The heart of Fengzhou City.
A great river, a full hundred meters wide, cut through Fengzhou City. One by one, large ships laden with cargo sailed across its surface.
This was the Xuan Yang Grand Canal.
It was also the economic lifeblood of the Empire.
On the canal, a massive three-story ship was particularly eye-catching. It flew a Black Gold Banner, upon which the word "Cao" was written in flourishing calligraphy.
This was a ship of the Cao Bang.
On the canal, the Cao Bang were the undisputed overlords.
At the very top of the massive ship sat an elegant pavilion, from which a woman's melodious and moving song could be heard.
"Younger Brother Bai, I've missed you to death!"
Qiu Yang, who had been humming an unknown Jiangnan tune, saw Bai Yuan's group appear and happily rose from his chair.
Bai Yuan cupped his fists. "Brother Qiu."
"Oh? And who are these two?"
"The Heir of Qingzhou, Li Huan, and Yan Lei of the Yan Family."
"Oh. Have a seat wherever."
