West of the Capital, at the end of Jiangmi Alley.
Inside the "Forget Worries" tavern, the lights were dim.
Outside, fine rain drizzled. A few strings of dried chili peppers hung under the eaves, and inside, the pungent aroma of spirits and the fragrance of stewed meat filled the air.
Kuai Dayou and Kong Shangzhao sat opposite each other in a corner, a plate of peanuts, half a pot of loose wine, braised beef, and pork knuckles laid on the table.
Kuai Dayou's face was covered in stubble, his eyes bloodshot. He slammed down his wine bowl heavily, causing the wine to splash and dampen his clothes.
He spat, "That bastard Zhao Qingxu! Just one step away, Brother Shangzhao, and the Taodu Mountain Wood would be in our hands! If I'd known, I would have gone straight to the execution ground, why waste the effort."
Kong Shangzhao lowered his head and sipped his wine, his fingers stroking the rim of the bowl.
