“Passable.” Zhang Lianhai’s smile was exceedingly reserved, the corners of his mouth barely lifting at all. “There’s fighting everywhere outside. Governor-General He is a busy man. How did you find the time to visit me?”

“The Andong people want to fight their way in, but it won’t be that easy.” He Chunhua’s confidence was unmistakable. “I’ve already made all the necessary arrangements. Only then did I remember I’d been away from Heishui City for too long and had grown unfamiliar with the people here. Naturally, I ought to visit them one by one.”

Zhang Lianhai gave an “Oh.”

He Chunhua’s gaze swept across Zhang Lianhai and the others behind him. “Mr. Zhang, you and your companions all have extraordinary bearing. You don’t look like members of an ordinary merchant guild. May I ask—”

Zhang Lianhai said nothing. A young attendant behind him stepped forward and declared loudly, “My master tends the lamps for the Heavenly Palace!”

The guards farther back might not have...