Wan Yu emerged from Zhang Bu's mansion, bowing and scraping.
Zhang Bu's steward saw him out with an arrogant expression. That was all the courtesy Wan Yu could expect.
Even facing a servant of Zhang Bu's household, Wan Yu dared not show any disrespect. Smiling broadly, he took some glittering gold objects from his sleeve and slipped them into the steward's hand.
The steward's manner immediately grew considerably warmer.
"Master Wan, when you come again, don't bring any more jade. The head of the family dislikes such extravagant things. His tastes are refined; what he enjoys in daily life is calligraphy, such as works by Cai Zhong..."
Wan Yu promptly bowed and thanked the steward again.
He climbed into his carriage and hurried away.
Only after alighting outside his own residence did Wan Yu finally straighten his back, the servility on his face vanishing without a trace.
He glanced around, then strode into the residence.
At that moment, a young man was waiting for him inside.
The young man looked about the same age as Cao Mao. He was tall and handsome, with exceptionally martial features. No wonder Wan Yu compared him to Sun Ce.
His skin was fair and soft, his eyes clear. He looked docile and harmless to man and beast alike.
Seeing Wan Yu enter, he hurried forward to bow.
"My lord! Please don't!"
Wan Yu hastily caught him and held him up. This was Sun Hao.
Sun Hao looked at Wan Yu, wanting to ask something, but unable to get the words out. He could only smile and scratch his head.
He was a bashful young fellow.
Wan Yu motioned for Sun Hao to enter the study for a detailed discussion.
Sun Hao was the son of Sun He, Sun Quan's deposed crown prince. Strictly speaking,