Why would Dan Shi come here, I certainly couldn't comprehend. However, when Ma Da led Cai Jingjing away from the Dan residence earlier, his hateful glare at me still gave me chills whenever I remembered it. Could he have come to intercept me after hearing some news? But even if Wang Party members were arrogant and unreasonable, they wouldn't dare openly oppose me - unless they didn't know that I'm the East Factory's First Section Chief and also a general commanding ten thousand elite troops. If they did, they'd be committing suicide by provocation.

No matter what the reason was, it was best to stay clear of him for now. Even if I wasn't afraid of him, exposing this matter would mean listening to endless lectures from those ministers. Worse still, Ma Xiaowei and Ma Xiaoru might also get dragged into trouble. By then my hard-earned merit from (bandit suppression) would be nullified, not to mention how the two sisters' reputation as inadequate supervisors of imperial guards would be ruined.

What surprised me more was what I landed on when falling into this underground chamber - there was no pain because something beneath cushioned my fall. The surface felt soft yet springy when I grabbed it with my hands, and even gave out a muffled moan. When I hastily pulled away the covering cloth, a cherry dropped into my palm... It was a woman! I immediately realized.

This situation was dangerous as hell. How could there be a woman in such an obscure underground chamber? And to make things worse, I had unintentionally grabbed her assets. What on earth should I do now? Thinking quickly, I stammered repeatedly: "I'm sorry, sorry! I fell down here by accident and didn't know anyone was hiding here below, please forgive my rudeness earlier."

While speaking, I hurriedly released my grip and climbed off the woman's body. At that instant, I noticed her skin felt surprisingly smooth - just as fine as my wife's. Her age couldn't be too advanced either, given how plump and elastic those assets were. She must be considered a gem in Shuangcheng Kingdom.

A sudden realization struck me - Ou Yangqing certainly didn't have such assets! Could this be He Yuxing? Considering the kind of luck I've had so far with her always appearing unexpectedly under unusual circumstances, could she really be here now? Thinking fast, I urgently asked: "He Yuxing, is that you? If it's you, please make a sound!"

The girl beneath me spoke Shuangcheng dialect worse than my own. Her voice carried a faint whimper - she was already fortunate not to have been crushed unconscious by the weight of my fall. As she slowly climbed up from the ground, she whispered, "Who are you? Get out now before I kill you!"

She wasn't He Yuxing. Even if He Yuxing had yet to recover her memory, I should be able to recognize her voice tone. And more importantly, I was speaking in Mandarin when we first interacted - if she had regained her memories, wouldn't she understand?

The chaotic noises above were growing louder as Dan Shi and the East Factory guards intensified their search of the room. They were now tapping along the floorboards at close range to detect any hollow sounds beneath - someone must have suspected something about this underground area. My mind racing in alarm, I instinctively made a 'shh' gesture with my lips.

But just as we moved slightly closer, when her head tilted upward, our mouths suddenly collided on that sensitive spot between us! We immediately sprang apart again, both realizing we had accidentally kissed each other - what an embarrassing situation. Could it be true fate? Even falling into a cellar resulted in such a scandalous encounter. Was I destined to forever escape no romantic entanglements?

For quite some time, the two of us remained silent and lost in our thoughts until the floor-tapping sounds grew even nearer. The girl whispered: "They'll definitely find this place. What have you done that's so terrible? I heard East Factory's tortures are exceptionally cruel, with no one emerging intact. You're so heavy - who knows how much more they can put up with it. As a woman, this situation is absolutely disastrous for me."

Actually, my weight wasn't that extreme; the fall's momentum was just what hurt her most. Did I really have no idea about the torture methods I had developed? However, even if I were to be the unluckiest person on Earth, would I really use my own inventions to punish myself? I reassured the girl: "I haven't done anything wrong - I fell here by accident! What about you? Hiding in such a place must mean something serious like murder or treason."

The girl answered: "Not at all. It's just that fate has been cruel to me from the start. I was born as a Shuangcheng citizen but inherited an 'other country' identity, so I have no choice but to hide and run constantly. If they ever discover my true origins, there will be only one way out - death."

