Jiangdong, Chu State.
The fief of the Xiang Clan, one of Chu State's foremost noble houses, lay here.
Even setting aside their fief, many members of the Xiang Clan lived on lands organized into commanderies and counties directly subject to the Chu State Royal House.
In Jiangdong, joint rule by the Xiong and Xiang clans was almost universally accepted, from the nobles down to the common people.
This trend became especially pronounced after Chu State suffered defeat after defeat and even lost Yingdu, while the Xiang Clan in eastern Chu State suffered little loss.
But the Xiang Clan did not use its advantageous position to enter the center of Chu State's government. Instead, it continued to remain quietly in Jiangdong.
All of Chu State was embroiled in bitter arguments over reform, yet the Xiang Clan still said nothing.
Decades or even a century earlier, everyone would have believed that the Xiang Clan was a staunch supporter of reform.
But people's hearts changed easily, and now no one knew which side they actually favored.
Exquisite palaces and magnificent, unbroken expanses of buildings shone with splendor and prosperity. Beautiful maidservants passed through them, their trays laden with all manner of delicacies-a scene of wealth and grandeur.
Inside a palace, wisps of incense smoke curled upward as two men sat facing each other.
With delight on his face, Xiang Zeng said, "Father, Crown Prince Zai truly is unmatched in valor. In several engagements, he charged through formations, slew generals, and seized banners. He also denied Bai Qi any chance to maneuver large forces, thwarting his offensives repeatedly.
"A few days ago, some merchants took lavish gifts to see Jing Cheng.
"It seems Qin State is about to start its old routine of beguiling a ruler with slander again."
The Xiang Clan knew these