Dugu Ming understood; it wasn't important whether he could make these two thousand soldiers retreat. The Northern King was only interested in the process itself.
For once he produced the Southern King's Order to command these soldiers to withdraw, he would stand on the moral high ground. If the soldiers retreated, all would be well. But if they dared to advance despite the order, that would be rebellion and insubordination, punishable by death according to the law.
At that time, when Northern King Ye Feng made his move, it would be entirely justified!
"I'm going to make them withdraw right now!"
After saying this, Southern King Dugu Ming, dragging his weary body, walked out of the main gate. Then, holding the Southern King's Order, he faced the dense crowd of soldiers in the bamboo forest and roared loudly, "The Southern King's Order is here, I command you, retreat swiftly back to your posts. Anyone who disobeys will be revolting, and the defiant shall be executed without mercy!"