Song Qingshu and Yelü Qi led their men east at full speed. There were quite a few checkpoints and cities along the way, but Yelü Qi's rebellion had come so suddenly that even those in Shangjing City had not expected it, much less the more distant cities.
Moreover, the news could not possibly have traveled so quickly. The defending commanders still regarded Yelü Qi as the dignified Gongfen Army Commander, and each was flattered by his arrival, receiving him with great enthusiasm.
Yelü Qi merely claimed that he was carrying out a secret mission assigned by the Emperor and did not stop at all along the way. Most commanders did not press him for details. Rules were one thing, but practical reality was another. Yelü Qi commanded the Gongfen Army and was a favorite before the Emperor. Who would offend him over a little suspicion?
Even so, they encountered several stubborn commanders along the road who insisted on seeing the relevant documents before allowing Yelü Qi to pass. Yelü Qi showed no mercy to such people. While handing over the documents for inspection, he simply cut them down with a single stroke, then accused them of obstructing urgent military affairs, successfully intimidating the other soldiers.
Having witnessed it all, Zhao Min could not help praising him. "I had heard that Yelü Qi was a modest gentleman. I was worried that he might hesitate and delay us, but it seems I was worrying over nothing."
Song Qingshu sighed. "This concerns the lives of over a thousand members of his clan. Even the most gentle and generous gentleman would become iron-blooded."
Thus, the group fought their way through checkpoint after checkpoint. By dawn, they had traveled roughly one hundred and sixty li eastward. That was only possible because they were all cavalry,