Just as they were speaking, suddenly an unusual sound came from outside the door, a soft knock three times followed by a louder one. The Emperor looked towards Chief Chang: "You go." This was a secret signal used by the eunuchs. On days when the master was busy and it wasn't suitable to knock directly, they would use this coded knock. Those close to the master, such as eunuchs and palace maids, would hear it and come out to inquire, making a judgement before reporting the situation to the master.
"Yes." Chief Chang acknowledged, slowly retreating to the door and opening it to leave.
The Emperor unfolded the map by his side, and Shen Ji noticed it and went over to help. The two of them spread out the map showing the territories of Miaojiang and Yunnan and Guizhou, then gestured for Fourth Master Xiao to come over. As Fourth Master Xiao approached, the Emperor pointed to a spot on the map and asked, "…How confident are you?"
