The Ten Thousand Mountains Freight Depot was taking shape, and shipments would begin after the New Year.
Taking advantage of the lull before the New Year, Wang Yang invited everyone involved along the freight route to the Tea Appreciation House to make their acquaintance.
Civil and military officials filled the room. Among them were Zhou Meng, Jingzhou's Defense Staff Officer and head of the provincial Guard and Defense Office; He Nanqing, commander of the Ancheng Garrison; Yang Fu, Military Commissioner of Yidu Commandery; and Li Tao, a commander under the Commandant of the Southern Barbarians' Office-all former subordinates of Wang Yang.
Amid curling wisps of tea steam, regardless of rank or office, they all looked to the noble young gentleman seated at the head of the room for their lead.
As they talked, a sudden clamor arose outside, followed by someone shouting a warning beyond the private room. Then, with a bang, the door swung open, and a young gentleman in silver-gray brocade robes and a silver fox fur cloak strode straight in.
Outside, Ma Yong and the other three guards drew their blades to stop him. The gentleman's attendants in the corridor also gripped their weapons, facing off against Ma Yong's group. They did not follow their master inside, however, merely blocking the doorway and watching like hungry tigers.
Chen Qing Shan immediately took her place beside Wang Yang.
He Ji and the other two retainers standing in attendance drew their blades, descended into the hall, and barred the steps;
Yang Fu, Zhou Meng, and several other military officers rose from their seats in unison, glaring at the newcomer.
Dressed in splendid finery, the man wore an easy, open expression. He had barged into the hall alone, yet paid no heed to the blades before and behind him or