Xiao Yeyang had taken over the task of surveilling the Duke Residence from Sun Changze.
However, perhaps because the Duke Residence knew they were being watched, their activities had been exceedingly inconspicuous and low-key. The Hidden Guard shadowing them had yet to discover anything unusual or locate the few individuals from Xiliao.
Seeing this, Xiao Yeyang had no choice but to temporarily assign someone to keep an eye on the situation.
Unable to bear the thought of his cousin and several of his subordinates dying far from home, Sun Changze, alongside Dong Yuanyao, returned to their hometown with the coffins.
Daohua and Xiao Yeyang saw them off. Before leaving, Xiao Yeyang told them that as soon as there was any development with the Duke Residence, they would be informed.
As February came around, the emperor announced in the grand court assembly his intention to expand the navy. This news set the previously somber court abuzz with excitement due to Jiang Jinghui's death.