The common people had never heard of the Great Song.
But they understood the part about reclaiming the Western Regions and protecting the people, and Cao Bin had indeed ordered the Imperial Guard to do just that.
These descendants of the Northern Court Protectorate's people began cheering.
"Han soldiers!"
The excitement of these few people soon spread to the others.
Some of the townsfolk were no longer afraid.
They poked their heads out, watching the scene in the street with curiosity.
Seeing how excited these people were, Cao Bin grew curious about their identities.
"Ask them for me. Why are they so happy?"
"Yes."
The interpreter nodded and turned to ask them.
After they finished speaking, a flicker of surprise crossed the interpreter's eyes. He hurriedly turned back to Cao Bin. "General, their ancestors belonged to the Northern Court Protectorate! That is why they are so excited to see Han soldiers return."
Cao Bin's pupils contracted at those words.
After a moment of silence, he cupped his hands toward them once more.
"My respects!"
"We wouldn't dare accept such an honor..."
They hastily waved their hands.
Cao Bin arrived at what had once been the administrative headquarters of the Beiting Grand Protectorate.
But nothing connected to Han Territory could be discerned here anymore. The Turks and Uyghurs had destroyed everything belonging to the Northern Court Protectorate.
After a thorough inspection revealed that nothing remained, Cao Bin turned to the men following him.
"Send word to the Imperial Tutor. Tell him Ting Prefecture has been liberated!"
"The army will rest and regroup in Ting Prefecture."
"Also... inspect the city defenses and guard against surprise attacks."
"Yes!"
The men behind him immediately nodded.
Western Prefecture was very close to Ting Prefecture.
News that Ting Prefecture had fallen to the Great Song Imperial