Northwest Commander Zou Jie was already seventy-three, a veteran general with truly white hair and a hoary beard, and one of the oldest military officials in Great Yong's history.
The current emperor favored promoting younger men, but despite Zou Jie's advanced age, he enjoyed the sovereign's deep trust. He had also played an important role in helping the emperor bring order to the military, commanding immense prestige among military officials not only in the northwest, but throughout Great Yong.
Late on the night Ding Feixiong surrendered, a rider on a swift horse called for the city gates to open, then galloped all the way to the commander's residence in Su Prefecture.
Before reaching the residence, the rider hauled hard on the reins. His horse reared, letting out a piercing neigh.
The old general, sound asleep in bed, was startled awake by the horse's cry. His eyes opened, and he sat straight up.
A moment later, a personal guard hurried over to report.
"Commander, Commander! An urgent dispatch from Three Signs County-"
But by the time he reached the door, the old general inside had already dressed and opened it to step out.
In the residence's Martial Might Hall, the old commander carefully read the letter. Even he could not help showing surprise.
The man they captured might be an Innate Expert?
"Did he truly surrender without a fight?"
Zou Jie looked at the messenger, who nodded.
"Yes, Commander. Absolutely. That monk moved with extraordinary speed, advancing straight into the military formation and knocking the soldiers blocking him head over heels. In the end, he chose to surrender before the commandant."
The letter had already explained matters fairly clearly. The affair involving the spy was highly complicated, and what it had brought to light was important as well.
Moreover, the military