I didn't dwell on her words but instead focused on listening to their conversation above. Dan Shi was saying to Pian Hai: "Pian Section Chief, I heard the East Factory recently discovered another batch of corrupt officials abusing their power. Could you share those names with me? Of course, I won't let you suffer for it - there will be generous rewards sent to your residence later. After all, as Emperor's eyes and ears, the East Factory can directly submit reports to him without going through the bureaucratic process. In the future, we Eight Inner Princes still need rely on our brothers in the East Factory."

Pian Hai replied: "Sorry Dan Xiao Wang, what you're asking about involves East Factory's confidential operations. Our factory regulations have strict rules regarding this - whoever leaks secrets must bear the consequences themselves. I would rather keep my several pounds of flesh around for a few more years than risk getting involved in such matters. So please don't even ask me about this in the future."

Dan Shi continued with a forced smile: "Of course, of course. The East Factory's two deputy section chiefs downwards all work diligently and wholeheartedly for the Emperor. Only one person has never contributed anything to the East Factory yet still occupies an important position - we inner ministers cannot help but feel worried and indignant about this."

Pian Hai suddenly turned angry, barking: "Dan Shi! What are you implying? Don't think our East Factory members will be afraid of your Wang Party. We know perfectly well what's going on with the First Section Chief and how it's perceived by Emperor himself. Who exactly do you think you are to make such accusations here? Get out!"

A nearby captain along with several squad leaders also glared angrily at him. Without the First Section Chief, would they even have their current positions today? After all, many of them had originally come from the Imperial Horse Office - back when Supervisor Zhao started from scratch and ate grass with everyone while training horses and building stables. If he hadn't contributed to both East Factory and Horse Office, none of these people would have any credit at all. This dead bastard deserved a good beating! If it weren't for his father's reputation, they'd make him eat excrement on the tiger bench.

Dan Shi didn't expect such loyalty from these men towards his enemy. Not only did he fail to provoke them but instead incurred their collective wrath. His voice trembled as he said: "Pian Section Chief please forgive me, I was just speaking without thinking back there. Let's go out for a drink so I can apologize properly."

Pian Hai coldly sneered and exited the room. However, his footsteps didn't head back to the main hall but instead turned toward a side chamber. Dan Shi's voice followed shortly after as he shouted: "Everyone! Search carefully! After this is done, I'll treat you all to snacks!"

I quietly asked the girl beside me: "Are they searching for you? What have you done that's so terrible? Tell me and maybe I can help you out - after all, earlier you cushioned my fall. Without your help, I would've injured myself for sure."

"You?" The girl sounded very skeptical in her tone. "You're barely saving yourself and yet want to save me? Don't even consider how heavy the East Factory's people are. Haven't you heard their conversation above? A mere third section chief could ignore a small prince like Dan Shi, do they really care about someone like you?"

I smiled: "One can't judge by appearances or measure the ocean with buckets - don't think I'm joking around here. I actually know the First Section Chief personally. What conflict does he have with them? I'll mediate between him and them for you."

The girl stayed silent, seemingly shaking her head in darkness as well. Since my temporary superpower had vanished temporarily, I could no longer see clearly in this darkness either. She continued: "Didn't I already tell you earlier that I was born a Shuangcheng citizen yet inherited an 'other country' identity? So whenever someone comes to investigate, I have to hide in these dark cellars. From the search noises above, it seems they've started suspecting something about underground tunnels. They might discover this place soon - and when they do, there's no escaping death."

Hearing those deep tones filled with bitterness and resentment, I replied: "You're making things sound too terrible. The East Factory isn't some executioner group after all. They only handle Shuangcheng Kingdom's security, gather intelligence for Emperor, and monitor officials - not bloodthirsty demons who eat people."

The girl answered: "How are they not? Everyone coming here for meals tells stories about the First Section Chief - wherever he appears, there must be bloody storms following. He's a demon reincarnated from stars, a disaster to common people. Everyone tries to avoid him because bad luck will surely strike if you don't."

I was astonished: "That can't be right! I've heard completely different things about that heroic good-looking guy - he should be the common people's lucky star instead! Without his efforts, Shuangcheng would have been in chaos already and Red Turban rebels wouldn't have been subdued so quickly."

The girl sneered: "If he were really a lucky star for common people then let him stop all this racial discrimination first. Let me live normally here running my business without some random people constantly checking up on my seafood restaurant! Every time they come, I'm forced to hide in these cellars - can you imagine how unbearable that is?"

