Inner Imperial City, Regent King's Residence
Yang Qing had thought Duan Hongzhuo would leave him neglected in Listening Waves Courtyard for a few days before deciding what to do with him. Yet barely an hour later, he was brought before Duan Hongzhuo.
After being led into the study, Yang Qing was told to wait before Duan Hongzhuo.
He could not quite fathom why Duan Hongzhuo had summoned him to the study just then, so he could only tread carefully.
An ungainly appearance would naturally make others lower their guard somewhat.
"Shopkeeper Jia, I merely found this snowy day rather dreary, so I had you brought here," Duan Hongzhuo told Yang Qing.
"To sit face-to-face with Your Highness fills this humble commoner with trepidation." Yang Qing bowed deeply, his clasped hands reaching toward the floor.
"You need not be so nervous. I only wish to chat."
Duan Hongzhuo might dare call it a "chat," but Yang Qing did not dare believe him.
Why would the mighty Regent King of Northern Liang have the leisure to chat with anyone?
"May I ask what Your Highness wishes to know from this humble commoner? If I know anything, I shall hold nothing back and tell you all."
He sought nothing else—only to return home as soon as possible.
"I hear you hail from Zi City, Shopkeeper Jia?" That city lay quite close to Yan Pass on the border between Northern Liang and Western Chu. A great flood years ago had left its people with grievous casualties.
"This humble commoner does indeed hail from Zi City. I would not dare utter a single falsehood." Yang Qing lowered his head a little farther.
"I have also heard that you maintain close ties with people from the south, Shopkeeper Jia?" Duan Hongzhuo spoke again.
"Your Highness, I