Shen Gongbao Enters Xiqi

After a while, the soldier entered again. This time, a man dressed in official robes followed behind him.

"Grand Preceptor!"

The man in official robes respectfully clasped his hands toward Wen Zhong. Even though he represented Dixin at this moment, he could not use the tiger's might through the fox and slight Wen Zhong.

"Shang Rong, I never expected the King to send you as his envoy."

Wen Zhong looked at the robed official, a flicker of surprise appearing in his eyes. Shang Rong was also a rising newcomer with great momentum in court; he had not expected Dixin to send him as a messenger.

"What new verbal edict has the King conveyed?"

"The King has ordered the Grand Preceptor to immediately reorganize the troops, form them into ranks, and stand ready to depart. All strategic deployments against Dongyi are to cease at once."

Hearing Shang Rong's words, Wen Zhong froze for a moment, while the generals below erupted into an uproar. They began whispering among themselves.

"Stop... stop all strategic deployments against Dongyi?"

"Has the King abandoned the idea of attacking Dongyi?"

"The sacrifices we made these past days... were they all for nothing?"

"Very well, I have delivered the King's verbal edict. There is one more matter for which the King sent me here: I ask the Grand Preceptor to assign a squad to escort me into Dongyi."

"What are you going to Dongyi for?"

"To negotiate a ceasefire and forge an alliance."

"Good. Huang Feihu, lead an elite squad of warriors and escort Lord Shang to Dongyi."

Wen Zhong nodded and pointed at the sturdy young man standing in the front row as he gave the order.

"By your command!"

Huang Feihu clasped his hands in acknowledgment.

"Many thanks, Grand Preceptor."

"It is only what should