Liang Dazhuang strode into the council hall and said respectfully, "Young Master, Zan Buliu, a merchant from Great Yong, has come to request an audience."
A smile appeared on Hu Xiaotian's face when he heard that Zan Buliu had arrived. Zan Buliu was a classic opportunistic merchant. He had previously gone to the Kang Capital to lobby Hu Xiaotian, hoping to make a fortune off the nation's misfortune while Great Kang suffered shortages of food and clothing. Unfortunately, his proposals could not resolve Great Kang's fundamental problems, and its emperor, Long Xuan'en, had other plans. After their last meeting in the Kang Capital, trouble had come upon Hu Xiaotian one wave after another. He had not even had time to consider Zan Buliu's proposal, nor had his circumstances allowed him to do so. Now Zan Buliu had come to him again. Merchants pursued profit above all else, and Zan Buliu was no exception. He must have come with something in mind.
Hu Xiaotian nodded. "Please show Mr. Zan in."
Liang Yinghao, Xiong Tianba, and the others took their leave. Before long, Liang Dazhuang led Zan Buliu into the council hall.
Zan Buliu smiled and cupped his hands. "Lord Hu, have you been well since we last met?"
Hu Xiaotian rose with a smile to greet him. "Mr. Zan, what wind has blown you here?"
"The northwest wind," Zan Buliu said cheerfully. "And not just any northwest wind-a white-furred blizzard. It's freezing outside."
Hu Xiaotian promptly invited him to sit beside the brazier. "Come warm yourself, Mr. Zan. Dazhuang, go arrange some food and wine. Today, Mr. Zan and I will drink and talk to our hearts' content. Neither of us leaves sober."
Zan Buliu chuckled. "No hurry, no hurry. I'll just have a few words with you, Lord Hu, and