The official was none other than Sun Chao’en, the former county magistrate who had since been promoted to vice administrator of Bianning Commandery. While gathering intelligence on the establishment of the administrative headquarters, Wei Yuan discovered that his old acquaintance was among them. That was why he was paying a secret visit.

The commandery seat of Bianning Commandery lay only 1,100 li from Hanyang Pass. Because it was situated right next to the border, it could receive reinforcements at any time from the tens of thousands of troops stationed at Hanyang Pass. If the Shamans were to invade, they would first have to break through Ningxi Commandery, where Wei Yuan was stationed, before reaching Bianning Commandery.

Not only was Sun Chao’en serving as vice administrator, his domain was both safe and prosperous, making it one of the most lucrative posts among the four commanderies. The reason he was able to obtain this post was thanks to his generous “donations” to the Right Chancellor. It was a testament to the latter’s character.

It had been several months since they last met. Vice Administrator Sun had clearly put on some weight and gained a fair complexion. With his round face and kind, benevolent eyes, he looked every bit the good man.

Sun Chao’en sent his housekeeper away to hasten the meal before carefully locking the door and casting a mystic barrier. The spell had been cast with a mere wave of his hand and without the slightest hesitation. This showed although his...