Inside the British Consulate, Consul James and Duan Yelin were undoubtedly in a state of confrontation, causing the presidents of various chambers of commerce sitting on both sides to exchange perplexed glances.

Hezhou City only has three piers in total. Foreigners who want to engage in trade here rely on these three merchants' associations. However, for many years, they have been able to evade many inspections due to their foreign status, so some of them engage in shady business practices with a thief's mindset.

Now, when it comes to Duan Yelin, any sign of unrest will never be tolerated.

James was very angry: "Mr. Duan, our British ships have never been found to have any problems during inspections. We cannot accept your request like this!"

Duān Yèlín propped up his legs and said, "I didn't come here today to ask for your permission, but to inform you. From now on, all incoming and outgoing ships at the three docks will be thoroughly inspected. It doesn’t matter whose flag they are flying. Overlooking past incidents where inspections were not carried out will no longer be tolerated. If any violations are discovered in the future, I won't be as lenient."

Beside him, the president of the Pengyun Chamber of Commerce, Gu Yueshan, set down his teacup and squinted his eyes slightly. He then tried to mediate the situation by saying, "In my opinion, the Commander-in-Chief merely wishes to establish a new rule, and we should not ignore it. Mr. James feels that his country has been neglected, which is understandable. How about we compromise? We can randomly inspect the ships of the British consuls on a regular basis. Not only will this hold Commander Duan accountable, but it will also provide Mr. James with an explanation from our government. What do you think?"

James listened to the translation and his expression improved a lot. He lowered his head and pondered for a moment, saying, "I guess it's not something I can't accept..."

"I decline," Duan Yelin said, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. His gaze sent a shiver down the spines of the slick businessmen in the guild. "I've said it before, and I'll say it again: no exceptions. Once the ships arrive at the docking port in Hezhou, even if it's a paper boat, we will search it thoroughly!"

"You... I will call your Chief of Staff and report this to your President! This is discrimination against our Great British Empire! We have had the right to access this dock for four years. Naturally, it belongs to us!"

With a crisp sound, Duan Yelin's thick heels struck the ground. He suppressed his smile and touched the brim of his military cap. "You dare to claim it as your own after only four years? Heh..." Standing up, he looked down at James. "I've walked on the streets of Hezhou for thirty-five years and never claimed it as mine. Who do you think you are?"

After speaking, he turned around and walked away, dropping a sentence as he went, "Starting from tomorrow, this is how it's going to be! Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with for endangering safety and will face execution by firing squad!"

In the consulate meeting room, James was fuming with his beard raised high. The various heads of the business associations were whispering to each other, discussing future strategies.

Only Gu Yueshan stroked his chin, looking in the direction where Duan Yelin had left, appearing lost in thought. Surprisingly, a hint of appreciation appeared on his face, and then he waved his hand, beckoning his assistant who was beside him to lean down. He whispered a few words in his ear.

Before long, a formal invitation letter was delivered to the desk of Xiao Tongguan.

The invitation was indeed a kind gesture. It said that a troupe from the Hundred Flowers Gang had arrived at the Xilou Theater in Chengnan of Hezhou City. They were performing a Yue Opera and invited the Commander to come and listen to a performance of "The Story of the West Chamber" tomorrow.

But the most interesting person among the audience was Gu Fangfei, the wealthy heiress of the Pengyun Chamber of Commerce.

This is not about inviting people to listen to "The Story of the Western Wing", it is clearly hoping for them to perform a play of "The Story of the Western Wing".

President Gu really knows how to manipulate others. It seems like he wants to play around with some love affairs. Qiao Song glanced at him and asked, "Commander, should we reject it?"

Duan Yelin touched the hidden pattern on the invitation card, and suddenly thought of his own cold little thing. The more he thought about it, the more interested he became. Then he casually threw the invitation card into Qiao Song's arms and said, "Tell them I'll go."

"Ah?"

"Go and make another invitation, like the one before, and deliver it to Jin Yan Tang. Just say that I sent you to deliver it."

Qiao Song held the invitation card tightly and hesitated before asking, "What if Master Xu refuses to go?"

Duan Yelin fell silent for a moment, watching as Qiao Song lowered his head. He smiled and said, "Then tell him, if he refuses to go out when asked, there won't be any chance for him to leave even if he begs me to let him go."

To be honest, if you really want Qiao Song to be the messenger between these two people, he would rather lead soldiers up the mountain to eliminate bandits.

When driving to Jinyan Hall, Xu Hang had just come back. When Qiao Song walked into the front hall, Xu Hang was having a meal. In front of him, there were only two dishes and a soup: stir-fried vegetables, Qingming fruits, and tofu soup.

Qiao Song put down the invitation card and couldn't help but blurt out, "Huh? Commander, I thought you said you don't eat Qingming fruit..."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he deeply regretted it.

Because Xu Hang looked up, his eyes suddenly fixed on him, and he immediately understood - How can this young master Xu not eat Qingming fruit? He clearly doesn't eat the Qingming fruit sent by his own commander!

Xu Hang said lightly, "Deputy Qiao, do you plan to file a complaint?" He clearly had a fearless expression on his face.

When Qiao Song saw his expression, he was reminded of the first time he saw Xu Hang. Back then, he was like a gift sent by Jin Hongchang to Duan Yelin. It was Qiao Song who drove him there.

Throughout the journey, he always wore such an expression, devoid of the joy that comes from climbing high branches that worldly people could never reach, as well as the forced anger and humiliation.

As he laid eyes on the imposing gate of Xiaotong Pass, his eyes flickered slightly, and he let out a faint sigh of resignation and discontent, murmuring to himself, "So this is it?"

Just like now, even if Qiao Song added a few more words before leaving, it would probably make Xu Hang uncomfortable for the next few days. However, he remained calm and composed.

Qiao Song shook his head and then said, "I just came to deliver the invitation, I didn't see anything else. Young Master Xu, please rest. I will go back and report to the commander!"

Xu Hang watched as Qiao Song walked away, then glanced at the stack of fresh Qingming fruits and the vibrant red invitations on the table, and rubbed his forehead.

Duan Yelin, oh Duan Yelin, this person, for the past four years, has been doing the same thing. But unfortunately, unfortunately, Xu Hang just can't do anything to him.