From the news of the King's army appearing nearby in the early morning, the citizens and aristocrats in Chuzhou had been eagerly awaiting the outcome. After the main force of the Earl of North Border's army departed the city, everyone craned their necks like giraffes, anxious to see which army, under which banner, would return.
Perhaps, for the ordinary people, their lives wouldn't be significantly affected because the Yan people were different from the barbarians, who were rumored to be fond of killing and cannibalism. The Yan people would even distribute grain—a lot of it. The common people are quite simple-minded: if you treat me well, I'll feel good about you, regardless of whether this is a pacification policy or mere showmanship.
However, for the nobles and officials in Chuzhou, the impact would be much greater. If things went wrong, their lives and fortunes could be forfeit.
Finally, before everyone's neck snapped from the strain, a troop returned.
