Shaozhou City, North Gate.
Yellow banners on the walls snapped in the wind. The fires within the city had gradually died down, but thick smoke still rose into the air.
The Rebel Army was clearing the battlefield. Teams of soldiers marched captives through the city gates, while the commoners were driven to an open area outside the city to await their fate.
He Qizheng rode behind Huang Chao, slowly making his way through the streets.
"He Qizheng." Huang Chao's voice came from ahead.
He Qizheng hurriedly urged his horse forward and cupped his hands. "What are your orders, Yellow King?"
Without looking back, Huang Chao said flatly, "Go collect your ten percent from the government office yourself. I've already made arrangements."
Overjoyed, He Qizheng repeatedly cupped his hands. "Many thanks, Yellow King! Many thanks, Yellow King!"
Huang Chao waved a hand and rode toward the Central Army camp outside the city.
He Qizheng remained where he was, watching Huang Chao's retreating back as the corners of his mouth curled slightly.
He turned his horse and was about to head for the government office when he suddenly spotted someone standing atop the city wall.
The man wore a gray cloth robe and had an ordinary face, but his eyes were bright as they stared directly at him.
He Qizheng's heart tightened. Instinctively avoiding that gaze, he urged his horse away.
Outside the city, the Central Army command tent.
Huang Chao sat behind the command desk, a complete topographical map of Lingnan Dao spread out before him.
Shaozhou had fallen. Xue Rengui had fled south. Panyu lay right before him.
Yet he did not immediately give the order.
"Commander." A deputy general entered the tent and cupped his hands in salute.
"The scouts report that Xue Rengui's remaining forces have passed Qingyuan