Although Han Yuling possessed exceptional abilities, her status as an outsider left her ignorant of local affairs. Sun Mancang, being a native, had an exhaustive understanding of the region. Consequently, Han Yuling needed to gain a deeper insight into the local situation.
Han Yuling’s profound gaze revealed the depth of her thoughts. She asked, "What kind of man is Hong Heizi?" Sun Mancang replied, "Although Hong Heizi is a man of the underworld, he has his merits. He does not bully the good, nor does he harass women. If a family is struggling to make ends meet, he will even bestow some silver upon them."
Upon hearing this, Han Yuling nodded. She looked at Sun Mancang intently and said, "In the next few days, I intend to meet these people to have a proper conversation with them." She paused, then asked, "Do you know a man named Li Sheng?" Sun Mancang nodded after hearing the name and replied, "Of course I know him. He is the Military Commissioner of Xiangfan; even the Prefecture Office must show him respect."
Chapter 25