The Cold Door Hero

Summary

Zhong Shi Dao invites scholar Zhang Ke for an interview, where Zhang introduces himself as a 25-year-old from Taiyuan Prefecture, aspiring to join the Intelligence Department. Despite his nervousness, he expresses his analytical skills as a reason for his preference. Li Yan Qing, reviewing Zhang's impressive exam scores, decides to admit him. After a long day of interviews, Li Yan Qing and Zong Ze feel satisfied with their recruits. Zong Ze shares his concerns about the Jurchens and the ongoing threats to the Central Plains Dynasty, urging Li Yan Qing to remember the importance of their duty to protect the homeland. The next day, Li Yan Qing welcomes new recruits to the Intelligence Department, explaining their roles and structure. He later meets with the Qiao brothers, merchants with connections in Western Xia, to discuss placing spies in their shops. They agree to send four agents with the caravan to Western Xia the next day.

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