"Eldest Brother has ordered you to set out for the capital within three days to receive your reward..."
Wang Yingyang's words drifted into the room, surprising all three people inside.
Zhao Yeting and Wang Yingyang still had assignments. One had to serve as imperial commissioner at the governor-general's residence, doing everything he could to bring about a decisive battle with the Wokou and pacify the southeastern coast.
The other had to remain with the army and assist Qi Jiguang in training and maintaining the troops, ensuring that the front lines retained their fighting strength.
Both assignments were long-term, and neither could leave Hangzhou for the time being.
Hearing that Cao Jinxing was leaving, Zhao Yeting felt reluctant to part with him.
Cao Jinxing was surprised, though he had been mentally prepared.
Qin Xuanji silently put down her spoon. She could not quite describe what she felt, a vague sense of loss. The delicious snake soup suddenly tasted bland.
Zhao Yeting put down his chopsticks and sighed. "Honestly, Eldest Brother! How long have you even been here? With the situation in the Capital City like that, he still wants you charging back in?"
"This isn't just Eldest Brother's idea."
Wang Yingyang walked in, sat down at the table, and handed Cao Jinxing a sheet of paper. "It's His Majesty's wish too. Over the past fortnight, the situation in the north has grown increasingly unstable. Qiu Luan can no longer keep things under control in Xuanfu. Altan Khan and Kudeng Khan-Dailaisun-are massing their armies, and the Mongols of the Three Guards of Duoyan are stirring up trouble too. With Thirteen so capable, His Majesty naturally won't let him sit idle in Hangzhou."
"..."
Zhao Yeting opened his mouth, then gave a rueful chuckle and patted Cao Jinxing on the shoulder.
An arm