"My lord is truly considerate of his subjects. I'll deliver it at once." Gu Li felt somewhat moved on Lu Xun's behalf.
Sun Quan waved a hand lightly. "Go. I've already drunk half the jug myself, so don't sneak any drinks on the road. When you meet up with me in Dantu, there'll be fine wine from home waiting for you."
"What are you saying, my lord? This body of mine is sturdy as iron." Gu Li patted his chest and laughed as he promised, though inwardly he thought that while the wine in Sun Quan's palace was excellent, such a mere half-jug could never satisfy his craving.
The moment Gu Li stepped off Feiyun, the warships of Hu Zong and Sun Shao weighed anchor as well. They pushed away from the docks and drifted slowly east with the river's current, soon vanishing together into the darkness.
Lu Xun had been standing outside the tent with furrowed brows, gazing into the distance. He had been pondering how to help Sun Quan resolve the crisis. Just as he was about to return and rest, he saw Gu Li approaching with a smile.
"General Gu? Why didn't you leave with my lord?" Lu Xun asked, utterly puzzled.
Gu Li explained with a smile, "In today's battle on the Yangtze River, the Grand Viceroy lost quite a few officers. His Majesty feared you would have no one under your command to use, so he ordered me to remain and await your orders."
Lu Xun knew perfectly well that although Gu Li had been stripped of his title, he remained one of Sun Quan's close confidants. Had he left this man behind to keep watch on me? *The king's suspicious nature truly hasn't changed. If I had rebellious intentions, would I have waited until