"They've singled you out."
Guo Wei and Lord Xu said in unison.
Chu Lingguang's expression froze. On second thought, he realized his earlier idea had been fanciful.
"Lord Xu, you're the one who brought them here," Guo Wei said. "You must understand what kind of talk will spread—about you, about me, and about the entire Great Yuan—if Lin Guang loses a month from now."
"Master Guo, I am in a difficult position myself," Lord Xu said slowly. "On my way here, I learned that you were the one who offended them in South City. Even if they hadn't come to me, they would have come for you. They're dead set on ruining your reputation."
"You're a respected local official, yet you let a pack of animals run wild in front of my master, and you still have the gall to say that?" Hei Hu retorted furiously.
