Nie Family, Grand Conference Hall.
Candlelight blazed, illuminating the hall as if it were day.
The finest Nanhai sandalwood smoke curled up from a bronze, beast-shaped censer.
It traced elegant patterns in the air, yet it could not disperse the heavy atmosphere.
Patriarch Nie Tiankun of the Nie Family and the clan's Grand Elder, Nie Baichuan, sat opposite each other. Both wore grave expressions as they discussed the partnership previously proposed by Chu Zhengnan.
"This Commander Chu... It seems he's determined to stir up a storm in Yunzhou."
Grand Elder Nie Baichuan stroked the long beard on his chin, his voice low.
"The court is clearly still furious about the Taiping Dao rebellion. This move is not surprising."
Nie Tiankun nodded slightly, seemingly understanding of the situation.
The Taiping Dao rebellion that swept through most of Yunzhou last year was simply too massive.
