The sun had not yet set halfway when Gu Shenwei left his study early. His face was paler than usual. He caught a strange, sweet fragrance and turned to look. Two pots of unknown flowers sat at the foot of the steps, blooming in all their glory.
He vaguely remembered that the flowers had always been there; he had simply never paid them any particular attention. No matter how closely you looked, something would always escape notice, he thought, feeling a trace of fatigue.
Fang Wenshi hurried over at the news, bowed deeply, then scrutinized the Dragon King. He even reached out as if to touch him, but thankfully stopped himself in time and gave an awkward laugh. "Is the Dragon King ready?"
Gu Shenwei nodded. He was the Dragon King; he always had to appear confident and in control. He could never make the same mistake Shangguan Ru had made back then. She had shown hesitation and weakness in front of her subordinates, and nearly paid for it with her life.
Fang Wenshi let out a long breath. The Dragon King's complexion was worrying, but an air of tranquil confidence radiated from him. The strategist was infected by it, and his unease vanished. "The Dragon Army is ready as well. If Golden Peng Fortress accepts defeat, all will be peaceful. Any sign of trouble will be crushed. Heh, Golden Peng Fortress isn't united as one, either. As soon as the Unrivaled King dies, a great many people will immediately declare their surrender. I've drawn up a list. Would the Dragon King like to look it over?"
"No need. Keep the list yourself, Strategist." Gu Shenwei already knew most of the names and didn't care much. If he won, even more people not on the list would surrender.
Fang Wenshi