Tap, tap, tap. Tap, tap, tap. Tap, tap. Tap.
In the great cabin of the tower ship, the Prince of Badong lounged crookedly in the seat of honor, his cheeks taut as his fingers tapped the desk, one beat after another. Below him, his advisers studied maps, leafed through documents, or conferred in low voices.
The Prince of Badong tapped faster and faster, his cheeks tightening further, until suddenly he slammed his fist onto the desk with a bang!
Everyone jumped and hurriedly looked up.
"No more waiting! Let him sleep! He can come or not, as he pleases! I refuse to believe everything must hang in the balance without Wang Zhiyan! Li Jingxuan, begin!"
No one spoke, but inwardly they all rejoiced. Wang Yang, arrogant in his talents, refused to bow his head. The Prince gave him the cold shoulder, and he returned the favor. First he was hungover, then unwell, and now he would not even attend councils. That was a man of a great aristocratic clan for you-what style! Keep it up. By all means, keep it up!
Li Jingxuan also feared Wang Yang might regain favor. After all, the man could overturn life and death and turn ghosts and gods upside down with a few words. Best if he never showed his face before the Prince. Besides, Li Jingxuan was somewhat worried that if Wang Yang came, he would entice the Prince into using that "extraordinary stratagem"...
Li Jingxuan composed himself, accepted the order, and declared clearly:
"Gentlemen, the situation is now quite clear. The enemy has contracted its entire disposition and concentrated its forces at Xiakou, Lu Mountain, and the Crescent Rampart to make a firm defense. The outcome in Yingzhou will be decided at these three places. This morning, General Liu Chaozhi requested permission