The king pulled his hand back from the terracotta toy and leaned back in his seat before his gaze swept across the table.
"How are the supplies and how long will they supplies last for the army?"
General Cao immediately rose, clasping his fists in salute before speaking in a steady, measured voice.
"Your Majesty, the stores are secure. Enough rations and arms to last two full months without strain. Furthermore, the nearby villages have… 'volunteered' to provide grain and livestock to sustain our lines."
The king's eyes glinted. He let out a low, satisfied hum, the sound edged with menace.
"Volunteered," he repeated with a smirk. "Yes… a wise choice on their part."
It may not have truly been voluntary, but the peasants had no power to resist the weight of military might.
They could only bow their heads and comply and every general present knew that very well, though not one dared raise their voice.
