Xie Qingwu had gone into seclusion to practice Alchemy.
General Li also went into seclusion after receiving the Inner Core.
Pei Shaoqing had a servant take the fox pelt to Qian Wanguan, asking him to have it made into a shawl.
Then, he sent for Ye Guoyun.
"Greetings, Lord Hundred Households." Ye Guoyun arrived quickly, striding into the main hall and kneeling on one knee in salute.
Pei Shaoqing said gently, "You may rise."
"Thank you, my lord." Ye Guoyun rose and stood quietly in place, awaiting orders. He was full of doubt and apprehension about Pei Shaoqing's sudden summons, not knowing if it was good news or bad.
After all, Pei Shaoqing had never met with him alone before.
Pei Shaoqing picked up his teacup, gently skimmed the foam with the lid, and said casually, "I remember when I was a Standard-Bearer, Guoyun, you were the oldest of my five squad leaders. Thirty-something, was it?"
