After the battle between Xie Xun and Dugu Jing, the negotiations between the High Priest and the cabinet proceeded very smoothly. Beining needed the Beiman's mineral resources, while the Beiman needed a warm and stable place to settle. Since war could not resolve the issue, submission became the only option, leading to a massive migration of the entire tribe. Dugu Jing, having fought with Xie Xun once, seemed unsatisfied and regularly sought him out.
Xie Xun, gravely injured, did not attend court and was enjoying the early days of his newlywed life with Fengyu. Yet unexpectedly, Dugu Jing came looking for him, prompting Xie Xun to ask the Imperial Physician in irritation, "Isn't he just suffering from superficial wounds? How can he run into the palace in the middle of winter?"
