Operation Retreat

Back at the palace, the General was highly pressured. While the mistreatment of his own concubine wasn't a big deal. Not when it was taken into consideration the way others often wronged their wives. It was the fact that he was a highly regarded general, and she was the daughter of a high ranking official minister that made the situation worse. In addition, the emperor had been on his tail, trying to cut down his power for years, and his chief collaborator seemed to have prepared a solo way out for himself.

He was now on his own.

How could have it all happen? Why did that dense concubine of his go insane, wasn't she supposed to be just pretending? He had thought about this all night long, not getting a wink of sleep.

The general sighed. It was of no matter. After all, he only kept her around in order to kill off his eldest daughter. As long as she was dead, he'll be fine. He slyly looked up at the emperor.

That old bastard wanted his power, didn't he?

Well, that was fine too.

Just because you can get your hands on my army doesn't mean you can control it!

He smirked with his head lowered and slowly took out his token. He'll play low for now. Time always gifted the patient with the best rewards.

A eunuch came forward and accepted the token, carefully inspecting the ancient design on the item before presenting it to the emperor.

The emperor stared at the general profoundly. Wasn't this way too simple?

He frowned.

There might be a hidden danger.

He picked up the token carefully and brushed his finger lightly over the carved dragon on the metal. It was one of his most desired treasures.

The <Roaring Dragon Token>.

Anyone would have this token would be able to control an army of high-level fighters from a mysterious tribe that could withhold any attack even if the other side had 5 times more men than them. Each of the fighter's movements was like dragon claws, warding off the enemies. The fighting style was a hidden skill only taught to those in the tribe.

He turned the token in his hands. The dragon on the token was so realistic he thought it was real. He gently set the token back down before falling deep into his thoughts.

Back then, he can still recall the previous owner of the token standing so arrogantly on the battlefield. It felt so strange, he remembered the figure with fluttering blood-red robes and her determined eyes.

He sighed lightly.

She was the daughter of a valued clan chief. The tribe had a particular martial art style that could annul specific magic attacks. It was a fiery way of fighting. Even if someone wanted to control it, it wasn't easy. If you weren't from the tribe, your blood would cook inside your body, and your veins would explode from the pressure.

In order to seal an alliance with the tribe, he had arranged a political marriage. Back then, he thought he had chosen the right candidate, but who knew this general would get so out of control within a short time.

He froze.

He nearly forgot.

He glanced wryly at the General before putting on a gentle smile.

"General Wei, how is your daughter?"

"Replying to your majesty, Lan'er is fine."

The emperor's heart trembled. Did something happen to the eldest daughter? No, he couldn't let that happen.

"General Wei, I have no interest in Lan'er. I'm asking about your first daughter."

General Wei gritted his teeth. Why was the emperor so worried about that wretch all of a sudden?!

This can't do, she's nearly dead or dead by now. What was he supposed to answer?

"Replying to your majesty, Yue'er is-"

"Royal father."

A vibrant voice called out, freezing the general next words.

"I went with my royal crown brother to General Wei's manor yesterday. Lady Hongyue doesn't seem well at all. So much so that I worried all night. Will royal father permit this son to visit her to be assured of her health?"

The general's face fell while the emperor laughed.

"Oh, is that so?" The emperor glanced at the general, "General Wei, the third prince is willing to grace you with his visit, why aren't you giving your thanks?"

General Wei tried to maintain a smile on his stiff face.

"I thank the third prince for his grac-"

The third prince waved his hand nonchalantly. "No need. I'm not doing it for you. Lady Hongyue is to marry into the royal family. This is my duty. I'm simply doing what I can for now."

General Wei flinched. "Yes, of course."

Minster Hui stepped out, wringing his hands as if he been wronged.

"Your Majesty, my daughter.."

The emperor nodded. He waved his left hand, and the eunuch by his side appeared in front of the minister before handing the <Roaring Dragon> token to him.

Minster Hui accepted the token with trembling hands, "T-this..R-roaring Dragon.."

"Take it as compensation, after all, you suffered. Dismiss the court!"

Minster Hui bowed sincerely and gave his thanks, "May his majesty reign forever and ever."

Slowly, all the ministers shuffled out of the room.

Turning his attention to the general, the third prince politely gestured with a hint of disdain in his eyes, "Now, General Wei, please lead the way."

-------------

Meanwhile, on the other side of the palace, a loud exclamation could be heard.

"Royal Father! This son doesn't understand. Why did you give away the token? Didn't you try so hard to obtain it?"

The emperor turned to the crown Prince.

"Do you think I want to give away such a treasure? That Hui family always want to take a mile when you give them an inch. General Wei handed it over too quickly, something doesn't seem right."

"I see. You are planning to use the Hui family as a test subject. But what's the next move?"