I said: "Don't doubt me, I do actually know the First Section Chief personally. Tell me your story in detail and I'll speak with him later. Afterward there won't be any more people coming to bother you."

"Really?" The girl's voice brightened slightly but then she added: "How could that possibly happen? You can barely save yourself yet here you are making big promises! If no one were chasing you, why would you fall down here and nearly kill me with your weight on top of that - not to mention the indecent groping! Stay away from me!"

To be fair, I had indeed done it unintentionally, just out of reflex. But being verbally abused by this girl made me a bit annoyed as well: "If you don't believe me then so be it. You'll regret missing such an opportunity later. For what happened earlier, I sincerely apologize - as you know, in the darkness I did it without intention."

Unexpectedly, my attitude actually caused her hesitation now. After some silence she murmured: "Since we've met by fate here let me tell you the truth - to be honest, I'm a Jurchen woman..."

My heart skipped a beat. Jurchens were blacks! Could this girl really be black? Now that I thought about it, maybe her skin was smooth enough because of their reduced need for cold resistance and fewer pores. This was my first time encountering a black person ever - and to make matters worse, I had already touched her assets earlier. Would this count as sampling the forbidden fruit?

Black people are generally physically robust, that must be why her assets felt so elastic. Thinking about porn movies where black guys have big penises, I imagined their women's sexual appetites would naturally be higher than others - I recalled some scenes in adult films showing Jurchen girls being gang-banged by multiple men at once with incredible stamina.

While my mind was wandering into such indecent territory, the girl slowly began to speak: "Jurchen people have been living along hot sea shores for generations. For whatever reason, our skin is black. I don't hate this color, but it makes me impossible to integrate into Shuangcheng's lifestyle. My father used to be a common citizen here who couldn't survive and moved to Jurchen Kingdom where he met my mother. After marrying them they had me - his life dream was always returning home to live in Shuangcheng. After both of them passed away, I decided to fulfill their wishes by opening this seafood restaurant here. All the materials were painstakingly transported from Jurchen's sea shore... However, people of Shuangcheng can't accept black people at all and might even think I'm a spy for Jurchen Kingdom if they find out - so I've been forced to hide in our backyard every time there are inspections, crawling into these dark cellars..."

The girl's sweet voice filled with ocean breeze tones and calm yet lyrical cadence deeply moved me: "Alright then. I believe you now. Tonight I'll go visit this friend of mine and persuade him. Tomorrow you just have to file a report at East Factory headquarters and start doing business freely - no one will inspect here again unless you really do something against Shuangcheng."

The girl was surprised: "Are you sure about that? We don't even know each other! If you had this kind of power, would you be hiding around like this? Don't tell me you're just some thief trying to steal from my store and accidentally fell down when East Factory came for inspection!"

I said: "How can I make you believe me then? Here's a suggestion - tomorrow send someone first to the East Factory headquarters to try it out. By the way, my name is Hua Qian. What about your name? I should at least know who this friend of mine is."

The girl seemed deep in thought for quite some time before saying: "My name is Jin Meili. If tonight's events pass safely then tomorrow I'll give it a try - since you made such tempting promises, the ability to openly do business has always been my biggest dream!"

"Jin Meili? You must be really beautiful then," I said.

Jin Meili laughed: "Actually I'm very ugly, black as charcoal. No Shuangcheng person would look at me if they're interested in anything besides these plump breasts of mine."

I awkwardly chuckled twice - this black woman was surprisingly open-minded. After being touched by me she didn't get angry but instead made jokes about it. This way we could avoid any further misunderstandings between us.

Thud, thud, thud! Someone finally tapped on the exact spot above: "Sir, there's a trap door here - the floor beneath is hollow!"

Cacophony followed from upstairs as I asked Jin Meili: "Is there another exit to escape? There's someone up there that I definitely don't want to see. Not because I'm afraid of him but rather I don't want to bring trouble on myself."

Jin Meili answered: "There wasn't originally, but starting yesterday I've been secretly digging a hidden passage in one wall. It's not fully completed yet, but we could squeeze through two people at once if we're careful enough. Once they go down into the cellar and find nothing suspicious, they'll definitely leave."

The floorboards began creaking as someone pried them open. A beam of light pierced the darkness and Dan Shi's loud voice clearly reached our ears along with several other young princes' voices. Even if I wanted to kill everyone off now, it was impossible without making a pointless massacre - so better just escape for now.

