The moon hung high.
Li Ping'an was immersed in visualization when Old Ox's call brought him out of his cultivation.
Old Ox brought over hot dishes and rice.
A plate of steamed meat, a plate of red sausage, a plate of smashed cucumbers, and a small dish of stir-fried soybeans.
Lu Renjia had sent someone to deliver all the ingredients.
To still have meat to eat at a time like this-
His family was clearly quite well-off.
Li Ping'an ate six bowls of rice and set down his chopsticks.
Old Ox blinked.
Eating so little? Was something weighing on his mind?
Li Ping'an poured himself a cup of tea and said, "I wonder who's taking part in the siege. Apart from Liu Yun... Liu Yong."
He suddenly remembered the general he had once recommended to Liu Yun in the Anbei Four Garrisons.
He wondered whether the man had joined this battle to breach the city.
If the Great Sui general Lu Renjia's father had mentioned proved unreliable, he should at least know whom to turn to.
He could hardly let rampaging soldiers destroy this place in a single stroke.
Late that night, the battle cries outside the city grew fiercer.
Li Ping'an examined the situation with his Dharma Eye and understood that the city would fall within the next few days.
Crackle, pop-the sound of firecrackers rang out without end.
For Great Yu, this was a different sort of New Year.
As the new year began, Great Sui's army stood beneath the city walls.
"Senior brother, your calligraphy really is wonderful."
Looking at Li Ping'an's brushwork, Lu Renjia could not help praising him.
Upper couplet: Gold and jade fill the hall, and the family flourishes.
Lower couplet: A lucky star guards the home and bestows peace.
Horizontal inscription: A