Outside the Su Hong Hall lay a quaint garden, through which father and son passed just as they spotted two figures inside the hall. He Chunjian, with a slight tilt of his head and in a hushed tone, inquired, "The two we saw causing a stir in the city center the other day, are these the same individuals?"
He Lingshan, catching a glimpse of the visitors, promptly nodded in confirmation. "Yes, that's them." Those were the two who had recklessly galloped their horses through the crowded streets, nearly trampling a child before speeding off towards the city's northeastern exit.
Unbeknownst to He Lingshan, his father was already aware of the incident, likely informed by Hao Shu. Once again, He Lingshan marveled at his father's meticulous control over not just their household but the entirety of Heishui City. It was slightly intimidating.
As they entered the hall, He Chunjian addressed the unexpected visitors with a formal inquiry about their origins. The young man in white from the previous encounter now donned a lake-green brocaded robe, adorned with silk embroidery—a gesture of respect towards their host.
For the first time, He Lingshan could clearly see the face of the man in gray. An elder in his late fifties, his thin frame was capped with graying hair, yet his eyes were startlingly vivid, as if capable of uncovering the deepest secrets.
The young man introduced himself with a smile as Nian Songyu, a martial officer from Yue City, under the command of his father, Nian Zanli, the Marshal of Qunzhou. He then introduced his companion as Sun Fuping, one of the great national sorcerers of the Dazhuan Dynasty. Even He Chunjian couldn't hide his astonishment at the revelation of Sun Fuping's identity.
Sun Fuping's presence was unexpected; as a national sorcerer, his powers were legendary, capable of influencing the fate of the nation itself. For such a figure to appear in this remote location hinted at matters of grave importance.
He Chunjian quickly composed himself, offering the highest respects to Sun Fuping, recalling a past encounter twenty years ago. He then introduced his eldest son, He Lingshan, who had also seen Sun Fuping in the capital years before.
After exchanging pleasantries and alluding to their previous encounter in the streets, Nian Songyu shifted the conversation to the purpose of their visit, revealing dire news: the strategic Coaling Pass had fallen to rebel forces. This information shocked He Chunjian, as the pass was crucial for the security of the Dazhuan Dynasty's heartland.
Nian Songyu detailed the unfortunate circumstances leading to the pass's fall, including the death of its staunch defender, Zhao Rongliao, and the subsequent betrayal that allowed the rebels to capture the fortress. With the rebels now potentially able to move swiftly towards the capital, the situation was dire.
He Chunjian grasped the severity of the threat, understanding that the loss of Coaling Pass could pave the way for a rapid advance towards the capital. The discussion turned to the current whereabouts of the rebel forces and the efforts to recapture the pass, highlighting the critical nature of the next fifty days for the fate of the Dazhuan Dynasty.