Zhao Ming sat across from Murong De, his expression calm but his mind racing. The news was dire—Langya had fallen into the hands of the Yellow Turbans. It was worse than he had expected.

  Murong De exhaled heavily, rubbing his temples. "Your suspicions were correct. Scouts confirmed that Langya is now under Yellow Turban control. The city fell swiftly, and many officials were either executed or fled before the rebels arrived. Civilians who couldn't escape are now under their rule."

  Zhao Ming's fingers tapped lightly on the wooden table. "Do we have any numbers on their forces? How organized are they?"

  Murong De shook his head. "Not yet. Our scouts only observed from a distance. The rebels are setting up defenses, and it seems they are trying to solidify their hold before expanding. But if they march toward Beihai, we'll be in serious trouble."

  Zhao Ming frowned. "That’s the real concern. If they send a large force here, Beihai could fall just as easily. The city isn’t ready for a prolonged siege, and with the influx of refugees straining resources, this could turn into a disaster."

  Murong De nodded. "That’s why I need you to go to Governor Kong immediately. He must be informed as soon as possible."

  Zhao Ming agreed. "I'll go, but we also need more information. Can we send scouts deeper into Langya to determine the size of their army and their next possible target?"

  Murong De thought for a moment before responding. "I'll arrange for that, but it will be dangerous. If the rebels catch them, there's no telling what will happen."

  Zhao Ming's expression was serious. "We have no choice. Without information, we're blind. We need to know whether the rebels are planning to hold Langya or if they intend to march on Beihai or other cities. If they move west, they might head toward Donghai or even Pengcheng. If they move north, Beihai is in danger."

  Murong De sighed. "I will order our most skilled scouts to investigate. But while we wait for their report, Murong Trading House must prepare."

  Zhao Ming raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

  Murong De leaned forward. "First, we must ensure our supply chains are protected. If the rebels expand their influence, trade routes will be cut off. We need to secure food, medicine, and weapons before prices skyrocket."

  Zhao Ming nodded. "What about defense?"

  Murong De tapped the table. "We’ll increase security on all our properties. Guards will be stationed at our warehouses, and we’ll reinforce the walls of our main estate. Additionally, we need to establish escape routes in case the worst happens."

  Zhao Ming agreed. "That’s a good plan. If Beihai comes under attack, being prepared could mean the difference between survival and destruction."

  Murong De sighed. "I'll handle the trading house’s preparations. You must inform Governor Kong as soon as possible. If Beihai is to survive, we need the city's leadership to act now."

  Zhao Ming stood up. "Understood. I'll leave immediately."

  Murong De gave him a firm nod. "Be careful, Zhao Ming. The storm is coming, and we must be ready."

  With that, Zhao Ming turned and walked out of the room, his mind already racing with the next steps. Beihai was on the brink of crisis, and it was up to him to ensure they had a fighting chance.

  Zhao Ming sat in the waiting room, listening as the heated argument inside Governor Kong’s office grew louder. The voice that dominated the exchange was pompous and brimming with outrage.

  “I am Zhao Feng of the imperial Zhao clan! My family has served the Han Dynasty for generations, and I refuse to be treated like some commoner driven from his home!” the noble thundered.

  Governor Kong’s voice remained calm but firm. “Lord Zhao, I understand your frustrations, but Langya has fallen. The rebels have occupied the city, and we cannot send troops on a personal retrieval mission while Beihai’s stability hangs in the balance.”

  Zhao Feng scoffed. “You speak of stability while allowing rebels to run unchecked? My family’s properties, warehouses, and wealth—gone! And you sit here in comfort, refusing to act? Are you even the governor of this region, or just another coward unwilling to take risks?”

  A heavy silence followed, and Zhao Ming could picture Kong Rong’s impassive expression as he weighed his words. When the governor finally spoke, his tone carried a quiet authority.

  “Lord Zhao, you are not the only one who has suffered. Thousands of refugees pour into Beihai, and many have lost far more than just property—they have lost their homes, their families, their very means of survival.”

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  Zhao Feng was unmoved. “That is of no concern to me! I am not a peasant. My family’s status alone demands action! The army must reclaim Langya at once!”

  Kong Rong let out a slow breath. “And if I send troops now? Do you think the rebels will simply flee at the sight of banners? Langya did not fall overnight; it fell because those defending it were overwhelmed. If I send soldiers now, I will be sending them to their deaths.”

  Zhao Feng sneered. “So you’ll do nothing? You’ll let the rebels keep what they stole?”

  Kong Rong’s patience thinned. “I will do what is necessary for Beihai. If we are reckless, we risk losing this city as well. And then where will you go, Lord Zhao? Will you demand I reclaim Beihai for you next?”

  Zhao Feng’s face twisted in fury. “You overstep, Governor. My family holds influence in the capital. If you refuse to act, I will ensure that the court hears of your… negligence.”

  Kong Rong’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “You may write whatever letters you wish, Lord Zhao, but do not mistake your family’s name for a shield against reality. If you are truly concerned about reclaiming Langya, I suggest you return to the capital and petition the imperial court for an army. I will not waste Beihai’s forces on a fool’s errand.”

