The grain supplies may have been destroyed, but if there was turmoil within the Xiongnu, it might present an even greater opportunity—perhaps even a way to subdue the enemy without a fight.
Li Yun acted decisively. He took only his two most elite Hidden Guards, had the others return the way they came as planned, and then approached the felt tent.
The light within the tent was dim, casting two flickering silhouettes against its walls.
Li Yun lay in the snow-covered grass outside the tent, holding his breath and focusing his senses. Helian Kun's voice was low and urgent, speaking in the Xiongnu tongue, but Li Yun had studied it years ago and could understand the gist of it.
"...Father Khan is old, and he favors Helian Duo. Even after learning that bastard might not be his own flesh and blood, he was only angry for a short time. The Great Yushi has his ear, and now he wants to ransom that whelp back. What do you think?"
