Chapter 26
Don Jian played the zither skillfully for his elder sister, Don Meng, attempting to lull her to sleep. Suddenly, their cousin Don Jie rushed in, eager to convey some news. Prince Don Jian gestured for him to be silent, indicating that he wanted his sister to fall asleep first. Unfortunately, Don Meng opened her eyes and signaled for Don Jie to sit beside her, gently massaging his head.
"Little Jie, what's the matter? Who dared to bother our favorite and youngest brother? Tell big sister, she'll do anything to make you smile," Don Meng said lovingly.
Don Jie grinned sheepishly and scratched his cheek. "Big sister, nobody bullied me. I just wanted to inform big brother Jian about something that just happened."
Don Jian furrowed his brow and nodded at his little cousin, while Don Meng offered a cup of water to help him cool down.
"First, drink some water and take a deep breath before you continue," Don Meng instructed, her tone unwavering.
Don Jian could only nod, waiting for his cousin to compose himself. Don Jie, having taken a drink and a deep breath, began to explain.
"Big brother Jian, Big sister, here's what happened. The Blood Conquering Empire's army has reached our city. The only thing separating them from us is the town you instructed to construct. But here's the crucial part: an unarmed soldier from their side came into the town, stating that he wanted to make a deal with our leader. Deputy Xu Feng instructed him to wait at the site and sent me to notify you."
Don Jian furrowed his brows thoughtfully before exhaling. "I think I understand. Did Deputy Xu Feng mention anything else for me?"
Don Jie shook his head, then remembered something and added hurriedly, "Yes, he said I should tell you that the name of the soldier who came to make a deal is Ye Tian. That's the only thing he told me."
Don Jian laughed immediately and nodded.
Don Meng, however, remained thoughtful. "Little Jian, what's going on?"
Don Jian reassured his sister. "Sister, it's alright. You mentioned that you've finished concocting the poisons, right?"
Don Meng nodded. "Yes, I'm done."
Don Jian laughed again. "Great! Great!" He then turned to his cousin. "Little Jie, please go back and tell Xu Feng that I've confirmed that our Value, Vision, and Mission as an empire remain unchanged and sacred. Also, let him know that he should handle all other matters according to my arrangements."
Don Jie looked confused. "Brother Jian, I don't understand."
Don Jian reached out and placed his hand on his cousin's shoulder. "Don't worry; Xu Feng will understand."
Concerned, Don Meng chimed in. "Brother, won't we waste resources this way, considering how things are progressing?"
Don Jie left the room to relay Don Jian's message to Xu Feng.
Don Jian looked at his sister. "Not necessarily. Unless we're attacked, our traps won't be triggered, so for now we just keep increasing concoction of the poisons before the final well of the war, in fact I will also join in for the concoction this time."