Five li south of Ancheng Garrison, the trees thinned and the mountain road widened. An inn-known in those days as a "guesthouse"-stood at the crossroads, the only one within ten li.
The innkeeper stood at the junction, wringing his hands, his face anxious as he repeatedly craned his neck to look into the distance.
Before long, three riders came sweeping through the dust. Their leader was a burly, heavily bearded man in a bright martial robe; the two behind him wore informal military clothes, with sabers at their waists.
The innkeeper hurried forward, ingratiating creases gathering at the corners of his eyes as he took the big man's reins:
"General, you're finally here! They've all arrived and have been waiting eagerly for you!"
"Donkey's balls! Just how big a deal is it? Tell me! Let's hear it! Insisting I come in person, damn it! What, is it worth a million?"
The general dismounted with an imposing swagger. Though the business he spoke of could not bear the light of day, his voice was loud, without the slightest attempt at discretion.
The innkeeper swore solemnly, "This really is a big deal! I don't know the exact amount. They won't discuss it with me, only with you, General."
"Donkey's balls, outsiders are such a bloody nuisance!"
Cursing, the general strode into the inn. Without waiting for the innkeeper to lead him, he went straight to a private room upstairs and pushed open the door. The innkeeper trotted behind him and closed it from outside.
The three men inside were all under thirty. One was seated, while two stood in attendance. Seeing the general enter, the seated man rose and cupped his hands, inviting him to sit. "Please, General!"
The general swept his gaze around, tilted his head, and jabbed a thick finger