Heyuan Prefecture.
The sprawling city stretched along the mountains, carpeted in lush green grass.
Having finished the day's watch, Yang Xu followed custom and led his men—twenty-eight riders in all—on a patrol around Flowing Gold Sea. They searched for scouts from the Northern Court while ensuring the fishermen could work safely and merchant caravans could travel without hindrance.
Making sure they would not be harassed by those who were bandits on the surface and "Northern Court Soldiers" behind the scenes.
These people were also the main source of military merit when no great war was underway.
Splash, splash.
The fishermen drew up to the dock, loading the day's catch into different fish baskets and onto carts, hoping to take them into the city and sell them for a good price.
Yang Xu had his men pick out a few fresh fish to buy. He planned to slice them up that evening and stew a pot of fresh, spicy white soup, sprinkle in a handful of chopped scallions, and eat it with flatbread. Just thinking about it made his mouth water.
"Lord Yang." A Wu reined in his horse and stopped.
"A Wu, what did you find?"
"I think there are fewer eagles in the sky." A Wu gripped his riding whip and pointed toward the vast heavens. "There used to be a Northern Court eagle flock, led by a pure-white saker falcon. The Northern Court nobles raised many saker falcons, but only that one had golden-red pupils. It was exceptionally majestic and led the flock out every five or six days. But for half a month now, the flock has still been there, while the leading saker falcon has vanished."
"You're sure it was the golden-red-eyed saker falcon? It has been gone for half a month?" Yang Xu's attention snapped