Jing state was one of the southern states much like Jiangdong, and was also similarly abundant in resources. Cities like Jiangxia, which were largely spared from wars, were even doing better than Jianye and Shouchun.

Overall, Jing state was doing well economically. The weather was good, and everywhere one could see well-fertilised fields with crops, and the smiles on the people who tended to them.

To the people of Jing state, their Governor was a good ruler. In the eyes of the ordinary citizens, Governor Liu Biao was probably something like an idol. Whenever it was the new year or it was the harvest season, people would always make a trip to Liu Biao’s residence and offer carefully selected tributes.

Today was the 15th, the middle of the month, and the time to pay one’s respects to one’s ancestors is here again. Today was also the way when Liu Biao Liu Jing Sheng would appear before his beloved subjects in the city tower.

“This clothing… Can’t really bring out my supremacy right?”

To him, today was a day of grave importance so he must pick out the right clothing. On one hand, he had to make sure it was dignified and did not violate any religious taboos when paying respects to his ancestors. On the other, he also had to make sure that he appeared both majestic and awe-inspring to his people.

And so, he was very troubled as he struck poses in front of his bronze mirror and stroked his goatee.

“My lord, clothes and the like are just worldly objects. As long as my lord has the heart, he need not bother too much with his clothing. Moreover, the memorial ceremony is about to begin.”

A woman wearing long robes with a bagua motif who stood at the side spoke up. She wasn’t very old, and was just an official who presided over ceremonies. Sometimes, she would even perform services as a courier. Even though she had served Liu Biao for a long time, she didn’t have a very high position.

A slight frown appeared as she looked at her lord who picked out another set of clothing.

“What do you know, Yi Ji?” At this plain remonstration, Liu Biao didn’t seem to mind, “I am an official of the Great Han, and a direct descendent of the royal family. Whether it’s my mentality or my clothing, everything has to be perfect.”

Un.

Liu Biao seems to have decided on this current set pf clothing as he nodded with a pleased expression at how he looked in the bronze mirror.

He the swung his sleeves as he turned to head outside, not paying any attention to Yi Ji behind him. Yi Ji was used to this, and placed her hands in front of her as she silently followed.

“My lord.”

“My lord, we have been waiting.”

Just as he left the inner court, 2 women standing on either side of the exit bowed and saluted.

“You may rise.” Liu Biao acknowledged them without slowing his pace as he continued with great strides,

At this, Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue hurriedly followed up as well. One had a wide smile while the other had a frown. But this did not mean that their faces showed how they felt inside.

“Lord Kuai Liang, Lord Kuai Yue.” Because of the difference in official positions, Yi Ji hurriedly bowed and saluted them.

“Good afternoon, Yi Ji.”

“h.e.l.lo.”

Both of them replied her, but neither looked at her. This was because both of their gazes were glued onto their energetic lord.

As she looked at these 2, Yi Ji did not bother thinking too much about it, and continued walking with her head lowered.

“My lord, I have something to report.” Kuai Yue smiled as she said so, as though she just remembered she had something of note.

“Is it serious?”

“Yes, but of the normal kind.”

“Alright, give me a quick summary. Today is the day when I pay respects to my ancestors and not a day of work.”

“Understood.” Kuai Yue saluted happily before she continued, “Presently, Jiangdong’s troops have begun infringing our border and have begun skirmis.h.i.+ng with Huang Zu and Gan Ning.”

“What is the situation like?”

“We haven’t received the latest reports yet but from the strength of the armies on either side are about equal.”

Kuai Yue followed up after her elder sister.

“Then we will wait for more information before we act. I am fully aware of Huang Zu’s capabilities. She can handle it for now.”

“I’m afraid that Jiangdong is here to avenge their father, and their goal is General Huang Zu. Shouldn’t we send reinforcements? Or perhaps we can temporarily transfer General Huang Zu elsewhere–”

“No need for that. Huang Zu is the strongest at defending amongst all of my Jing state generals. I said there is no need to worry so there is no need.”

Kuai Yue had more to say but Liu Biao cut her off.

“Understood.”

“Yes.”

The 2 of them bowed, and didn’t continue any further. Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang had no intention of arguing with their handsome and impressive lord.

Yi Ji behind had more to add as well about this, but she could only back off when she saw this and maintain her distance and silence.

And now, Liu Biao had reached the gates of his altar.

He didn’t hesitate, and applied strength into his arms as he pushed open the gates–

“Ancestors of mine! Your Liu clan descendent is here to pay respects to you!”

Liu Biao knelt down and kowtowed at the gates with a serious expression. His movements were proper and his heart was sincere. The surrounding people also knelt down and kowtowed. After 10 minutes or so, Liu Biao got up, and only then did the others get up as well.