Jun’s POV
So far so good. Ellen has managed to pull off the small miracle of making White Fang look civilized. Once more confirming that I am an excellent judge of character.
I know that Tai wasn’t expecting much class from a former maid, but after the last course even he appeared comfortable with the idea of leaving this place in her care.
Lady Wong might be behaving overly familiar, but I think she will agree to stop selling leather and cloth to the usurper as long as I buy it instead. His army won’t grow fast without boots.
Though the forest can supply a great many things, my sources tell me that he’s been trying to find a lot of leather. Best to not let that happen.
After dinner, I invite my most trusted allies for a little drink. Tai and Luan prevent any security risks from inviting themselves as we retire to a private parlor deep inside the manor. I don’t invite Ellen because even though I trust her, she’s too weak and I can’t put her at risk.
I take a seat in a high backed chair and Zhen passes me a stiff drink. Joining us are of course Luan and Tai as well as a representative from the Yan family and Lady Cao.
The younger Lord Deng has to be turned away three times, but we settle in quickly after that. Zhen is careful to pour something appropriate for the mortals.
I look around the room and say, “This is our last night of peace, for tomorrow we ride to war straight to Eagle Pass Fort.”
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Lady Cao says, “I still think you are foolish, but if you can conquer such a place it’s only a matter of time until the Golden Bamboo Palace is yours.”
I nod. “As long as you don’t forget our agreement.”
She smiles with the satisfaction of one who just landed a lucrative contract. “You make a foot hold in the forest, and you will have the support of the Cao family for the rest of the season. An army marches on its stomach after all.”
“Good.”
She laughs. “If you manage it within the month, I’ll even through in a special surprise.” I don’t need more surprises.
I continue, “My cousin Ru is not going to submit easily, nor will I let her after she bargained for my head.”
Zhen raises his glass for another toast, “I’ll drink to that.” So, we all empty our glasses and Zhen refills them. Then he says, “First Ru and then her wretched brother, the usurper Guo. May these siblings tremble in fear at our approach.”
I say, “One step at a time, Zhen. They also have many cultivators who flocked to their banner.”
Luan who has had a few too many of Zhen’s drink by now, says, “At least that shrew will have to fight on two fronts.” Tai nods in agreement.
He keeps sipping away and continues, “And the only reason she can even field an army is her maternal grandparents are bankrolling it for their little puppet.”
I agree, “Even Guo wasn’t that dumb, but I guess she’s desperate. The Golden Palace should never be subservient to Red Gorge.”
Even Lady Cao grimaces and she says, “I’m glad my family squabbles don’t escalate into land wars.”
“My uncle would consider this sort of fight mere child’s play. So unimportant that he never bothered to name an heir.”
Tai nods some more and says, “Your family plays for keeps.”
Luan says, “Too bad he had to go and choke on that chicken bone.”
“No one saw it coming. In fact, had I not personally seen the body, I wouldn’t even believe he had actually died.”
We keep it short, so we can pack any last minute things before we start the march tomorrow.