  Zhao Feng’s eyes burned with indignation. “You will regret this.”

  Kong Rong gestured to the door. “Go back, Lord Zhao. You are dismissed.”

  The noble’s fists clenched, but he knew he had lost this battle. With a final glare, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the office, nearly colliding with Zhao Ming in his haste.

  Aide Chen, who had been standing by, let out a low sigh as he watched the noble disappear down the hall. “Some people never understand the bigger picture.”

  Then he turned to Zhao Ming and gave a nod. “The governor will see you now.”

  Zhao Ming straightened himself and stepped inside, ready to deliver his own urgent report.

  As Zhao Ming stepped into Governor Kong Rong’s office, he found the governor seated behind his desk, rubbing his temples as if the previous argument had drained him. The governor looked up, studying Zhao Ming with sharp, discerning eyes.

  “Murong De’s token and an urgent matter?” Kong Rong said, motioning for Zhao Ming to speak. “Go on.”

  Zhao Ming clasped his hands and began his report. “Governor, I bring information from Murong Trading House’s scouts. Langya has fallen to the Yellow Turbans. The rebels now control the city, and their movements are unclear. With the chaos in the region, a large number of refugees have been fleeing toward Beihai.”

  Kong Rong’s expression darkened, though he did not appear surprised. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the desk. “So, it’s true… Langya has fallen completely. I suspected as much, given the increasing number of displaced people.” He exhaled sharply. “Did the scouts report any signs of further movement from the rebels?”

  Zhao Ming nodded. “Not yet, but the biggest risk is that they might march toward Beihai. If that happens, it won’t just be a matter of handling refugees—we will be facing a direct threat to the city itself.”

  Kong Rong’s gaze sharpened. “And this information… whose idea was it to send scouts? Murong De doesn’t strike me as the type to think that far ahead. He’s a man of action, not long-term planning.”

  Zhao Ming gave a small smile. “I made the suggestion.”

  Kong Rong raised an eyebrow, studying Zhao Ming with renewed interest. “Hoh… I see. That was a wise decision.”

  Taking the opportunity, Zhao Ming asked, “Governor, what should Murong Trading House do to prepare?”

  Kong Rong hummed, tapping his desk as he considered. “For now, they should stockpile supplies—especially food, medicine, and weapons. If the rebels come, Beihai will need every resource it can muster. I will also inform the other merchant houses and coordinate with the city’s army.”

  He looked Zhao Ming in the eye. “You’ve done well bringing this information quickly. This will save us valuable time. I’ll be calling for a meeting with key officials and merchant representatives soon. Beihai must prepare for the worst.”

  Zhao Ming nodded. “Understood.”

  Kong Rong leaned forward slightly. “And, Zhao Ming… keep an eye on things. If you notice anything unusual among the merchants or the refugees, report to me immediately.”

  Zhao Ming bowed. “I will.”

  With that, Kong Rong dismissed him, his mind already turning to the next course of action. Zhao Ming left the office, knowing that the coming days would determine the fate of Beihai.

  As Zhao Ming left the office, Governor Kong Rong sat in silence for a moment, tapping his desk rhythmically. His mind was already weighing the situation, measuring the risks, and considering the next steps.

  Finally, he exhaled and called out, “Chen.”

  Aide Chen stepped in immediately, bowing. “Governor.”

  “Prepare for a possible army deployment. If the Yellow Turbans push toward Beihai, we need to be ready. Coordinate with the city’s garrison and ensure that the defensive structures are well-manned.”

  Aide Chen nodded. “Understood. I’ll see to it at once.”

  Kong Rong leaned back, rubbing his chin. “Also, reach out to the major trading houses—Murong, Wan, Yu, and Liu. Inform them of the situation and encourage them to fortify their own warehouses and supplies. We will need their cooperation if Beihai is to withstand a siege or mass influx of refugees.”

  “Of course,” Aide Chen responded. “Shall I arrange a meeting?”

  Kong Rong nodded. “Yes, and make sure it happens soon.”

  Aide Chen hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Governor, if I may… what do you think of Zhao Ming?”

  Kong Rong chuckled. “A promising young man. Sharp and observant, with a talent for reading the bigger picture. It’s rare to see someone like him, especially at his age.” He paused, then added, “If he survives the coming storm, he will become a man of great influence.”

  Aide Chen smiled. “Indeed. He has already caught the attention of the major trading houses. With the right guidance, he could grow into an important figure.”

  Kong Rong’s expression turned serious. “That is why we must also keep an eye on him. If he is truly capable, he will attract both allies and enemies. Speaking of enemies…” His eyes narrowed. “Monitor Zhao Feng’s household. The nobility tend to act in their own interests, and after today’s outburst, I don’t trust them to remain quiet. If they stir trouble, lock them up before they become a problem.”

  Aide Chen bowed. “I will assign discreet men to the task.”

  Kong Rong nodded in approval. “Good. Now go.”

  As Aide Chen left to carry out his orders, Kong Rong glanced at the reports on his desk. The situation was escalating, and Beihai stood at a crossroads. He only hoped that when the time came, the city—and its people—would be ready for the trials ahead.

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