In the late spring, the Capital was filled with willow catkins drifting like snow. Inside the study at General Zhenwei’s Mansion, candle flames flickered, casting the silhouettes of Lu Jingyuan and Jiang Wan against the window lattice. The desk was covered in dense stacks of documents, resembling a vast web waiting to be woven.
"Lord Shen sent word that Head of Chen Cang from the Ministry of Works is willing to talk," Lu Jingyuan said, unfolding a secret letter. His brow, however, did not relax. "But he demands that we guarantee the safety of his family."
Jiang Wan set her teacup down gently; the porcelain clicked against the desk with a crisp sound. "Have Afu take his family to the villa on the outskirts of the city immediately. However, Junior Vice Minister Zhou and his ilk are bound to be on guard; obtaining evidence likely won't be easy." Her gaze swept over the map on the table as her fingers unconsciously stroked the rim of the cup.
Chapter 164