Adventure

As commander of an army, Prince Dudun was extremely busy, but he readily agreed to receive Shangguan Ru and even hosted a grand feast.

Prince Dudun was the sort of person who could quickly leave a deep impression on visitors. He was arrogant without being unpleasant, and was almost always surrounded by seven or eight companions of the same age, laughing loudly and keeping everyone else out. Only with the prince's permission would they open a narrow passage.

Outsiders who had the chance to approach the prince could not help feeling as if thorns were pricking their backs under the scrutiny of so many eyes, trembling with fear. But the moment they suddenly heard the prince speak in a warm, hearty voice, they immediately felt relieved, believing themselves to have received special treatment.

After only a brief conversation, Shangguan Ru reached a conclusion: this was a person utterly opposite to the Dragon King, yet somewhat similar to herself. If she had not experienced so many upheavals, she might have resembled him even more.

There were quite a few buildings inside Tongtian Pass, but Prince Dudun refused to follow local custom and still set up a tent to serve as his reception hall. The food was also typical of the grasslands: endless fine wine, meat, and milk.

Shangguan Ru entered the tent together with the Crown Prince of Shule. The first person to come forward and greet her was none other than Right General Shang Liao.

Shang Liao was not wearing armor. With a smile covering his face, he gave a reserved nod. "Head Instructor Shangguan, you came in such a hurry. Why didn't you send someone with a letter? Then I could have sent troops to welcome Your Highness."

"Because I had no 'Your Highness,' only a horse."

The Crown