“Ahem…” Sang Hong coughed lightly and said, “Do not make a fool of yourselves out here. Follow me to my room; there are some matters to discuss.” He led them to his room afterward. He also had the guards remain a bit further out so they couldn’t hear what they were going to talk about.

“Ah Zu, did you gain any new information?” Sang Hong asked as he sat down in the seat of honor. He gestured for them to pour their own tea and to be at ease.

“I’ve already found out the identity of the one who wanted to deliver a message to the capital” Zu An began. He was about to continue, but Sang Hong stopped him.

Sang Hong looked at Gao Ying and Pei You, saying, “We are acting under the emperor’s will in this mission, so I believe everyone here understands what that signifies. I know that your clans’ relationships are twisted and complicated, and there are even many relatives of yours here in Cloudcenter Commandery…”

Pei You’s expression changed a bit. Sang Hong was clearly talking about his relationship with Pei Shao.

Sang Hong continued, “But I still need to ask all of you to discern between what is more important. Cloudcenter Commandery’s situation is far more dangerous than you might be imagining....