.
As they spoke,