Behind the Scenes

Little Yanzhi sat cross-legged on the soft couch, both hands hidden in her sleeves, like a majestic goddess carved in stone.

Prince Dudun paced back and forth, his brow deeply furrowed. Suddenly, he stopped and turned, raising his right index finger at Little Yanzhi. "You should press our advantage."

"The Dragon King isn't easy to fool," Little Yanzhi said calmly. "Trust me. He'll take the bait on his own."

"Zhesu is negotiating tomorrow." Dudun braced both hands on the couch and met Little Yanzhi's gaze. His face showed both anxiety and a childlike plea. "Zhesu is an old fox. He invited both me and Shulitu because he wants to put the Naihang Tribe up for auction. He'll support whoever offers the better terms."

Little Yanzhi's heart melted. She raised a hand and gently stroked that masculine face. The image before her and the boy in her memories became one, and her voice softened to a tender murmur. "Can't we offer him better terms? Shulitu is just a child. What could he possibly give him?"

Dudun stood impatiently, escaping Little Yanzhi's caress like a stubborn boy instinctively recoiling from any show of affection. "The issue isn't Shulitu. It's the Dragon King. The Northern Court isn't his, anyway. If he can get rid of Golden Peng Fortress, he'd even give the entire grassland to the Naihang Tribe. How can I compete with that?"

Little Yanzhi lowered her hand. Her feelings for Dudun were complicated, blending the roles of mother, companion, and lover. Each had one thing in common: she would never betray or harm this man. "The Dragon King has taken an interest in the Northern Court. I can see it in his eyes."

Dudun let out a long breath and sat beside Little Yanzhi, lost in thought. "Sometimes I really want