Fierce winds howled through the night, making the tents in the Imperial Guards' camp shudder without cease.
The main tent, however, was sturdy, its flap securely fastened. The gale outside could not disturb those dining within.
A temporary earthen stove had been set up inside, with mutton roasting above charcoal embers and an assortment of delicacies laid out beside it.
Sovereign and subjects were not particularly formal at the moment. They ate and drank together, chatting and recounting stories, while fresh wine pots were continually placed on the charcoal stove to warm.
Of course, mutton was the only dish conveniently cooked inside the tent. Everything else had to be prepared elsewhere.
"Fresh dishes coming in!"
A eunuch called out a warning from outside, then the tent flap was lifted. A gust seemed to sweep inside, but with the flap as the only opening, the wind within was slight. The howling outside merely became much clearer.
"Whooo... whooo..."
The three eunuchs carrying the dishes hurried into the warm tent and set them down.
"Leave the flap open. Let some fresh air in!"
The emperor had spoken, and the guards outside dared not disobey. They rolled up the flap. Several ministers exchanged glances, smiled, and resumed their conversation.
"We enter the mountains first thing tomorrow. Will Your Majesty be joining us?"
Though the old commander Zou Jie was the eldest present, he also had the heartiest appetite. He held an entire leg of lamb himself, talking between bites.
Smiling, the emperor raised his wine bowl. Zou Jie hastily set down the lamb and lifted his cup with both hands, clinking it against the emperor's before draining it.
"Age has only made our Grand Commander more vigorous. Since I have made this rare journey, I certainly will not spend it sitting in camp.