"Hurry up! Don't you want to be discovered at this moment? Then all these previous hiding efforts would have been in vain. I'll need to explain everything on your behalf and go through some trouble convincing them!"

Jin Meili took my hand saying: "Come with me."

The ceiling wall suddenly brightened as a torch was thrown down. Dan Shi shouted: "Pian Section Chief! There's really a secret tunnel below! Someone saw a black girl in the backyard earlier so this seafood restaurant must be a Jurchen Kingdom base of operations - you've made a big discovery!"

Pian Hai ignored Dan Shi's shouting completely though - these spoiled princes were annoying but couldn't be easily offended. He ordered his subordinates: "Send people down to carefully search below while I report to the Second Section Chief. It seems this seafood restaurant really has problems - detain all staff members until we confirm their innocence."

The East Factory officers hadn't descended into the

"Gold Beauty glared at me. 'You were the one who made advances first! Don't think every woman from our Jin country is easy to take advantage of. I forgave you after your fall, and even when you pushed into me earlier, but this time you deliberately squeezed my chest!'

I smirked. 'That proves your charm - you should be flattered instead. Consider it repayment; I'll save you.'

The sound of spearheads embedding in the cave wall made Gold Beauty pale as death. If those weapons pierced through the stone they'd eviscerate her instantly. She hissed, 'How do you plan to save me? Even if you can fabricate an excuse, my dark complexion won't be hidden.'

'I'll just make sure no one sees you,' I said, stepping toward the opening. 'Let me handle them outside and you'll walk away unharmed - then forget about those squeezes since I was clearly bewitched by your beauty.'

Gold Beauty huffed with pride. 'Fine, meeting you was my bad luck. But how do you get out?'

'Squeeze through,' I said. 'This time it's definitely not intentional.'

Her eyes narrowed. 'Still trying to grope me? Your Double City people are rotten, and you're the worst!'

I didn't understand why I kept teasing this black-skinned girl - was it novelty? I'd watched many Western films with their famous African-American stars, but never considered what intimacy might feel like.

'If you don't want me to touch you,' I said coldly, 'then let yourself be impaled by those spears. Since you're behind me maybe they won't pierce through my gut and keep me alive.'

'Don't!' she screamed as the spearheads thudded closer. 'Hurry up and squeeze out!'

Time was running short. The factory guards were already shouting, their arrows aiming at the narrowest point between Gold Beauty's thighs and my lower back where the stone wall expanded slightly enough for me to force through without tearing her clothes or damaging myself too much. The spear heads were almost here when I kicked open the hidden door and dashed outside just as the guards drew their bows.

'Second Commander!' I barked as Dog recognized me immediately.

The torchlight made it easy to identify my face but I shook my head at him, pointing toward the secret wall where Gold Beauty was still trapped. Then I gestured upward at the cave entrance signaling for them to withdraw. As always when avoiding troublemakers, I let Dog handle the cleanup while I quietly retreated. Though I felt bad about teasing her earlier, returning now would be indecent since she knew I'd returned from Double City.

'I need you to send the Eight Inner Kings away,' I whispered as we climbed out. 'I can't have them seeing me here or they'll accuse of dereliction of duty in battle. There really is a woman from the Jin Kingdom - let her file an official report at the Eastern Factory tomorrow and permit her business operations, but maintain surveillance on her.' Dog nodded solemnly, knowing exactly what to do with his trusted guards who wouldn't leak information.

When I returned above ground, the chaos had subsisted. As expected, those damn spearheads made my lower region throb painfully along with the bite marks on my face - truly a dangerous black rose. Time was wasting - I needed to find Linglong before she worried.

Danchi didn't understand why Second Commander's men quietly exited the wine cellar. His serious expression suggested some high-ranking official was hiding below. When he heard Eastern Factory would interrogate the young kings, Danchi hurried after Dog saying, 'Second Commander, this fight has nothing to do with us!'

'It does,' Dog countered. 'The Four Heroes of East City were here too. How can it be unrelated? Our guards saw them fighting earlier.'

One of the junior princes pleaded, 'We don't even know those men! Let us go home before we get scolded again!'

'Alright then,' Dog said coldly, 'let's have an interrogation session at Eastern Factory.'

