Within the Jade King's Residence, Cheng Yu had, for once, not gone to Mirror Lake to admire his own figure. Instead, he sat in the residence's main hall, eyes closed in thought.
Until he smelled blood.
The residence's old steward came to the doorway and said softly,
"Prince, Lord Jin Yang has arrived."
Cheng Yu opened his eyes and said,
"Let him in."
Jin Yang entered the main hall wearing a regulation cloak bearing the Heavenly Martial Directorate's insignia. He dropped to one knee.
"Prince, I have returned to report."
Cheng Yu asked calmly,
"What were the casualties in this operation?"
Jin Yang answered gravely,
"Reporting to you, Prince: one Heavenly Martial Guard was seriously wounded, and eighty-three suffered minor injuries. There were no deaths.
"The Qicang clan numbered four hundred and fifty-seven in total. Some of its members refused to obey, and all were executed in accordance with your orders. The remaining one hundred and sixty-three, including the clan chief, have all been imprisoned in the Heavenly Martial Directorate's dungeon, awaiting your judgment, Prince."
Cheng Yu's expression remained indifferent.
"Every Heavenly Martial Guard who took part may collect a reward from the Treasury. The wounded may collect an additional Healing Pill. Those with the most kills will receive extra rewards. Their tokens record their achievements, so there is no need to worry about unequal rewards."
Jin Yang lowered his head.
"On behalf of the men under my command, thank you for your rewards, Prince."
Cheng Yu continued,
"Tonight, I want to see everything concerning the Qicang clan on the desk in my residence."
With that, Cheng Yu looked at Jin Yang.
"Can you do it?"
Jin Yang fell silent for a moment, then said gravely,
"Before sunset today, I will extract everything the Qicang clan knows."
Cheng Yu nodded