"Wen..."
Bai Susu gazed at the troops drawing nearer, then asked Verdant Green Maiden, "I heard the general who reclaimed Jiankang was surnamed Wen. Could this be him?"
Verdant Green Maiden glanced over and nodded. "It should be."
The army reeked of fresh blood, the unmistakable stench of men just back from battle. She could see it.
Wen Jiao led his troops up beside Verdant Green Maiden. Seeing only a long bridge ahead, narrow yet stretching far into the distance, he turned to her. She was riding an ox, so he softened his voice and asked, "Young Lady, would you let my army pass first?"
"Are you in a hurry, General?"
Verdant Green Maiden asked in return.
The deputy general behind him swung the weapon in his hand and said, "Of course! How can you not see the situation, Young Lady?"
Wen Jiao raised a hand to stop his deputy. Verdant Green Maiden smiled. "Are you sure you want to go first?"
At her words, Wen Jiao looked toward the wooden bridge ahead. Though water mist obscured everything, and the bridge and river both seemed eerie, he still nodded. "I am."
The military situation was urgent. He could not afford to delay for long.
"Very well. Go ahead."
Verdant Green Maiden raised a hand and gestured for him to proceed.
"Thank you."
Wen Jiao thanked Verdant Green Maiden and led his troops forward.
Only when he reached the middle of the bridge did Verdant Green Maiden speak, unhurriedly. "Wen Taizhen, look beneath the water."
Beneath the water?
Wen Jiao froze at her words and instinctively looked down.
The water was shrouded in mist. Nothing seemed amiss.
Just then, Verdant Green Maiden took a piece of Rhinoceros Horn from her Dragon Pearl and lit it. The horn incense curled upward, drifting