Hu Xiaotian took the Five-Colored Coiling Dragon Gold Plaque from his waist and showed it to everyone. Though the object itself was not particularly valuable, its symbolic significance was extraordinary. Producing it at a crucial moment carried tremendous persuasive force. There were knowledgeable men among the generals. Zhao Wusheng was the first to kneel, followed closely by Li Yongfu, and then the other generals hurriedly dropped to their knees as well, calling in unison, "Long live our emperor! Long may he reign!"
Hu Xiaotian said, "His Majesty personally bestowed this Five-Colored Coiling Dragon Gold Plaque upon me when I left the capital. You should know what it represents. Seeing this plaque is as good as seeing our emperor here in person. It means I have the authority to execute first and report afterward!" His words rang with ironclad certainty and commanding force. In truth, when had the Old Emperor ever granted him such authority? But no one had witnessed the bestowal firsthand. They already regarded the plaque with awe, and with Hu Xiaotian making such a declaration, most would not doubt his words.
Hu Xiaotian carried his performance through to the end, taking out an imperial decree and waving it before their eyes. "His Majesty has long heard of Zhao Dengyun's collusion with Great Yong to betray Great Kang's interests. It was only the lack of evidence that kept him from making it public, but the Heavenly Secrets Bureau never ceased its secret investigation. Why did His Majesty send me to Wuxing Commandery? To investigate Zhao Dengyun's betrayal and defection thoroughly! Wuxing Commandery is Great Kang's northern gateway. We cannot afford to lose it. If it falls, the enemy's armies can easily cross the natural barrier of the Yong River and drive deep into our territory. The Yong River would