Hearing Feng Ji say this, Li Shuyi was unwilling to let it go:
"Hey, banning weapons isn't enough? You also want to separate us from our lord? What are your intentions? The Third Young Master commands a great army—does he not even have this much courage?"
Seeing Bai Xiaowen's subordinates object, Feng Ji instead felt much more at ease. He gave a chuckle. "The main command tent is where the two young masters are holding their banquet. Those accompanying them are either court dignitaries like Minister Dong or high-ranking provincial officials such as provincial advisers. There are no seats for the two generals. The side tent is where the military officers gather."
Li Shuyi said, "The two of us are responsible for protecting our lord and Minister Dong. We cannot leave their side."
Bai Xiaowen waved a hand. "Forget it! I came here by imperial decree. These hundred thousand troops are my own army, not some dragon's den or tiger's lair. How could they possibly harm me? Third Brother, wouldn't you agree?"
What else could Yuan Shang say? He could only nod with a complicated expression.
Bai Xiaowen instructed Li Shuyi and Han Xu, "The two of you may go and drink with Father's former subordinates. Do not cause trouble."
With his arrangements made, Bai Xiaowen smiled freely and strode proudly into the main command tent.
Jiang Yiqu and the other generals saw Bai Xiaowen's forthrightness, then looked at Yuan Shang and Feng Ji, who were cowering and skulking about. The contrast was truly obvious.
Jiang Yiqu sighed softly. "A gentleman is open and at ease; a petty man is forever anxious. The ancients truly did not deceive us."
The personal guards beside him hurriedly advised, "General, watch your words. Do not let the Third Young Master and Strategist Feng