The Western Regions Must Not Be Lost

At Verdant Green Maiden's words, Wei Boyu breathed a great sigh of relief.

At least with her accompanying him back, he would have an easier time explaining himself to the Pacified West Grand Protector.

"Thank you."

Wei Boyu cupped his hands in thanks to Verdant Green Maiden.

The Pacified West Army halted in Hexi.

Wei Boyu and Verdant Green Maiden headed for the Western Regions. Several months later, their party returned to Kucha City, capital of the Kingdom of Kucha and seat of the Pacified West Grand Protectorate.

As soon as he learned of their return, Pacified West Grand Protector Li Gong summoned Wei Boyu.

Wei Boyu brought Verdant Green Maiden and the Imperial Edict to meet Li Gong.

"Wei Boyu!"

"How dare you withdraw the army?"

"Are you trying to rebel?"

Li Gong demanded angrily.

Wei Boyu immediately cupped his hands. "Please forgive me, Grand Protector! I am not rebelling. I have an order from Taizong!"

"An order from Taizong?"

Li Gong frowned.

He turned toward Verdant Green Maiden, who stood to one side. She gave the Imperial Edict in her hand a little wave.

Li Gong's pupils contracted at the sight.

"Nonsense!"

"Emperor Taizong rode the crane west over a century ago! How could he have ordered you to withdraw?"

"I'd say this woman has tricked you!"

After that rebuke, Li Gong snatched the Imperial Edict from Verdant Green Maiden's hand.

The moment he read it, he fell silent.

Its contents were simple: no matter what happened in the Central Plains, the garrison of the Pacified West Grand Protectorate must never abandon Pacified West or draw away its forces to send back as reinforcements.

"This..."

Li Gong belonged to the Imperial Clan.

Naturally, he could tell the Imperial Edict was genuine.

But why?

Why would Taizong have left