"Report... report..."

The scout shouted all the way in. When he reached them he swung down from his horse, but his legs gave out under him and he went sprawling.

He scrambled up in a sorry state and dropped to one knee.

Only then could everyone see that he was covered in blood. There were scabs of dried blood on his face, and his eyes were full of panic.

Yuan Long's expression hardened. "What happened?" he demanded.

The scout was so panicked he could barely get the words out. "R-reporting to the General, there's been a mutiny in the army. The blade-and-shield battalion and the cavalry battalion are fighting each other. The losses are terrible.

The military adviser can't get the situation under control anymore. He told this small man to ride as fast as I could and catch up with you, General, no matter what... This small man has been riding all night. Thank goodness I found you, General..."

As he spoke, the scout swayed, his eyes rolled back, and he very nearly passed out.

Yuan Long asked, "Why are the blade-and-shield battalion and the cavalry battalion fighting?"

"Because... because of food..."

That was all the scout managed before he collapsed, utterly spent, and passed out on the ground.

Yuan Long hurriedly ordered the soldiers beside him, "Quick, see to him. Give him some water."

Then he exploded in rage. "Those worthless bastards, turning their weapons on each other over a mouthful of food. It's... it's enough to make this general die of anger."

An officer behind Yuan Long cupped his fist. "General, the army's been out of grain for days. We have to find grain and fodder as fast as we can, or this kind of thing is bound to keep happening."

Another officer followed right on his heels. "General, the most important thing right now is to get back as fast as we can and put down the mutiny."

His face dark, Yuan Long gave a small nod.

He turned to Cui Haocang and cupped his hands. "General Cui Haocang, there's an emergency in my army. I…