At the northernmost edge of the Capital stood Desheng Gate, home to the Five Army Camp.
Banners fluttered over the garrisons, bugle calls rang out without cease, and rows of administrative offices stood nearby.
Waist Token in hand, Jia Huan led twenty members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard inside, finding the Right Guard Assistant Strike General's Training Ground within the maze-like camp.
Inside the Training Ground, hundreds of soldiers clad in iron armor drilled their battle formations, wielding sabers, halberds, spears, and metal maces. On a raised platform stood a burly general with a deeply furrowed face and a conspicuous black birthmark around his eye.
Expressionless, Jia Huan said sternly:
"Cai Fengshi, come with me!"
Cai Fengshi frowned deeply and said in displeasure:
"Orders from above require us to deploy defenses in Tongzhou at the end of the month. The garrison must drill its formations and plan its military strategy every day. I have no time to cooperate with the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
"If it's truly urgent, wait until tonight, or bring an official document from the Ministry of War Office."
Jia Huan's tone turned icy:
"Open your eyes and take a good look! What document do I need to take away a mere Sixth Rank military officer?"
With that, he waved his hand:
"Arrest him!"
The Embroidered Uniform Guard filed inside.
Cai Fengshi's face turned livid, and he roared furiously:
"Either bring an official letter from the Ministry of War Office or wait until tonight."
"The court has laws! Unauthorized persons trespassing in the Five Army Camp will be treated as spies gathering military intelligence and executed on the spot!"
As his words fell, hundreds of battle-hardened veterans braced for action. Elite soldiers raised powerful crossbows, awaiting their commander's order.
Jia Huan sneered:
"It's only questioning. What are you