County Captain's Mansion.
The weather was cold, and snow was falling heavily.
A red clay stove was placed on the table, with a copper pot heating on top. Inside, water boiled furiously, and thin slices of tender red mutton quickly changed color as they were swirled through the boiling water.
Steam rose, and three people sat around the table, dipping ginger, garlic, and scallions in oil, accompanied by several jars of fine wine. They enjoyed the feast while watching the snow, delighting in the moment.
One of them was County Captain Han Lang, another was Third Young Master Huo Ziyi.
The third person was tall, with disheveled hair and a left-lapelled robe, upturned nostrils, and an ugly face. He was Hall Master Du Yinfeng of the Black Water Gang in Wu'an County.
Han Lang asked, "Hall Master Du, how is the establishment of the branch in Changze County? Is everything going smoothly?"
"Everything is going smoothly."
