Clouds of Suspicion! The Emperor Takes the Field?

Just as doubts multiplied in Qin Yao's mind,

a fresh plume of dust rose from the official road ahead.

"Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!"

Hooves beat like a frantic drum, rolling closer and closer.

Qin Yao narrowed his eyes. A chestnut horse galloped toward the city gate, its rider urging it on at full speed.

The rider wore an official's winged cap, a dark-red short robe made for courier-station messengers, and a leather belt studded with copper.

A small triangular flag was tucked diagonally behind his back, embroidered with a golden flame-dragon pattern.

"Huh? Is that..."

Qin Yao's pupils contracted sharply.

For the flag on the man's back marked a Flame Emperor's Edict, the highest level in Great Yan's military command system!

Clatter-clatter-clatter—

The courier charged all the way to the city gate before lightly pulling the reins to slow his horse.

But the horse did not stop.

The courier held the reins in his left hand and raised a palm-sized golden token in his right.

Sunlight flashed off the flame-dragon pattern on the token, too dazzling to look at!

"His Majesty commands—"

He drove his inner force through his throat, his voice high and clear.

"Upper Army Grand General Qin Yao has won outstanding merit in battle!

"The soldiers under his command have also fought valiantly and earned merit in reclaiming the Northern Frontier's two commanderies.

"Now that the fighting in the Northern Territory should cease, the Flame Lion Legion is hereby ordered to remain here, with its companies temporarily placed under their respective thousand-man commanders.

"All other officers shall accompany the Upper Army Grand General in a triumphant return to the Imperial Capital to receive rewards and titles. By imperial command!"

After shouting the proclamation once, he squeezed the chestnut horse's flanks and urged it into a run along the