At the temporary camp of the Bingzhou army, the soldiers guarding the camp gate all stood there straight with their eyes fixed straight ahead, their left hands tightly gripping the hilts of the swords hanging at their waists.

Several guards stood there like upright poles, faithfully performing their duties, letting the sandstorm whipped up by the strong wind constantly beat against them.

"Greetings, General!!"

Upon seeing Duan Jiong and the military officers who suddenly appeared before them, the soldiers on guard shouted loudly, straightened their chests, and gently tapped their chests with their right fists.

"Yes! Stay at your posts!"

Duan Jiong nodded to the guards and returned the same salute, as did the officers behind him.

After Duan Jiong and his group passed by the guards, the guards lowered their arms and continued to stand there.

Since Liu Hong established the Imperial Guard, he issued an edict to the troops stationed in various places, emphasizing the importance of guarding soldiers in the army.

Furthermore, it was stipulated that regardless of rank, no one should provoke or humiliate the guards, and they must return the courtesy. This measure was supported by Duan Jiong, Zhang Huan, Lu Zhi, and other military officers, and was incorporated into the military law.

That's why what just happened occurred.

Liu Hong's move won the support of ordinary soldiers.

Outside the camp gate, Duan Jiong stood before his generals, gazing towards the southeast, his heart slightly stirred.

What was the Emperor's and the court's attitude towards his and Fu Xie's unauthorized military action? Duan Jiong was somewhat uncertain and remained uneasy.

This is also one of the most important reasons why he led his army to garrison here.

Before long, through the swirling sandstorm, several figures, some faintly visible, appeared in Duan Jiong's line of sight.

"General, they're here!"

Upon hearing Yang Feng's reminder, Duan Jiong nodded with a grave expression.

Before long, the figures of several Imperial Guardsmen came into clear view.

The Imperial Guard in charge of leading the team was named Chen Fan, who was also a member of Liu Hong's guard team. He had previously been responsible for delivering Liu Hong's edicts to Duan Jiong.

"Whoa!"

A dozen meters away from Duan Jiong and the others, Chen Fan, who was leading the group, pulled on the reins, stopped the horse, dismounted, and walked quickly toward Duan Jiong.

When several Imperial Guards approached, Duan Jiong saw Chen Fan's face clearly, and his unease vanished.

"This humble general greets General Duan!"

"Haha~ No need for formalities!"

Upon seeing Chen Fan, Duan Jiong knew that he was safe and sound this time!

After exchanging greetings, Chen Fan didn't linger. Instead, he looked at Duan Jiong and respectfully asked:

"This humble general has come on His Majesty's orders to deliver an imperial edict to the general and the brothers of the Liangzhou army. Please summon the soldiers in the camp immediately!"

"good!"

Upon hearing that the soldiers in the camp needed to be summoned, Duan Jiong's expression shifted, and then he nodded.

Then Duan Jiong turned around and looked at Yang Feng and other military officers behind him, and said in a deep voice: "Immediately assemble all soldiers at the drill ground!"

"promise!!"

Yang Feng and the others responded loudly, then quickly left to gather their respective subordinates.

After Yang Feng and the others left, Duan Jiong turned around and looked at Chen Fan and the other Imperial Guard soldiers.

Duan Jiong laughed and said, "You gentlemen have had a long journey. Why don't you come with me to the tent to rest for a while?"

"good!"

Chen Fan nodded, and then followed Duan Jiong toward the central command tent.

Upon arriving outside the main tent, Chen Fan looked at the two Imperial Guard soldiers following behind him and said, "You two wait outside! I have something to say to General Duan!"

"promise!"

The two Imperial Guards nodded and then stood guard at the entrance of the tent, while Chen Fan followed Duan Jiong into the tent.

At this moment, there was no one else in the tent besides Chen Fan and Duan Jiong.

"General Duan, this is a personal letter from His Majesty!"

As they spoke, Chen Fan took out a secret letter and handed it to Duan Jiong.

Duan Jiong respectfully accepted the letter, then sat down in his general's seat, took out the letter, and began to read it carefully.

In the letter, Liu Hong expressed his support for Duan Jiong's military campaign against the Eastern Qiang and offered some suggestions on appeasing and dividing the Eastern Qiang people.

Finally, the text mentions Juyan and the Lesser Yuezhi, seeking Duan Jiong's opinion.

After pondering for a moment, Duan Jiong solemnly put away the letter, then took out paper and pen to reply to Liu Hong.

In his letter, Duan Jiong wrote: "Juyan is a strategically important location, and the Han Dynasty must obtain it!"

The Yuezhi have been playing both sides between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu and Qiang people, seeking personal gain. Their constant back-and-forth is truly despicable! I believe we can use incentives to drive them away!

Duan Jiong then wrote down his opinions and suggestions regarding Juyan and the Lesser Yuezhi in detail.

"Please present this letter to His Majesty!"

After sealing the letter, Duan Jiong solemnly handed it to Chen Fan.

"Please rest assured, General!"

Chen Fan carefully put the letter Duan Jiong had given to the emperor into his bosom and put it away.

"Report!"

Just as the two were talking, a voice entered the tent.

"Enter!"

Duan Jiong and Chen Fan looked towards the entrance of the main tent, where a member of the Imperial Guard who had been guarding outside walked in.

"General, a brother from the camp reports that the army has assembled at the drill ground. Please come over, General!"

Duan Jiong nodded and looked at Chen Fan, "Then let's go over there!"

"Okay!" Chen Fan nodded.

The group then walked together toward the training ground.

At this moment, all the soldiers except those who had gone out to carry out reconnaissance missions had gathered in the training ground.

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