Danchi panicked. He thought Dog was seeking retaliation over some servant dispute with Zhao's house rather than realizing Dog just wanted to clear the area for his commander. Remembering how he once defied the crown prince over a fish, Danchi raged, 'We're future Inner Eight Kings! How dare Eastern Factory arrest us? Do you want to be exiled from Double City?'

The princes had grown arrogant - their defiance only made Dog more determined. Meanwhile the Three Mustaches watching from beside realized they'd been betrayed by these opportunists and secretly wished for a full investigation so someone else would bear the brunt of Eastern Factory's wrath.

These four bullies had followed the mysterious lights expecting favor with the Grand Secretary, but instead ran into the worst possible target. After getting beaten twice (even killing their leader), they were now trapped - surely doomed to lose what little lives remained.

'What's happening here?' a new voice demanded as Dan Wang entered with other noble lords. 'Who dares threaten our princes? Bullying is cowardice!'

Danchi perked up at his father's arrival and confronted the guards, 'You dare accuse us! We'll report this to the Emperor for gross disrespect! Who do you think will be believed more - your words or ours?'

Dog knew he couldn't risk provoking the powerful Inner Eight Kings. Though he wanted these insolent princes arrested, without orders from his commander he had no choice but retreat temporarily while strengthening surveillance operations against them.

Dan Wang was one of highest-ranking nobles present that day. He'd personally ensured protection measures after offending First Commander over a woman's affections - now witnessing his son's plight he growled as dozens of retainers stormed in. The guards were forced to withdraw when they realized they couldn't handle both the lords and Eastern Factory's martial prowess simultaneously.

'Enough!' Dan Wang barked at his men. 'Are you trying to start a rebellion? Go home immediately!' Then turning to Dog, 'Second Commander, your factory makes quite an impression.'

Dog knew when he was beaten - without solid evidence against these nobles they couldn't move against them now. 'Apologies Lord Dan,' he said smoothly, 'but I must attend to urgent business. If you'll permit me...'

The tension eased slightly until Sun Dashi and Fu Bo's table suddenly became the focus of attention. These were people Eastern Factory had protected from injustice back when they first opened their office - clearly someone important enough for First Commander himself to take interest in. Dog bowed respectfully, recognizing this was not a group worth provoking.

'Lord Dan,' Dog said carefully, 'I request these three ruffians and your princes be questioned at Eastern Factory.'

'Ah,' Dan Wang smiled slyly, 'our young princes were certainly present but surely they just watched as bystanders? Why target us specifically? Did someone wish to settle old scores with Commander Zhao?'

Dog felt cornered. Without further evidence against these nobles and with orders from his commander to clear the area, he had no choice but retreat for now while plotting how to eliminate this threat in the long run.

Stone Qing explained, "Your Majesty, four men attempted to seize Lord Zhao's magic lamp earlier. We refused and they resorted to violence. Fortunately, our three guests arrived just in time to save us. The side room was completely destroyed by their brawl. Now the steward has been treating us to a meal."

The governor had brought only minimal guards who remained stationed around the private rooms as sentinels. He'd entirely overlooked security for the trio downstairs until this unexpected news struck him mid-meal. Known throughout the region for his measured temperament, he slammed both hands onto the staircase railing and stormed down into the main hall.

"Prince's own banquet guests being assaulted and having their magic lamp stolen? Who dares defy protocol so brazenly!"

Cholesterol paled as he recalled this governor's reputation of unshakable composure. For such a man to erupt over three subordinates meant they held extraordinary significance. His earlier confrontation with Zhao's men now seemed dangerously misguided, especially since the prince himself hosted these three. Would he truly be forced to politely entertain future in-laws who'd once raided his household?

Ah Gou hurried forward and reported, "Your Majesty, I've interrogated all four culprits - three captured alive, one dead. We intended to handle this discreetly without involving the prince, but it seems we've burdened Your Majesty unnecessarily."

The governor nodded sternly. "Excellent work by Eastern Secretariat's agents. These men targeting Zhao's household must be dangerous indeed. They could very well link to those northern rebels. Second-in-command, you must root out their patrons immediately. Today they attack Zhao's retainers; tomorrow they may strike the minister himself. And who knows what threats they pose to His Highness? Investigate thoroughly - such matters rarely occur without powerful puppet masters."

Ah Gou bowed deeply. "Yes Your Majesty. I shall report any progress directly to Prince at once."

