The Enemy's Secret Dealings

Dudun's expression changed drastically. He shot a signal with his eyes, and his companions rushed over to open boxes at random. They even ignored the protests and knocked over several of the Dragon King's boxes by the roadside. Inside were nothing but iron ingots, weapons, cotton-padded clothes, and the like—not a single bit of gold or silver.

Dudun glared furiously at the Dragon King. "You came all this way for these things?"

Gu Shenwei looked slightly surprised. "These are vital military supplies. What else did Your Highness expect?"

For the first time, Dudun was consumed by fury toward the Dragon King. He nearly gave the order to attack, heedless of the consequences, but managed to restrain himself. The Dragon King was only ten paces away, and Dudun had no one capable of stopping him. "We'll meet again."

"Your Highness, take care," Gu Shenwei said courteously.

Dudun turned his horse around. One officer, in a moment of utter foolishness, asked, "Your Highness, what about these goods...?"

Dudun raised his horsewhip and lashed him indiscriminately across the face. "Idiot! Take them!"

The officer covered his face and went to relay the order. Dudun's anger eased a little. He turned back and smiled at the Dragon King. "In a few days, my younger brother, Shulitu, will lead part of the army to the Western Regions to spend the winter. Dragon King, will you come with me to inspect the troops?"

"Of course."

Li Man nodded solemnly to the Dragon King. For no apparent reason, he let out a sigh, then spurred his horse after Dudun.

The Northern Court army redistributed the goods from the carts among the horses and quickly withdrew. The Rebel Army took all the livestock and vehicles. They would rather move more slowly than leave them for the Meng Family