Ningzhou, Xie Jue received a secret message from the capital. Yuwen Jing issued orders for Zhongzhou to send troops to Jiaozhou, with Fang Chuning as the commander. Xie Jue was not surprised by Yuwen Jing's command. No troops had been withdrawn from Jiaozhou or Salt City; Salt City had sixty thousand soldiers, and Jiaozhou had thirty thousand. If war truly erupts, Jinzhou could also provide reinforcements.
Xie Xun said, "This battle against Beiman must be swift and decisive."
Xie Jue summoned Ningzhou's secretary of state, instructing him to draft a proclamation denouncing Yuwen Jing for colluding with Beiman and inciting rebellion.
"This move is brilliant, Second Young Master." The secretary of state's face lit up with delight. Placing the blame for Beiman's city raid on Yuwen Jing's shoulders—three years ago, they hadn't managed to prove his conspiracy with Beiman to the world, but now, even if it isn't true, Yuwen Jing can hardly escape the allegations.
