Jade Wine

Late at night, in the Emperor's bedchamber, the Emperor lay on his bed as four or five maidservants massaged his entire body.

The newly appointed Great General stood beside him.

The Emperor asked the Great General:

"Tomorrow is the expedition. What is Genpei doing?"

The Great General carefully observed the Emperor's expression and said:

"Lord Genpei is currently cultivating ties with the ministers."

The Emperor frowned.

"Cultivating ties with ministers? What ministers is he cultivating ties with!

He is leading troops out tomorrow to suppress the Demon Army on Peach Blossom Mountain. The night is already deep—how can he still be wandering about outside!"

He snorted and asked about the condition of the three thousand warriors set to depart the next day.

"The three thousand warriors are fully equipped with armor and horses. At sunrise tomorrow, they can wipe out the Demon Army on the mountain and restore peace to the realm! It is only... only..."

At this point, he deliberately put on a troubled expression, cautiously studying the changes in the Emperor's demeanor.

The Emperor lay facedown on the bed, enjoying the maidservants' massages as he turned to look at him.

"Only what? Speak!"

The Great General swallowed and revealed his true purpose. "Lord Genpei slew a demon general before, so he already has prestige in the army, and everyone is willing to listen to him.

Afterward, he spoke up to demand compensation for the fallen, making the soldiers utterly devoted to him.

These past few days, Lord Genpei claimed to be recovering from his wounds, but he has actually been associating closely with the ministers.

After this battle, Lord Genpei may grow arrogant from his merits. I fear for the foundation of the state!"

The Emperor's brow furrowed deeply, and then he fixed the Great General with a