The Western Expedition Army had been at Tong Pass for three days.
The army remained encamped outside the pass, but the camp, which ought to have been solemn, was anything but quiet.
At the camp gate, a broad, portly Royal Guard occupied as much space as three ordinary soldiers as he beat a drum. Behind him stood several gong players, with others playing panpipes along the way and a few more performing the Ten-Thousand Dance to the beat.
The effort to spread dance throughout the land had been quite a success. Whatever this Western Expedition Army's actual fighting ability might be, its Ten-Thousand Dance certainly made an intimidating spectacle.
Inside the Central Army Tent, Zi Shou knew how to enjoy himself. Though he still had not entered Tong Pass, he lacked neither beautiful maidens nor pretty serving girls.
The female musicians inside the tent played zithers, se zithers, bells, and chimes, a little more refined than the music outside. There was no shortage of dancing girls accompanying them, either. Many were former witches who had fallen on hard times and changed professions, and their looks were certainly nothing to sneer at.
"Your Majesty!"
Li Lie strode through the camp gate. Still immersed in the music and dancing, Zi Shou casually took a gulp of wine and remained reclining, swaying his head to the rhythm without the slightest intention of getting up.
Crack!
This spectacle of song, dance, and peace had continued for an entire day and night. Unable to watch any longer, Li Lie grabbed a pipa beside him and hurled it to the ground.
"Your Majesty, you truly cannot go on like this!"
"Even if the entire army is resting, this is far too much! Grand Tutor Wen would beat his breast in anguish if he knew, and the