"Second Master..."
Fang Ke stepped into the Welcome Inn.
Inside, Yang Ge was standing behind Zhao Miao, watching her play mahjong. When he saw Fang Ke, he waved from across the room. "You're back."
Fang Ke smiled and nodded. "Just got in."
Yang Ge said, "Sit down and rest a bit. I'll brew you some tea."
Chuckling, Fang Ke plopped down on the bench by the door, though he still said, "Oh, you really shouldn't..."
Yang Ge snorted and went into the courtyard. Before long, he returned with a bowl of tea.
"Thanks, Second Master!"
Fang Ke accepted the bowl with both hands.
Yang Ge asked, "How'd it go? Your Lord Shen didn't make excuses and drag his feet, did he?"
Fang Ke hurriedly replied, "Of course not! When has Lord Shen ever neglected something you asked him to do? The very day Mr. Chen arrived in the Capital City, Lord Shen took him into the palace to meet the emperor. That same day, the Sovereign made an exception and promoted Mr. Chen to Assistant Prefect of Luoyang, bestowed on him the title Earl of Agricultural Prosperity, and put him in charge of propagating sweet potatoes."
"Earl of Agricultural Prosperity?"
Yang Ge nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. That iron rooster finally did something decent for once."
Fang Ke took a tactical sip of tea, not daring to respond.
Yang Ge glanced at him. "It's getting late. If there's nothing to do at the office, don't bother going back. I'll make something good tonight, give us a little feast."
Fang Ke grinned. "Now that sounds wonderful..."
No sooner had he spoken than a trace of worry crossed his face.
Yang Ge asked, "What's wrong?"
Fang Ke thought for a moment, glanced around, then lowered his voice. "Sir, something big may have