Ma Qian had dark skin, with the makings of an African, and was tall, broad, and powerfully built.
Tang Wen had heard that he had once been a Martial Champion of the Chu Kingdom. His martial prowess went without saying.
Tang Wen led his men out to greet him, and Ma Qian nodded.
Unexpectedly, however, Army Supervisor Zhang Dai looked utterly arrogant and spoke insolently right there in the hall. "Lord Ma, why would Duke Haisheng send you down to this barren island where even birds won't shit?"
"His Grace ordered me to deliver a decree." Ma Qian frowned, apparently also feeling that Zhang Dai had gone a little too far.
"For a mere Deputy Tuanlian Commissioner, he could simply have ordered me to relay it. Why trouble Lord Ma with the journey?" Zhang Dai said, paying Tang Wen no regard whatsoever.
In truth, the fellow was seething inside. He had thought he would get command of the Black Cavalry Eight Battalions. He was a veteran of the unit, after all. Who could have expected Chu Zhao to suddenly pop up?
Moreover, he had actually been dispatched to White Crane Island to assist Tang Wen in battle. Whatever else might be said, he belonged to the Black Cavalry Eight Battalions!
This petty local militia officer had recruited nothing more than a bunch of local volunteers. Having Tang Wen assist him would have been more like it.
Everything had been turned upside down, so naturally, he vented his anger on Tang Wen as well.
He had only just returned from elsewhere and knew nothing of the situation in Linghai or Sea Saint.
He knew even less about Tang Wen's background, assuming he was merely a lowly Deputy Tuanlian Commissioner.
"An earl stands before you, Lord Zhang. Do you intend to openly