In bridal finery, she faced the nation's peril; iron steeds trampled mountains and rivers

Gao Gun gave a hollow laugh. They were all old foxes here-why play these little games? He said, "Let us discuss this another time."

Wen Yanqing was immediately at a loss. He was obsessed with martial arts and paid no attention to anything except training. Wen Yande had ordered him to come and "persuade" Gao Gun, but once he had repeated the words Wen Yande had taught him, he could only stare, tongue-tied. How else was he supposed to persuade him?

Wen Yande had had little choice, either. He knew his elder cousin's shortcomings, but if he sent anyone else, Gao Gun might not even acknowledge them, let alone grant them an audience with a Great Grandmaster. At least Gao Gun would show Wen Yanqing some consideration.

Gao Gun laughed, pointed, and said, "Brother Yanqing! Would you say my troops are a mighty force?"

Only then did Wen Yanqing belatedly ask, "What assignment have you received, Brother Gao? Why are you marching with an army? And where did these troops come from?"

Gao Gun laughed and said, "The Empress sent me to the Great Grassland to borrow troops to quell the rebellion! As for where we will march, that is confidential. I cannot tell you, Brother Yanqing. Please take no offense."

Wen Yanqing thought nothing of it and persisted, "Why not give it some consideration, Brother Gao?"

Gao Gun said, "If the goods are here, I might consider it. If they are not, there is nothing to consider."

Wen Yanqing untied a long bundle from his back and said, "Wen Yande asked me to give this to you, Brother Gao. He said you would certainly agree once you accepted it!"

Gao Gun reached out, took it, and opened the bundle with a smile. "You have come all this way, Brother