Kong Changyu's face paled slightly. He looked away from the pool of blood, forced himself to remain calm, and continued, "There's no news from the mountains yet. The cavalry has set out to search along the Ju River. They should reach the mouth of the river at Anlu tomorrow evening. Official letters have been sent to both Linju and Dangyang counties. With luck, they might intercept-"
"Intercept?"
The Prince of Badong snorted, and Kong Changyu immediately fell silent.
"Intercept my ass! It's all fucking useless!"
The Prince of Badong threw aside his bloodstained handkerchief and called, "A change of clothes!"
Eight people soon entered the room. Four maids carried fresh clothes, a basin, towels, incense, and other items, while two of the four male servants carried away the corpse and the other two cleaned up. Their movements were brisk and practiced, and they soon had everything in order.
The Prince of Badong stripped off his clothes, washed his face, and changed into a white gauze robe. "Have you found out which band of barbarians they were?"
Kong Changyu immediately answered, "They said they were going to Wuyang Gorge, so they should be Wenyang Man. A fast rider has already been sent to Wenyang Commandery, instructing them to report back as soon as they confirm it. Your Highness, I'm afraid this incident can't be covered up. Whatever anyone else does, the Administrative Clerk is certain to report it. Rather than waiting for them to speak, you should submit a memorial yourself and seize the initiative..."
"Those barbarian dogs! Barbarian dogs! One day I'll slaughter every last one of them!"
The Prince of Badong seized a maid and pulled her behind the screen.
The other three maids did not dare breathe loudly. Keeping their eyes straight ahead, they withdrew from the room.