99 Eldest Son (2/2)

An Sun's brows twitched after hearing the governor's condition.

”We'll grant you higher protection and a larger supply of gold to restore your province.” He retorted.

Duyi Zhong's silver mustache twitched. ”You seem to have forgotten Commander An; my people hold no importance to gold. Having more land can give my people a better environment for harvesting.”

With crossed arms, An Sun's gray eyes narrow.

The land he wished to occupy from the Eastern Empire was large, large enough to fit an entire nation, yet having to share it was not something he planned.

Already predicting An Sun's thoughts, Duyi Zhong calmly sets his hands on the desk in front of him, his gaze sharp.

”Commander An, I don't think my demands are too much to ask. You need my men to win this land; it only seems fair I earn half.”

Rin glanced at An Sun. Besides his furrowed brows, his expression was unreadable. However, to her, it was clear he was reluctant.

She understood how much the eastern land meant to An Sun. It was his chance at freedom and proving he could establish his own power.

She was uncertain whether or not An Sun was willing. Her fists clenched beneath the table as she waited for his response.

”Alright.”

Duyi Zhong was startled by An Sun's response.

He agreed?

Noting his startled expression, An Sun sighed and stared directly into the old governor's eyes.

”If I'm able to achieve my goal, I'm willing to make a few sacrifices and grant you half of the occupied land. Shongo's[1] army is strong, and their defense is high. I'll need all the men I can get to be able to push through.”

For the first time, Duyi Zhong's expression eased. ”Then it's settled.”

Both nodded in agreement and just like that, the beginning of their newfound alliance was born.

When dawn finally broke, Rin returned to her tent at their camp and wrote down a few tactics she would share with An Sun.

While writing, Rin couldn't help but feel a slight chill run down her spine; as if everything all of a sudden became much colder.

For the past couple of days, the treatment she received was respectable compared to her first arrival. She was given better clothing and food, although she often requested to hunt for her own.

”Nn…” Rin's grip on her pen loosened as she felt a sudden aching and tightening around her lower abdomen.

It was an unusual discomfort that she never experienced before. She couldn't help but hunch over in her seat – her head resting on the table.

Did she eat something bad?

Rin felt the pain only seemed to worsen around her stomach as if something was contracting and squeezing the insides of her body.

Feeling another chill race down her spine, Rin looks up toward her mat and stands up from her seat to grab a large blanket - wrapping herself around it while resting near the brazier.

Her hands and feet felt cold, the pain in her stomach only getting worse and worse.

Rin's mind wrapped around the things she ate that day.

Nothing she consumed was spoiled or poisoned, so why was she feeling this way?

What could it be?

Suddenly, a warm sensation could be felt flowing near her thighs. Confused by the sensation of something leaking, Rin glances down and her face froze.

No…This is…

The sound of incoming footsteps approaching her tent instantly caught Rin's attention.

”Advisor Bai, Lord An requests your presence.”