The city had changed as well.
Perhaps because spring had arrived and the weather was warming, or perhaps because the war had ended, there were more people on the streets and more commercial activity. People of every hue and nationality crowded together, with the occasional Han face mixed among them, creating an impression of great prosperity.
Pan Yun swept her gaze over the scene and noticed that most of the Han people in the city carried themselves like warriors. She knew they were soldiers stationed nearby.
The two of them expertly found their way back to the residence. When they pushed open the door, the people inside immediately came forward respectfully and bowed. "Miss!"
Zhao Shizhu and Hu Ning had still not revealed their identities. They remained in the city under the guise of scouts, gathering intelligence in secret.
Although Tielian Guti now housed Ming Dynasty troops, the city was still primarily controlled by the original Oirat tribal royal court.
Zhao Shizhu led Pan Yun to the top floor and reported in a low voice, "The city looks peaceful on the surface, but it is anything but tranquil beneath. The local Oirat nobles are deeply dissatisfied with the Imperial Court's troops being stationed here. Even the neighboring Tsar Khanate is stirring restlessly."
Pan Yun nodded slightly and asked, "Who is the commanding general stationed with the army?"
"His name is Lan Lu. He seems to have noticed the unusual movements in the Chahar Khanate and Tielian Guti as well, so he has recently concentrated his forces along the border. But..."
Zhao Shizhu hesitated.
Pan Yun said, "Speak plainly."
Zhao Shizhu said, "I am not worried about enemies attacking from outside. A battalion is stationed a hundred li from Tielian Guti and can quickly come to our aid. But if the