The owner reached behind the counter and pulled out a small, lacquered box. He undid the seal and removed a folded, wax-stamped letter.
"Here. This came in about a week ago. Had your name on it—or at least your code name. Wasn't gonna touch it till you mentioned Ren."
Han Yu took the letter, nodding in appreciation.
This was likely Meng Jueyan's report.
He didn't open it yet. Not here. Not in the inn. Too many eyes, too many ears. He slipped it into the inner fold of his robe.
The owner leaned over the counter, lowering his voice.
"Is this one of those servant trading deals?"
Han Yu blinked. "You know about that?"
The man grinned. "Course I do. You lot pass stuff through here all the time. Spirit herbs, dried meat, scrolls, even spiritual tools sometimes. Some of you pay better than nobles, so we don't ask questions."
Han Yu chuckled, amused. "Then this makes things easier."
He leaned in.
