Everyone looked over.
Among the crowd, a middle-aged man in a black suit, sporting a mustache, was holding a briefcase and smiling, emanating a presence of scrupulousness and authority.
He was none other than the city master's assistant, Gongsun Yan, one of the figures who commanded respect just beneath the city master himself.
All the influential figures politely greeted him, and Gongsun Yan nodded in response.
Qi Zongchen stepped forward and cordially said, "Mr. Gongsun, your presence graces us with honor!"