Green Mountain

Inside the main hall of the inn, the Yulin Army surrounded, swords at the ready, while Zhou You stood alone in the center, his voice booming as he spoke.

Li Xuan glanced around, then turned back to this Deputy General of the border army: "Lord Zhou, it is admirable that you share meals and lodgings with your soldiers. However, if Jing Dynasty spies can set fire to your food supplies right under your nose, you cannot be entirely blameless. If there was no insider in your border army, the Jing Dynasty spies could not have succeeded in their task."

Zhou You’s eyelids twitched slightly, then he slowly replied: "We will investigate this matter ourselves, Lord Li need not trouble himself."

Unable to restrain himself, Li Xuan scolded: "You will investigate? Lord Zhou, I think you seem like an insider for the Jing Dynasty. If the food you requisitioned is burned again, then even the gods won’t be able to save Guyuan City!"

Zhou You, in his armor, sneered as he looked around: "What, Lord Li, would you like to detain me for questioning? Let’s see if your Yulin Army has the strength to do so! I’ve been in the border army since the 11th Year of Jianing, risking my life. Over twenty-one years, I’ve beheaded 319 Jing Dynasty thieves, and it’s not up to a bunch of officials from the Imperial Capital to accuse me of being a Jing Dynasty insider!"

The Crown Prince said soothingly: "Lord Zhou’s contributions to defending the frontier are monumental, and we do not question this. However, regarding the destruction of the border army’s food supplies, doesn’t the border army owe the court an explanation?"

Zhou You dusted off his clothes and arrogantly said: "If I survive this battle, I will indeed provide an explanation to the court. Men, take all the remaining food in this Dragon Gate Inn and transport it to the border army’s camp!"

Outside the inn, someone suddenly tore down the cotton curtain at the door and wearing bamboo armor, burst into the inn’s backyard, moving all the food in sight.

Qi Zhenzhuo wanted to draw his sword, but was firmly held back by Li Xuan: "Hold back, Zhou You seems to be provoking us on purpose. Small tolerance is needed for the big plan!"

Qi Zhenzhuo gritted his teeth so hard they might shatter, but he eventually slowly relaxed his grip on the sword.

After the border army departed, the chill wind howled into the inn, leaving everyone inside staring blankly at each other.