19 Operation Retrea (1/2)
Back at the palace, the General was highly pressured. While the mistreatment of his own concubine wasn't a big deal concerning the way, others often wronged their wives. The fact that he was a highly regarded general and she was the daughter of a high ranking official minister made the situation worst. In addition, the Emperor had been on his tail trying to cut down his power for years, and his main collaborator seemed to have prepared a way out.
He was on his own.
How could have it happen? Why did that dense concubine go insane, wasn't she supposed to be just pretending? He had thought about this all night long, not getting a wink of sleep.
He sighed.
It was of no matter. He only kept her in order to kill his eldest daughter. As long as she was dead, he'll be fine. He slyly looked up at the Emperor. That old bastard wanted his power didn't he, well, that was fine too. Just because you can get, my army doesn't mean you can control it! He smirked with his head lowered and slowly took out his token. He'll play low for now.
A eunuch came forward and accepted the token, carefully inspecting the ancient design on the token before presenting it to the Emperor.
The Emperor stared at the General intensely. Wasn't this way too easy? He feared there might be a hidden danger. He picked up the token carefully and brushed his finger lightly over the carved dragon on the metal. The <Roaring Dragon Token>. Anyone would have this token would be able to control an army of high-level fighters from a hidden tribe that could withhold any attack even with if the other side had 5 times more men than them, their movements were like dragon claws. The dragon was so realistic he thoughtit was real. He gently set the token back down before falling deep into his thoughts.
Back then he remembered the previous owner of the token standing so proudly on the battlefield. It felt so strange, he remembered the figure with fluttering blood-red robes and her determined eyes. He sighed lightly. She was the daughter of a valued tribe chief. The tribe had a particular martial art style that could annul certain magic attacks. It was a fiery way of fighting, and even if someone wanted to control it, it wasn't easy. If you weren't from the tribe, your blood would boil, and your veins would explode.
He rubbed his temples, he had arranged a political marriage in order to seal an alliance with the tribe. He thought he had chosen a good candidate but who knew this General would be so out of control within time. He froze. He nearly forgot.He glanced wryly at the General before putting on a gentle smile.
”General Wei, how is your daughter?”
”Replying to your majesty, Lan'er is fine.”
The Emperor's heart trembled. His eyes snapped open. Did something happen to the eldest? No, he can't let that happen.
”I'm asking about your first daughter!”
General Wei gritted his teeth. Why was the emperor so worried about that wretch all of a sudden?! This can't do, she's nearly dead or dead by now. What was he supposed to answer?
”Replying to your majesty, Yue'er is-”
”Royal father.” A rich voice called out. The general froze.
”I went with my royal crown brother to the General Wei's manor yesterday. Lady Hongyue doesn't seem well at all. I worried all night. Would royal father permit this son to visit her?”
The general's face fell while Emperor beamed happily.
”Oh, is that so?” The Emperor glanced swiftly at the General, ”General Wei, Third Prince will grace you with his visit, why aren't you giving your thanks?”