Volume 1, Chapter 20: Stepping Up Patrols

He continued to inspect the system interface:
【Intelligence Station Status:
- West City: Engagement in progress
- Rebel forces: Approximately 1,000
- Our forces: Eastern Depot agents】

"Pass the order," Zhu Youjian said in a low, steady voice, "tell Sun Chanting to flank them from the north."

On the streets of the West City, the Eastern Depot agents were locked in a fierce battle with the rebels. Amidst the flashing blades, blood sprayed through the air.

Zhu Youjian stood on high ground, calmly directing the battle: "Tell the archers to prepare; when the rebels retreat into that alley, fire a volley."

As expected, under the pressure of the Eastern Depot agents, the rebels began to retreat toward the alley.

"Fire!" Zhu Youjian commanded.

A volley of arrows descended, and the rebels suffered heavy casualties instantly.

"Your Majesty!" Cao Huachun pointed into the distance. "The rebels are scattering to break through!"

Zhu Youjian sneered, "Exactly what I intended. Scattered enemies are the easiest to deal with."

He continued to issue orders: "Have the Eastern Depot agents pursue them in groups. I want the rebel leader taken alive!"

On the battlefield, the Eastern Depot agents hunted the scattered rebels like wolves. Zhu Youjian’s gaze swept across the field, searching for the trail of the rebel leader.

"There!" He suddenly pointed in a direction. "The one in red is the rebel leader!"

Wei Zhiren immediately led his men in pursuit. Seeing this, the rebel leader panicked and whipped his horse to escape.

Zhu Youjian watched coldly: "Tell the archers to aim for his horse."

"Whiz!" An arrow struck the horse's leg with precision.

The horse let out a shrill neigh and collapsed, sending the rebel leader crashing to the ground. The Eastern Depot agents immediately swarmed him.

Zhu Youjian descended from the platform and stood before the rebel leader: "Speak. Who instigated you?"

The rebel leader gritted his teeth and remained silent. Zhu Youjian was not in a hurry and continued to command the battle: "Tighten the perimeter. Do not let a single one escape."

Across the entire West City battlefield, the rebels retreated in defeat, and many were captured.

"Your Majesty," Sun Chanting rode up, "the rebels in the north have all been subdued."

Zhu Youjian nodded. "Very well. Continue searching to ensure there are no fish that slipped through the net."

He walked to a platform and watched the battlefield. The rebels' resistance was drawing to a close.

"Your Majesty!" Wei Zhiren ran over. "We found this on the rebel leader."

Zhu Youjian took the letter and examined it carefully. After reading it, he gave a cold laugh: "It is indeed the work of Wen Tiren."

He surveyed his surroundings, looking at the corpses and the captured rebels: "Pass my decree: throw them all into the dungeon. Interrogate them thoroughly."

"As you command!" the men responded.

【Battle Summary:
- Rebel casualties: Approximately 200
- Captured: Approximately 220
- Our casualties: Approximately 290】

"Clear the battlefield," he ordered. "Hang the corpses on the city gates as a warning to others."

The sun climbed higher, casting light on the blood-stained streets. Zhu Youjian stood on high ground, watching the busy soldiers.

"Your Majesty," Cao Huachun approached, "would you like to return to the palace to rest?"

"No need," Zhu Youjian shook his head. "Have those captives brought here. I will interrogate them myself."

Soon, a group of bound rebels was brought before him. Zhu Youjian looked down at them coldly: "Speak. What did Wen Tiren promise you?"

The rebels kept their heads bowed, not daring to speak.

Zhu Youjian sneered: "Refusing to speak? Then send them to the Eastern Depot dungeon. I believe Wei Zhiren has ways to make you talk."

Wei Zhiren gave a sinister smile: "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will make them tell the truth."

Zhu Youjian continued to check the system interface:
【Intelligence Update:
- Rebel stronghold cleared
- Armory secured
- Situation in West City stabilized】

He nodded, turned, and said to Sun Chanting, "Send men to guard the city gates strictly to prevent any fugitives from escaping."

"I obey," Sun Chanting said, clasping his hands.

Zhu Youjian then said to Cao Huachun: "Tell your people to keep a close watch on movements in the Jiangnan region. That old fox Wen Tiren will not admit defeat so easily."

"This servant understands," Cao Huachun bowed.

The cleanup of the battlefield continued. Zhu Youjian watched, his mind already set.

"Wei Zhiren," he suddenly called out.

"This servant is here."

"Have those armaments all been accounted for?"

"Answering Your Majesty, they have. Besides firearms, we discovered quite a few secret letters."

Zhu Youjian nodded: "Excellent. Seal these items away. They will be useful during the interrogations."

He walked to a platform and looked toward the distant Imperial City.

"Your Majesty," Sun Chanting rode up, "the city gates have been locked, and guards have been stationed everywhere."

"Well done," Zhu Youjian said calmly. "Let the soldiers rest in shifts, but stay vigilant."

He continued to check the system interface:
【Mission Completion: %
Suggestions:
- Strengthen city defenses
- Strictly vet suspicious individuals
- Expand intelligence network】

Zhu Youjian nodded with satisfaction: "Pass the order: have the Eastern Depot increase patrols. Report any suspicious activity immediately."

"Yes!" the men responded.

The sun reached its zenith, shining on the blood-stained streets. Zhu Youjian stood on high ground, watching the busy soldiers. This battle was fought beautifully.

"Your Majesty," Wei Zhiren approached, "would you like to return to the palace to rest?"

"No need," Zhu Youjian shook his head. "I want to personally watch these rebels being led into the dungeon."

He descended from the platform and approached the group of bound rebels.

"Look at me," he said coldly.

The rebels raised their heads, trembling.

"You thought you would reap benefits by colluding with the Jiannu?" Zhu Youjian sneered. "Today, I will let you know what the price of betrayal is!"

He turned to Wei Zhiren: "Take them to the Eastern Depot dungeon. Interrogate them thoroughly."

"Yes!" Wei Zhiren replied with a sinister smile.

Zhu Youjian continued to patrol the battlefield. Everywhere he went, soldiers saluted him.

"Your Majesty," Cao Huachun approached, "the shops in the West City have all been searched; no suspicious individuals were found."

"Good," Zhu Youjian nodded. "Continue the search. Do not overlook a single corner."

He walked to a platform and looked toward the distant city gates.

"Your Majesty," Sun Chanting rode up, "would you like to..."

"Say no more," Zhu Youjian waved his hand. "I know you are all concerned for my safety. But these traitors must be dealt with by me personally."

He continued to patrol the battlefield, missing no detail.

"Clean up those corpses," he ordered. "Hang them on the city gates so that everyone can see the end that awaits traitors."

"As you command!" the soldiers responded.

Zhu Youjian walked to a platform and looked at the scene of industry.

"Your Majesty," Wei Zhiren approached, "the dungeon is ready."

"Excellent," Zhu Youjian nodded. "Have these rebels taken away."

He watched as the lines of rebels were led away and sneered: "I would like to see how long you can hold out."

The sun began to set, casting a blood-red hue over the battlefield. Zhu Youjian stood on high ground, watching it all.

"Clean it thoroughly," he commanded. "Leave no trace behind."

The soldiers acted immediately.

Zhu Youjian continued to patrol the battlefield, inspecting every spot with care.

"Your Majesty," Cao Huachun approached, "should we return to the palace?"

"No," Zhu Youjian shook his head. "Wait until this place is cleaned up."

He walked to a platform and watched the sunset in the distance. This battle was fought beautifully, but he knew this was only the beginning.

"Pass the order," he said suddenly, "have the Eastern Depot increase their patrols."

"Yes!" the men responded.