When the messenger entered, the Qi-Observing True Person rose to take his leave. He departed at an unhurried pace, his bearing composed.
Yuwen Yong watched him go and could not help offering a word of praise. "When interests do not clash, people of the Daoist Order are worth befriending. A pity the Buddhist School occupies land, while the Daoist Order amasses property..."
With that sigh, he turned to the situation in Huainan.
The messenger presented a Seal battle report.
"Your Majesty, please read it."
Yuwen Yong nodded and opened it. After a few glances, fury blazed within him.
"The troops sent to Huainan were all lost? And my Duke of Jianwei County was taken prisoner to Huaiyin!?" He looked at the messenger. "Is this reliable?"
The man lowered his head. "Wei Attendant placed elite agents in the Huai Region well in advance. Their reports were screened and verified. They are reliable."
"The situation in the Huai Region is complicated." Yuwen Yong narrowed his eyes. "It can hardly be called Great Zhou territory yet. Tell Wei Jing to compile every dossier concerning the Huai Region and send them to me!" He waved a hand. "For now, leave us."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The others were long accustomed to this. They cupped their hands and went outside to stand guard.
Once they had gone, a cool breeze swept through the room, and Dugu Xin appeared before the throne.
After cupping his hands in greeting, he asked what had happened.
"See for yourself." Yuwen Yong tossed him the battle report. "It says a deity is interfering in the Huai Region. No matter how many soldiers we send, it will be futile."
Dugu Xin said nothing. He opened the report, read a few lines, and frowned deeply.
Yuwen Yong continued, "The Huai Region has changed