It was dawn.
The sky turned the pale white of a fish's belly.
Liu Zhenyuan and Cao Jinxing returned to the foot of Dushi City's walls. Chen Gui, who commanded the city's defenses, had already learned what had happened at the prison and was keeping watch from the gate tower when he spotted the white camels, white horses, and white cattle behind them.
Stationed on the frontier and accustomed to dealing with Mongolia, Chen Gui immediately realized that these animals might signal a major change in the situation. He ordered his personal guards to throw open the gates and went down to greet them himself.
"Lord Pacification Commissioner."
Chen Gui dared show Liu Zhenyuan no disrespect and bowed first. This was not merely because Liu was the foremost of the Thirteen Guardians, but because he was a Faxiang-realm expert loyal to the court, a bulwark of the nation!
"Please dispense with the formalities, Governor-General."
Liu Zhenyuan treated him very affably.
The man was a first-rank official charged with defending Xuanfu and Datong. Though the Thirteen Guardians held authority beyond their official ranks, accepting his bow would hardly be appropriate.
"Altan Khan has surrendered and offered tribute. The Mongolian troops have withdrawn, and the tribute should arrive soon. Here is his letter of surrender. Please take a look, Governor-General."
Liu Zhenyuan handed him the letter.
He really surrendered?!
Chen Gui froze briefly, then felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He accepted the letter, skimmed it, and laughed heartily. "Excellent! What splendid methods, Lord Pacification Commissioner. You have my admiration!"
"It wasn't any brilliance on my part."
Liu Zhenyuan shook his head and smiled. "Altan Khan merely made a foolish move, and I happened to gain leverage over him, leaving him no choice. Also, when his envoy brings the tribute, he