To the esteemed Grand Commander,
by the Daoist Emperor's decree, a mountain is being constructed within the palace. I have been tasked with selecting stones and have not dared to slacken in my duties. Boats stretch for miles, laden with countless exotic flowers and stones, intended as offerings to the Daoist Emperor. However, upon reaching the Bian River, the Eighteen Shadow Forts bandits ambushed us. Known for their infamy, I did not expect them to be so bold as to seize tribute items. Officer Yang Zhi, despite his family name, proved to be nothing more than a useless drunkard, failing to protect the tribute stones and allowing them to fall into the hands of bandits. Such a grave mistake cannot be forgiven lightly.
I am currently gathering tribute in Jianghuai and have found these uniquely beautiful stones, which I present to you, Grand Commander, hoping you will accept them and speak favorably of me.
Zhu Mian