The main camp.
Liu Yun stared unblinkingly at the battlefield sand table, pondering the next war to come.
But her mind was a tangled mess.
Liu Yong strode in and cupped his hands.
Liu Yun raised her head almost instinctively.
Liu Yong swallowed before speaking.
"Your Highness, we couldn't find Mr. Li. He has probably already left. Should we go after him?"
The air seemed to stand still for a moment before Liu Yong received his answer.
"Forget it. You may go. Call the generals over; there are important matters to discuss."
"Yes!"
Liu Yong withdrew.
Old Ox held the rope and glanced down the well.
Li Ping'an's voice came up. "Old Ox, pull!!"
An earthen well, a round windlass, a willow-woven bucket.
Old Ox cranked the windlass. It was hard work.
With the windlass handle being turned by hand, the ice underfoot gleamed slick and bright.
One careless move, and a foot could slip.
With a bit of bad luck, someone could fall into the well.
Before long, Old Ox hauled Li Ping'an up.
Li Ping'an held a dipper filled with cold water. He had already drunk his fill down below.
This was for Old Ox.
Old Ox took a sip, and an icy sensation filled his mouth.
Refreshing!!
Having drunk his fill, Old Ox let go of the windlass handle.
Li Ping'an yelped, vanished from the mouth of the well, and fell in again.
Then he unleashed a torrent of curses.
Old Ox blinked. I didn't do it on purpose~
A satisfied look appeared on Li Ping'an's face. He was finally back!
"Old Ox, let's go!"
The man and ox walked off into the distance.
Homeward through the wind and snow at night.
Liu's Noodle Stall, Anbei Four Garrisons.
Old Liu dropped a prepared portion of