Head

That morning, while the air was still cool, several old and new princes fought three small-scale battles amid the ruins of the Dragon Court. The soldiers under King Yue Yao Tosai won one of them, leaving him extremely excited.

"You two are both clever. You were the first to stand with me." He spoke to Little Yanzhi and the Dragon King, who had been invited to share in the fruits of victory. They listened patiently as Tosai described the glorious future ahead. "Tomorrow, the Imperial Guard will attack the Holy Sun King, and the Holy Sun King will suffer a crushing defeat. Oh, don't ask me why. I just know. Then the Grand Commandant will hand his army over to me, and in less than ten days, I'll inherit the khan's throne. Though you haven't done anything, I won't forget that you were the first to pledge your loyalty. Little Yanzhi, you'll get first pick of the pasturelands, and your cavalry will double in size. Among all the nobles of the Northern Court, whoever you want to marry, I'll make it happen. There's just one thing: you'll have to give up your current title."

Little Yanzhi smiled so sincerely and happily, as though Tosai's promises far exceeded her expectations. "I'm receiving a reward I haven't earned. I must have a very thick skin."

"Choosing the right side is a merit in itself." Tosai turned to Gu Shenwei. "As for the Dragon King, to be honest, I preferred you unconscious. You think the Grand Commandant is more powerful? But you're forgetting one thing: he can never inherit the khan's throne. As commander of the Imperial Guard, he swore before everyone to give up his claim to the throne. All he can do is choose the strongest among the princes—and that's me."