The Imperial Palace of The Tolling Lands
"Commander," The emperor finally turned and said to the Commander of Wang Fèn Yǒng's Shadow Warriors. "Let us have that report now so that we can close this net."
"Yes, Your Majesty, our operation started this afternoon. With shadowing the smugglers from the mountains to their warehouses. These smugglers are not all working together and seem to avoid one another. The only smugglers that appear to be working together are the smugglers from Josper and Leandore. We have been able to uncover seven large scale smuggling operations. Four small smuggling operations and six lone smugglers." The Commander of Wang Fèn Yǒng's Shadow Warrior's said.
"Each smuggler has a shadow, and that is how we were able to uncover so much activity. Immediately after it was discovered that five of these smuggling operations were from Josper and Leandore. Within the hour, relay messages were sent to Shadow Warrior Reserves garrisoned near the borders of Josper and Leandore. They were called to duty to cover the borders and the roads these smugglers are traversing. Shadow Warrior Reserves have also infiltrated the garrisons on the border. They were given the order to see if there was any activity on the opposite side of the borders. Other than these five smuggling operators, all the remaining smugglers are local."
The tension in the room was like that of a tightly strung bowstring. The expressionless deadly calm emperor from whom you can almost taste the tinge of copper in the bloodlust flowing from him. The suffocating killing intent emanating from Wang Fèn Yǒng. The domineering righteous fury and rage from the Grand Prince. The cold, calculating aura of murder from the First Lady of Wan Royal Manor. The commander felt like he was going to have a heart attack.
"As of twenty minutes prior to me being summoned. Verification arrived that there is large-scaled activity on the opposite sides of both borders. However, as of yet, there is no activity on our side of the borders or in the garrisons. In the Imperial City, shadows have followed smugglers delivery boys to various official houses. The main officials are the Prime Minister, The Minister of the Guards, and The Minister of the Justice. The Minister of Justice case is different. Instead of smugglers delivering ore to him. The Prime Minister delivered ore to him. As for the minor ministers, four are assistants in the Ministers of Justice Department. Two are Ministers of the Public Works Department. The last three are Ministers of the Guard Department." The Shadow Warrior Commander's back was drenched sweat as he gave his report.
"So far, 62 city gate guards were found to be involved. The last number we had on the patrol was 42. Each person that has entered or exited one of the warehouses has someone shadowing them. That is the reason we have so many active Shadows out right now and have called in reserves. As for the situation with the Prince of Josper. Right now, he is being carefully monitored by only the Shadow Dragoon Elites of the Shadow Warriors." Sweat began to drip down from the Commander's forehead under the weight of the focus of the four people listening to his report.
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"At last count, there were seventeen wagons full ore en route to Josper. Each wagon has ten guards on it. It looks as though they deliberately kept the guards low in an attempt to avoid attention or suspicion. Each wagon is traveling separately. As for Leandore at last count, they had nine wagons on the road. They also have ten guards per wagon. Each wagon is traveling separately." The Shadow Warrior Commander tightly contained his emotions that tried to escape him under the heavy pressure.
"There have been transactions between smugglers and three merchant houses in the Imperial City they are being shadowed as well. There nine unknown groups who have already left the city after completing transactions. Their identities have not been verified. However, they are being shadowed as wells. That concludes my report, for now, Your Majesty. Please keep in mind the operation is still ongoing with constant information flowing in. However, there is something else I need to report.
"Good, good, very good. Speak."
"We have been able to verify the reason for all this activity has to do with the unexpected sale of Veiled Mountain. The person that the Chen's have been in talks with is actually a cover for one of the large scale local smugglers. Although we are suspicious of the Chen Family. We have found no evidence of their involvement. There is evidence that some of these smuggling operators have been smuggling ore from Veiled mountain for over three years. That concludes my report.
Just as he finished speaking, Cùn Yīn appeared in the room."Your Majesty," he bowed and waited to be given the authorization to speak.
"Speak," the Emperors' voice rang out in the room.
"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister, had arrived and was escorted to the throne room. He has been waiting there. The captain of the Imperial Dragoon guards reported a moment ago that the Prime Minister has become agitated. He wants to leave, he hasn't used violence yet, but they are prepared to keep him contained." Reported the emperors' Shadow Warrior.
"My words stand. If the Prime Minister tries to escape, kill him," The Emperor ordered.
"Yes, your Majesty. Also, Elder Wang and the Heir of Wang Royal Manor's Deputy Commander have arrived."
"Send in Elder Wang," Commanded the Emperor.
Looking over to the Shadow Commander, the emperor said, "Commander, you may go consult with your subordinate and get the most recent reports while we bring Elder Wang up to speed. Of the five generals in the capital. The ones who are found to be uninvolved in this matter. They are to enter the palace immediately. Discreetly have them summoned. Also, have the Commander of the Imperial Guards and the Commander of the Imperial Gòu Army Summoned. I will summon you back shortly, as well. Do not go too far."