The Governor of Canton was reviewing trade reports when the message arrived.
Several clerks sat at nearby tables copying records from the customs bureau while the governor examined a ledger of port tariffs.
A guard stepped inside and bowed.
"Your Excellency, a courier from the Viceroy."
The governor immediately looked up.
"From the Viceroy?"
"Yes, Your Excellency."
"Send him in."
Moments later a messenger entered the room and knelt, holding a sealed document with both hands.
"The Viceroy of Liangguang sends urgent instructions."
The governor took the scroll and broke the seal.
His eyes moved quickly across the message.
At first his expression remained neutral.
Then his brow slowly tightened.
The officials seated nearby noticed the change.
"Your Excellency?" one of them asked.
The governor lowered the letter slightly.
"A foreign fleet has entered the Pearl River."
The room fell quiet.
"Another Western merchant convoy?" one of the clerks asked.
