From a report by a company leader in the Green Banner Army of the West:
As ordered, we have patrolled the northern front, dealing with the complaints of missing caravans. We spotted several bands of horse-riding nomads, but did not engage them, as we were on foot. We have seen signs that there is a larger group, but for now we have retreated to the watchtower at the lake.
The refugees report that the raiding nomads destroyed Seferihisar, a small town north of Yiwu, though the details are confused and I suspect them of exaggerating to play on our sympathies. Surely no nomads would be so bold as to challenge the Middle Kingdom again.