Hua Qiang's errand was assigned by Prince Ning, who had him deliver a letter to Princess Ning and then make a return trip to the Qian family in Ji'an Province.
Hua Qiang brought a package of items and more than a dozen letters. Among them, a few were written by Qian Manjiang; there was one for each member of his family, as well as letters for Old man Qian, his spouse, and Qian Manxia. Another four letters were written by Liang Jinzhao: two were for the siblings Qian Yixiu and Qian Yijin, while the other two were for him to pass along to the Old Monk and Little Monk. There was also one unexpected letter from Li Shuanzi to Qian Mandua.
Hua Qiang said that Li Shuanzi was now working under Liang Jinzhao as an official of the eighth rank—Cannon Leader. A cannon crew comprised eight men, and the Cannon Leader was in charge of them. He was the only one among the villagers who had joined the military and risen to an official rank.
