"Mm." Zi Shou felt a little hungry too. Seeing that he was about to lose the game on the table, he swept out a hand and overturned the board. "Good. In that case, let us eat first."
He turned to Lu Xiong, who had been just about to place a piece. "Come, old general. Join me."
"As you command." Lu Xiong gazed thoughtfully at the pieces scattered across the floor.
"Attend me!" Yu Hualong turned and shouted. "Escort His Majesty into the pass at once!"
"Yes!" Yu Hualong's five sons-Yu Da, Yu Zhao, Yu Guang, Yu Xian, and Yu De-came forward. Having so many sons was the proudest achievement of his life. Though he could not compare with Ji Chang, he had one more than Huang Feihu and two more than King Zhou, and every one of them was brave and skilled in battle. What a blessing!
Fully armored, the five cupped their fists respectfully. "This way, Your Majesty. We have prepared fine dishes within the pass, and the army's feast is ready as well."
"There is no need for a feast for the army." Zi Shou shook his head and glanced outside the tent.
"Why not? It is one thing not to let them enter the pass to rest, but surely these exhausted soldiers should at least be allowed a proper meal?"
Yu Hualong's expression turned exceedingly strange. Marching rations could hardly compare with an ordinary meal. Treating the soldiers so harshly was simply too...
Lu Xiong shook his head inwardly. After a night of chess and conversation, he understood how to lead this army of former slaves. But without His Majesty's guidance, others would struggle to grasp the deeper meaning. Even a veteran of the battlefield as experienced as Yu Hualong remained in the dark. His Majesty truly