Le Luoluo was so startled by Wang Yang that his steps faltered, and the smile froze clean off his face.
"Keep walking. Don't stop, and don't walk too fast. Listen as we go."
While Le Luoluo stood stunned, Wang Yang maintained his original pace, strolling onward.
Le Luoluo was full of shock and questions, but had no time to digest either. He could only follow Wang Yang in search of answers.
"I told you about the War Party before, and mentioned that they had an important figure in Jingzhou. Though I never named him, I think you've already guessed something..."
Le Luoluo's heart jolted. Wang Yang's words echoed in his ears:
"Someone said, 'The Wenyang Man have the wild ambitions of wolf cubs. Only blades and soldiers can cow them. Their entire tribe must be slaughtered to cut off future trouble! Anyone who recklessly proposes sending silk and satin should be executed to answer to all under heaven.' The man who said this is of exalted status, holds great power, is deeply connected to Jingzhou, and is exceedingly warlike..."
This had remained a hidden worry in his heart. He had discussed it with his father, who also inclined to believe it. His father had said that, without the War Party holding it back, the Imperial Court would never have sent a young nobleman into Wuyang Gorge all alone, without a credential tally or imperial edict, without gold and silver or silk and satin, to win the Barbarian Tribes back with nothing but his tongue.
"It's Badong-"
"Yes, the Prince of Badong. He is the last person who wants to see an alliance between Han and barbarian. I guessed he would interfere, but I thought he would wait until I reported back to the Imperial Court before making trouble. I never