Northern Mang, Royal Court
Dong Zhuo brought his trusted cavalrymen and arrived at the royal court, weary from their long journey.
He had barely arrived in the morning when, that afternoon, he was summoned by the Empress.
After Dong Zhuo entered, the Empress asked him directly, "How are your preparations for the southern campaign coming along, my lord?"
Dong Zhuo bowed respectfully before replying in a solemn voice, "Your Majesty, everything is ready. I will certainly defeat Gu Jiantang and seize Two Liao for you."
The Empress shook her head and said gravely, "Dong Zhuo, don't be overconfident. Neither Gu Jiantang nor Xu Xiao is easy to defeat."
Dong Zhuo smiled confidently. "Your Majesty, rest assured. I've prepared a million troops. The three hundred thousand cavalry of Two Liao won't be able to withstand our attack."
Seeing Dong Zhuo's confidence, Taiping Ling frowned. "After the southern court mobilizes a million troops, won't only the old, the weak, women, and children be left behind?"
Facing Taiping Ling's doubts, Dong Zhuo replied calmly, "It doesn't matter. Many tribes were already wavering between us and Northern Liang. Weakening them while we have the chance is one of my aims.
"Once we take Two Liao, we'll take good care of the old, the weak, women, and children they leave behind. Their deaths will have been worthwhile."
Seeing that Dong Zhuo intended to take Two Liao in one fell swoop, the Empress said abruptly, "It will be difficult to unite your million troops. Xu Xiao won't let this opportunity to cause trouble slip by."
Dong Zhuo paused, then asked in confusion, "Has Your Majesty received some news?"
The Empress shook her head and said gravely, "You must know that Dunhuang City disappeared without warning. Many herders on the grasslands think it was the work of