Deputy Prefect Guan felt no fear, only a slight thrill of excitement. Winning this confrontation meant retaining control in the government office, and he was determined to emerge victorious.
"Since Lord Shao is extending an invitation, let's proceed!" Ah-Ye stood guard at Shao Yunduan's office door, permitting only Deputy Prefect Guan inside. The rest were left outside, the door ajar. Shao Yunduan sat in the main seat with Jia Heming and Scribe Fang flanking him.
Scribe Hu, unfazed, feigned ignorance of the blockade. With a smile, he strolled behind Deputy Prefect Guan as if all was normal. Ah-Ye, brandishing his saber, halted him sternly, "Lord didn't invite you in!"
A cold gaze from Deputy Prefect Guan supported Ah-Ye's stance. Scribe Hu glanced at Shao Yunduan, who remained impassive.
When it became clear that Shao Yunduan had no intention of allowing anyone else in, Deputy Prefect Guan, with a feigned obliviousness, followed suit.