Jiang Zhizhou and Bu Er stood shoulder to shoulder before Yang Qing's carriage. Only when Yang Qing emerged did they both bow in greeting.
"We have put to death all the Black Feather Guards Northern Liang sent here, nearly several dozen of them."
Another man stood with them. He now stepped forward and said, "Lord Yang, I have sent my men to search the surroundings. We found no remaining Northern Liang agents."
"Thank you for your efforts, Guard Suotu. If not for me, you would not have had to travel dozens of miles back and forth like this." Yang Qing looked at Suotu.
"We did it only to wipe out those Northern Liang bandits. What hardship is there in that?" Suotu returned Yang Qing's bow, then continued, "I should have escorted you into Yan Pass, Lord Yang, but the fighting is currently at a stalemate. I cannot remain away from Yan Pass for too long."
"So please proceed according to the original plan, Lord Yang. We must return to Yan Pass at once."
"Then let me offer you my thanks in advance, Guard Suotu."
Yang Qing spoke again, but Suotu merely waved a hand at him. Then he and the nearly twenty Valiant Cavalry soldiers behind him swung into their saddles and rode swiftly toward Yan Pass.
Standing to one side, Dai Sheng was still reeling with shock. He asked Yang Qing, "My lord, what was it you wished to ask this subordinate just now?"
Yang Qing gestured for Bu Er and Jiang Zhizhou to board the carriage, then turned to Dai Sheng. "There is indeed something I do not understand. I would like you to shed some light on it, Lord Dai."
"Please ask whatever you wish, my lord. This subordinate will tell you everything he knows and hold