Shan Xiongxin and Qin Qiong's group remained in Daxing City for another four days before racing back to Shandong at full speed.
When they returned, they immediately noticed something was wrong.
On the streets, local troops had begun patrolling in armor.
Previously, the local troops had done no more than guard the city gates. Even when units rotated, that had remained unchanged. But this time, every local soldier had donned armor! They had all been deployed, patrolling in squads of ten!
Shan Xiongxin exchanged a glance with Qin Qiong, then cupped his hands. "Second Brother Qin, Yingying and I need to head back first. You and the Princess take care."
"Go quickly. This isn't the time for delays."
"Let's go, Yingying."
Shan Xiongxin called out.
After saying goodbye to Qin Qiong and Princess Yu, Shan Yingying hurriedly mounted her horse and followed Shan Xiongxin away.
Princess Yu gazed at Qin Qiong with dark, lingering eyes. Even the renowned Second Brother Qin could not withstand that look.
He let out a long breath and said, "It's Lord Wang—or rather, Yang Guang. They're going to wipe out the bandits and implicate... the prominent families."
He spoke softly. For now, this was still confidential.
"What a strategy." After holding it in for a while, Princess Yu finally said, "They rotated the troops and struck before the local forces could be bought off, ensuring the orders would be carried out. Lord Wang has always had a good reputation, and the soldiers below are willing to risk their lives for him. All of Shandong is likely to be thrown into turmoil this time. No! Henan and Hebei are probably already surrounded by the army as well!"
"They mean to sweep them all up in one net," Qin Qiong said with a sigh.
"They can't catch