In late September, accompanied by Xiong Bonan, Zhang Xing returned to Jiangling and issued a series of orders.
The first category concerned investigating, spying on, and infiltrating surrounding powers, especially those in Hebei. It explicitly called for establishing the troop deployments and city defenses of the four neighboring major commanderies: Wei, Ji, Hejian, and Xindu. Chief Xu Shiying would take primary responsibility, assisted by Xie Minghe, the External Affairs Commissioner, and Chief Lü Changheng, who was responsible for the Patrol Cavalry in Hebei.
The second category concerned inspections of each camp's weapons, military supplies, and livestock, confirmation of officer and soldier rolls, and clearer systems for rotating leave and mobilization, along with appropriate redeployments. Ma Wei, who oversaw staff affairs, would take primary responsibility, assisted by Yan Qing, the Personnel Commissioner, the Commanders-in-Chief of each Traveling Office, and each camp's Guard Generals and Langjiang.
The third category required all localities to transfer the autumn grain taxes they had just collected into warehouses in designated cities and strongholds, as instructed. This military order covered the Exorcising the Dragon Gang's entire jurisdiction and would be implemented primarily through the Traveling Offices and local officials. Zhang Jinshu, who oversaw internal affairs in Henan, would inspect and verify compliance in the Eastern Territories and report to Internal Affairs Commissioner Chen Bin.
The fourth category required all localities to inspect, clear, and maintain existing official roads to ensure unobstructed passage. Zhang Liang, Chief of the Henan Patrol Cavalry, and Feng Duan, Langjiang of the Hebei Traveling Secretariat, were ordered to conduct inspections in Henan and Hebei respectively.
The fifth category required all localities to inspect river embankments to prevent breaches and waterlogging caused by autumn floods.
The sixth category consisted of explicit mediation orders to the various powers in Hebei, requiring the two Gaos of