Song Jia stood completely still.
The sound stone remained warm in her hand.
Around her, students continued practicing Arrays as though nothing had happened.
But Gong Yuhan's last words echoed in her mind.
"The order came from Minister Zuo Cheng."
For several breaths, she said nothing.
Gong Yuhan seemed to understand.
"Miss Song?"
"I heard you."
Her voice was quieter than usual.
Zuo Cheng.
She remembered him.
Far too well.
During General Song Jia's lifetime, Zuo Cheng had served close to the Imperial court.
Officially, he had been responsible for military coordination, intelligence reports and communication between regional commanders and the capital.
Unofficially—
he had been one of the people constantly arguing with General Jia.
Not because they openly hated one another.
That would have been easier.
Zuo Cheng had always smiled.
Always spoken politely.
