Black Wind Town, Council Hall.
Zheng Chongwen and Zhao Wuji's forces had already gone down the mountain, and the dust kicked up along the mountain path gradually settled.
Lin Mo reclined against the Tiger Skin Armchair, still holding the Crouching Tiger Golden Seal as he turned it over and examined it several times.
The seal's surface was smooth, its seal-script characters neat and precise. It was indeed the craftsmanship of the Imperial Household Department. He casually tossed the golden seal into its brocade box and pushed it across the tea table.
"Put it away."
Cao Zhengchun hurried forward, lifted the brocade box with both hands, and carefully retreated to the side.
Lin Mo picked up his teacup and had barely taken a sip when Lin Xi's voice came through the Consciousness Link.
"Lord, there's news from Qin Lie."
Lin Mo set down his teacup. "Speak."
"Qin Lie led his men to seize the Zhao family's silver mine. Zhao Jun was slain. Of the eight hundred guards, more than half were killed or wounded, while the rest surrendered."
Lin Mo raised a brow slightly. "What about our casualties?"
Lin Xi opened the ledger in his hands.
"We lost one hundred and seventeen men, with over two hundred wounded. Most were hit by arrows while assaulting the walls."
He paused before adding, "Also, more than two thousand three hundred mine slaves were rescued from the mine.
"They were all refugees captured from nearby areas. Some had been imprisoned for one year, others for three or four years. They have all been incorporated into our forces.
"Qin Lie requests instructions. Should we send the mine slaves back to the territory first, or settle them there?"
"Settle them there." Lin Mo gave his orders through the Consciousness Link. "The mine cannot stop operating. Have