Along the northern border of Yunjing County, approximately 20,000 soldiers were stationed by the sea. The Zhenhai Camp grew like a snowball, with its numbers increasing with each battle.

However, in the past few days, Zhenhai Camp has remained inactive, and Duyu Chengdu has not made any preparations for war, seemingly indicating that it does not intend to continue south to Yunjing County.

When Fu Zheng, the commander of Zhenhai Camp, heard about Chang Sui's situation, he knew that Du Yucheng was in deep grief and didn't rush him. However, as rumors began to circulate in the army, Fu Zheng realized the seriousness of the problem and decided to have a serious talk with Du Yucheng.

Some soldiers spoke out on behalf of Du Yucheng, saying that the general was eliminating bandits for the Great Jing on the front lines, but the court had wiped out his entire family. This was a chilling act.

Some soldiers were worried that Du Yucheng might turn against them and lead them in a rebellion, which made them uneasy.

If morale collapses, it will be a serious problem, meaning that victory that seemed within reach could be lost overnight.

Fu Zheng did not find Du Yucheng in the central army camp, but after inquiring, he spotted him by the sea.

He gazed at the sea alone, his figure lonely.

Fu Zheng walked over and stopped beside Du Yucheng, saying, "Commander, we need to press on with our momentum; the great undertaking can be accomplished!"

Du Yucheng raised his eyebrows slightly. Compared to last year, he was much more composed now, and his eyes and brows showed more heroic spirit.

"Why haven't the people from the imperial court who came to arrest me arrived yet?" Du Yucheng was still looking at the sea, as if asking Fu Zheng, or perhaps asking himself.

Fu Zhengdao said, "Commander, you have rendered meritorious service and committed no wrongdoing. Why would the court arrest you?"

Du Yucheng said, "My father and my whole family have been arrested. Do you think the court will let me go?"

Fu Zhengdao said, "You are the General of Anyuan, personally appointed by His Majesty, and you bear the heavy responsibility of eliminating bandits. Who would dare to arrest you?"

Du Yu Chengdu said, "I'm afraid the central government is now in charge of the court."

Fu Zheng shook his head and said, "Commander, if you complete the mission, it will naturally be a great achievement. But if you shrink back now and miss the opportunity, then even if you are innocent, you will become guilty!"

Du Yucheng turned his head to look at Fu Zheng's face and said, "Commander Fu, are you worried that I will rebel?"

“I’m not worried,” Fu Zheng said decisively.

"Why aren't you worried?" Du Yucheng asked in confusion.

Fu Zheng said seriously, "If the commander had been determined to rebel, my head would probably have already been used as a sacrifice for the flag."

Fu Zheng wasn't being modest. Although he was quite influential among those drawn from the Imperial Guard and Changsui garrison when the Zhenhai Camp was first established, many of these men died or were wounded as the pirates in the two prefectures were quelled. The new coastal locals who joined the Zhenhai Camp were drawn by the reputation of their commander, Du Yucheng.

Given Du Yucheng's current control over Zhenhai Camp, Fu Zheng can no longer stop him from doing whatever he wants.

Fu Zheng didn't care, because Du Yu Chengdu was indeed seriously trying to eliminate the bandits.

He said, “I am not worried. During the time I have fought alongside you, Commander, I have seen your determination to eradicate the pirates. To be honest, I do not understand His Majesty’s actions at this critical juncture, since Lord Duyu has encountered such a situation. However, both thunder and rain are acts of imperial grace, so please, Commander, do not waver!”

As he spoke, Fu Zheng knelt down on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Whether Zhenhai Camp can leave a significant mark in history depends entirely on your decision, Commander!"

Du Yucheng was somewhat moved, and he held Fu Zheng's hand tightly without saying a word, as if he were waging a difficult battle between heaven and man.

At that moment, a troop of cavalry charged toward the two men.

The two looked toward the cavalry and realized that they were not from the Zhenhai Camp.

Fu Zheng immediately stood up, ready to fight.

Only when they got closer could the two clearly see who was in charge.

Jiangyang Commandery Commandant, Firewood.

"Lord Chai, what brings you here?" Du Yucheng said in a lukewarm tone.

Chai Xin dismounted and walked solemnly to Du Yucheng, saying, "His Majesty's edict has reached the Prefect's office, and the Prefect specifically asked me to convey it."

Everyone urged Chengdu to kneel down on one knee.

Chai Xin said slowly and deliberately, "Du Yu, Chengdu, the Zhenhai Camp has only been established for a few months, yet you have achieved such great results. I am very pleased; I have not misjudged you. As for your father's matter, the evidence is conclusive, and there is no injustice. I have also verified that you were not involved in your father's case. The court has its laws, and I have my own judgment. You can relax, focus on your work, and when you return victorious, I will reward you handsomely!"

After reading it, seeing that Du Yucheng was still kneeling and unresponsive, Chai Xin coughed lightly.

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"

Du Yucheng stood up and said, "Lord Chai, you've worked hard."

Chai Xin's expression finally relaxed, and he smiled, "It's all thanks to Commander Du Yu! After the pirates in Jiangyang County were wiped out, the people are all grateful to you. The people of Yunjing County are all eagerly waiting for you to continue south and save them from their suffering!"

Du Yucheng said, "Please rest assured, Lord Chai, I am sworn enemies with the pirates."

"In that case, I won't bother you any longer. Farewell."

After Chai Xin left, Du Yucheng suddenly caught a glimpse of a figure behind a large rock. Seeing that Fu Zheng hadn't noticed, he whispered, "Commander Fu, you go ahead and wait for me in the central command tent."

Fu Zheng asked, "Has the commander decided to continue south?"

Du Yu Chengdu said, "I want to sort this out by myself. You go ahead."

"yes."

Seeing Fu Zheng walk away, Du Yucheng pretended to walk naturally behind the big rock and saw Liu Ling leaning against the rock with her arms crossed.

Du Yucheng quickly asked, "How are the Left Prime Minister and my father?"

Liu Ling said, "The Left Prime Minister's fate hasn't been decided yet, but your father and the others..."

Du Yucheng raised his hand, turned around, and slammed it hard on the stone.

Liu Ling remained calm and said, "The Marquis of Sha County asked me to pass on a message to you."

"Speak."

"Do your job well and protect yourself wisely."

Afternoon.

Fu Zheng paced anxiously in the central command tent. After a while, Du Yucheng walked in.

"Commander..."

“You’re right, both thunder and rain are the Emperor’s grace.” Du Yucheng raised his hand to interrupt Fu Zheng, walked straight to the main seat and sat down, saying, “Summon all the generals of the Zhenhai Camp to the central command tent for a meeting!”

"Yes!" Fu Zheng replied excitedly.

Du Yucheng's face was filled with a murderous aura as he said, "We've let these pirate beasts rest for a few days; it's time to let them sleep forever!"

...

Yuxin Palace.

Yuan Xiu lay on a huge cradle, large enough to hold two people. At this moment, two eunuchs were gently rocking it from both ends, while Wei You sat behind Yuan Xiu, combing his hair.

Wei You's hair-combing skills were extremely proficient; even as she and Yuan Xiu were swaying, her hands remained completely unaffected.

Yuan Xiu's eyes were closed, and his expression was one of pure enjoyment, as if the rubbing of the comb against his scalp had a massage effect.

Suddenly, Yuan Xiu opened his eyes, as if he had just remembered something, and asked, "Where is the Left Chancellor? Where is he now?"