The Cao Bang's merchant ship finally arrived in Yan Province.
Once in Yan Province, they were effectively in the Northern Territory.
Although the region was under the control of the Eldest Prince, Li Kang, its close proximity to Shuofang meant that relations with Bai Yuan were good.
Besides, given Bai Yuan's current power, the Eldest Prince had no reason to make an enemy of him now. Li Kang was already locked in a direct conflict with the Third Prince. If Bai Yuan were to apply pressure from the rear, defeat would be almost certain. There was simply no reason for the Eldest Prince to make a move against him.
The merchant ship docked.
Yan Province was the northern terminus of the Grand Canal. From there, one had to travel by land to reach Yu State. And once in Yu State, one would be deep within Bai Yuan's sphere of influence.
As Bai Yuan disembarked, he saw several hundred people already standing on the wharf.
At their head was a formidable middle-aged man.
