That evening, after the damages to the city was dealt with, an emissary from the Western Empire Palace arrived to deliver a message.
"Emperor Guan Hong wants us to return?" Rin read the letter with a slight frown.
"His Majesty has heard of your success in Tongshu province against the Tuhan enemy and has asked for your return to discuss further strategies."
Rin listened to the emissary's report and suddenly frowned. How is it the emperor knew all of this?
Glancing behind her, Rin's eyes narrowed when they happened to meet the face of General Donghai. He looked back at her indifferently.
"I may be serving you here, but in the end, my duty is to report everything back to the emperor."
Not at all surprised by his explanation, Rin folded the letter and looked at the emissary.
"Inform your emperor that we will be leaving tomorrow morning. I hope he understands, but there are still things that need to be settled here. Especially after we have suffered an attack, I must ensure everything is secure before I leave."
The emissary appeared hesitant and couldn't help but glance at General Donghai. This subtle act of his caused Rin's eyes to flicker darkly.
"Is there something wrong with what I said?" Her voice was colder than ice. "Please state clearly if the emperor would like me to arrive by tonight. I can make it happen. Otherwise, there shouldn't be any problems with me staying one more night in Tongshu."
General Donghai's brows raised. Her voice was so thick with irritation that it was almost a growl. He had to laugh at such fierceness.
"Inform the emperor we will arrive tomorrow as the strategist said," General Donghai waved his hand to dismiss him.
Nodding his head, the emissary quickly walked to his horse before mounting away. Rin watched him leave with a look of displeasure before turning around with a huff. When she met General Donghai's amused smirk, her frustration grew.
"What?"
"You have quite the temper in you for such a small boy."
"I do not." Rin could not keep the bitterness out of her voice.
"Sure...and I don't enjoy cutting the limbs and hearts of bastards."
The edges of Rin's mouth twitched. It was so very clear he enjoyed killing people to an unhealthy extent. However, she understood his comparison. She looked up at General Donghai with a scowl, but the man continued to stare mockingly at her. The droopy flesh on his left eye raised as if he were arching his brows.
Rin thickened her voice as she said, "I would rather not be questioned for my choices, that's all."
"That's all you say." General Donghai snorted. "I hate to break it to you, but not everyone will comply with your orders. Whether you're a genius or the most powerful man there is, not everyone will wish to bend the knee to you. You have to earn that respect and be understanding of the different opinions of those around you."
Listening to his words, Rin's lips pressed together. She knew that but even so...she couldn't help but feel bothered by it. Even though the emissary's act just now had been rather reasonable and subtle, it still showed he didn't regard her words to any extent.
She felt like a spoiled and angry child everyone wished to please but did not respect.
Sighing, Rin lifted her head to General Donghai before turning away. When she noticed a certain figure coming down the stairs, her eyes brightened.
