About half an hour later, a commotion rose up from the first floor.

A young servant rushed upstairs and knelt beside Feng Jiu’er’s table.

“The two young masters — a very important guest is about to arrive at the inn. The owner says Xiaoxia should come down to greet them as well.”

“Would the two young masters be so kind as to allow it? After the greeting ceremony, this one will bring Xiaoxia back.”

“Go on, then.” Feng Jiu’er waved her hand.

It must be Feng Rui — he really had arrived early.

“Many thanks for your understanding, Young Masters.” The young servant bowed and stood, leading the young woman away.

In the blink of an eye, only a scattering of guests remained on the second floor, sipping tea or drinking wine. All the men and women working at the inn had gone downstairs.

After the commotion came a brief silence, followed immediately by excited calls of welcome.

A crowd passed through the main hall on the first floor and gathered in the center of the great hall.

To Feng Jiu’er’s surprise, the one who entered was not only Feng Rui, but Old General Yuan as well.

Several sweet-voiced beauties led the two generals and the generals’ personal guards to the seats closest to the stage in the main hall.

“General Feng, please! Old General Yuan, please!” the women said, smiling so wide their mouths could barely close.

“Old General Yuan, please.” Feng Rui gestured with a smile, waving his hand.

Old General Yuan said nothing and sat down.

Behind him stood two guards, one on each side.

“General Feng, shall we clear the hall?” one of the women asked.

“No need.” Feng Rui waved his hand magnanimously. “Old General Yuan has traveled a long way to arrive. I’m here to welcome him with proper hospitality — it’s only right to share in the people’s joy.”

“Sister Feng.” Feng Rui turned his head.

“What are your orders, General Feng?” Sister Feng asked with a smile.

“Good wine, good food — bring it up quickly,” Feng Rui said, raising an eyebrow. “And prepare the finest chamber for Old General Yuan.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Sister Feng cupped her hands hastily.

Feng Rui looked her up and down with obvious delight and said softly, “Today, all the expenses here are on my tab.”

“Yes, this one will see to it at once.” Sister Feng cupped her hands, then turned back. “Prepare the finest food and wine — the song and dance performance, right away.”

“Wonderful! General Feng is truly generous!”

“Many thanks, General Feng.”

The crowd rose and applauded, and after the applause, everyone knelt down.

“Greetings to General Feng, greetings to Old General Yuan,” dozens of voices called out in unison.

Feng Jiu’er, Xing Zizhou, and Xiao Yingtao all knelt as well, lowering their heads.

“No need for such formality!” Feng Rui stood and waved his hand.

Once the crowd saw him sit down, they gradually rose and returned to their seats.

From beginning to end, Old General Yuan had not spoken a single word.

Feng Rui personally poured tea for Old General Yuan and said with a smile, “For the great cause of the Feng Clan’s unification, it was no small trouble for Old General Yuan to make this journey.”

“I’ve long heard Old General Yuan doesn’t care for wine — here, drink a cup of tea first to warm yourself.”

Old General Yuan accepted the tea Feng Rui handed him, and his low, hoarse voice finally sounded. “My thanks, General Feng.”

“No need to stand on ceremony! There are many things I, Feng Rui, will need Old General Yuan’s help with going forward.” Feng Rui stared at Old General Yuan, the corner of his mouth curling up.

“The Night Prince has rebelled. His Majesty ordered me to take charge of the resistance in the west, but unfortunately I’ve suffered two defeats in a row and lost two cities.”

“Having finally made it to the city where Old General Yuan resides, I’ve been thinking — with your help, we’re sure to wash away this earlier disgrace.”

“It’s just that I don’t understand — Old General Yuan has received the imperial order for so long now. Why hasn’t the military tally been handed over yet?”

Before Old General Yuan could respond, Feng Rui’s voice rose again.

“I understand Old General Yuan’s concerns as well, but it’s been so long now — the matters of troop deployment should already be settled, shouldn’t they?”

“So — where is the military tally?”