After the court session concluded.
Zhao Junyao summoned Xia Tingfeng in the Imperial Study Room.
The two discussed the matter in the Northwest.
"This journey is dangerous; is taking twenty thousand men enough?"
Xia Tingfeng pondered for a moment and answered respectfully.
"Your Majesty, too many men would draw attention; ten thousand should suffice!"
Zhao Junyao nodded and handed last night's document to Xia Tingfeng.
"Take a look!"
Xia Tingfeng took it, quickly scanned through, his eyes filled with shock.
"The range is so vast; burning, killing, looting—Your Majesty, this isn't like the bandits at all!"
"Oh?"
Zhao Junyao seemed puzzled.
Honestly, he was well-read, and governing came naturally to him, but understanding the habits of bandits was not his forte.
Xia Tingfeng then explained in detail.
"Firstly, bandits usually only seek wealth, not lives. They typically rob travelers on the roads, not blatantly raid villages and towns."
