It was late at night, and all was quiet. 

The capital city of Bianning Commandery was mostly silent save for the echoing voices of the night watchmen. Occasionally, the sound of sparse footsteps would appear from the empty streets.

A group of soldiers on night patrol was walking down the main street. Even in their uniforms, they looked more like a gang of ruffians.

It was still wartime, so a night curfew was in effect. In reality, the capital city was teeming with night owls coming and going like it was their own backyard. The patrolling officers wisely chose to turn a blind eye to all of it.

In the back garden of the vice administrator’s residence, Sun Chao’en had set up a table and was hosting Wei Yuan and Yue Qilin. For some reason, Yue Qilin looked deeply troubled. He had already downed several cups of wine in silence.

Wei Yuan had just arrived and wasn’t sure what had happened to the young general. So, he asked.

Sun Chao’en let out a sigh. “That commandant who died not long ago, Song Chao, has a young cousin named Song Zhongliang. He serves as a censor in the court. After learning of his older cousin’s death, Song Zhongliang has come to take his sister-in-law and her children back with him. The children are one thing, but his sister-in-law is currently staying at General Yue’s residence. How could we possibly let him take her ...