Turning to the steward, the governor said, "Your hospitality will be richly rewarded by the prince himself. Every expense of this banquet will come from royal coffers."

The steward nearly fainted at the thought that a simple meal could earn imperial favor. "Thank you Your Majesty! Thank you kindly! I shall devote my life to serving His Highness and Minister Zhao!"

Cholesterol and several inner princes exited the seafood parlor with wary glances toward the prince's unexpected appearance. They'd likely come to sample the establishment's rising reputation, but the governor's final words left a bitter taste in their mouths. The four eastern warlords had recently formed close ties with these minor princes. If forced confessions under Eastern Secretariat torture implicated them as masterminds...

Cholesterol's voice turned icy cold: "The remaining three warlords must die - and before they can enter the secretariat prisons. Even if they don't defame us, their deaths will taint our honor in His Highness' eyes. Henceforth, we must strictly control our children and retainers. The secretariat is eager for any reason to discipline us. You've heard yourself how much trust Prince places in them - understand the implications."

The princes nodded fervently. "Then send someone immediately! These common thugs will certainly accuse others under torture. Even if their guilt isn't proven, just being detained by the secretariat could ruin reputations."

Cholesterol glanced around before whispering to his retainers, "Don't use familiar faces. I've secured a swordsman whose speed is legendary - he can deliver 180 strikes per minute. With such skill, those guards won't stand a chance against him."

As night deepened, the secretariat's procession escorting Wang Xiong turned into an alleyway when they were ambushed. The swift swordsman decapitated all three warlords before their gagged mouths could utter a sound. By the time guards raised their javelin launchers, the assassin had vanished.

News reached Ah Gou who merely remarked, "Perfect timing. We already have their dossiers - four common thugs would achieve nothing anyway. Originally we lacked reason to execute them for Lord Zhao's sake, but now... we'll investigate that killer thoroughly. His unnatural speed demands attention."

As royal retainers departed and secretariat enforcers withdrew (though leaving shadowy sentries in the streets), I returned upstairs without acknowledging the dark beauty emerging from a hidden cellar passage.

Linglong asked where I'd taken cover earlier, puzzled by my scent when I answered that discretion required secrecy. The governor soon recounted's events after returning to our room.

My expression tightened - these four eastern warlords dared challenge me? Perhaps past leniency had emboldened them.

I requested the governor descend again for a meeting with my three friends from Feiyu County.

While waiting, I confided in Ma Xiaoda: "We've overlooked an entire faction."

He blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Street gangs," I said. "Government can't clean up slums and alleyways like these ruffians can - but they're uncontrollable nuisances that constantly undermine us."

Ma laughed. "You must have a plan, otherwise why mention this?"

"I have ideas," I admitted. "Those three from Feiyu County were once gang members loyal to me. Let them govern the underworld here in my stead. They'll be far more effective than judicial officials or imperial guards - and their intelligence-gathering surpasses Eastern Secretariat since they can blend seamlessly with commoners."

Ma grinned approvingly, "Another brilliant scheme! Of course I support it entirely!"

"But keep your position secret," I warned.

Sun Dasheng burst in and exclaimed in shock at seeing me. "Brother Zhao Qian! What are you doing here? Missing your brother so much you came to die?"

I shushed him and explained my current mission. Sun nodded understanding, but clearly misinterpreted something when I spoke about remaining incognito.

After drinks and catching up (including hearing about Feiyu County's fall), I offered positions in the imperial stables or Eastern Secretariat itself.

Sun laughed good-naturedly at my offer, then insisted on continuing their old trade. Relief flooded me - they were indeed going this path after all.

"I'll fund your new guild," I said carefully. "Recruit minions discreetly from commoners rather than hiring openly..."

Sun interrupted confused: "Explain clearly! This sounds suspicious!"

"Consider it an investment in the most powerful underworld faction possible," I elaborated. "Once established, you'll command all street gangs without interference - though I'll expect certain... favors."

The three gangsters gaped at their sudden good fortune matching old ambitions.

Sun declared immediately: "Brother Zhao Qian! This is too generous! You've already saved my life - now you're offering me everything!"

I cautioned them to heed Elder Liu's advice as they formulated plans.

Elder Liu, the scholar, emotionally accepted his new role of advising Sun.

And finally, with wine in hand we toasted: "May tomorrow bring you all resources needed."