Hongling: the longest feather on the wing of a bird called the "Red Eagle".
The Red Feather Urgent Report is a special emergency order affixed with this Hongling feather. In the Jingjiu Dynasty, this is the highest level of urgent message. It carries the authority to open city gates and clear streets. Intercepting a Red Feather emergency is a capital offense, punishable by death for the perpetrator and their entire family.
Normally, Red Feather Urgent Reports are sent upwards, rarely downwards. When a Red Feather order comes from above, the correct term is "Red Feather Urgent Order".
Red Feather Urgent Reports must be received by the highest-ranking officer present. Upon receipt, immediate handling is required; no delay is allowed.
Since the garrison was on alert, all personnel were assembled. The shrill whistle shocked everyone—this hadn't been heard in years. Could it be that fighting has erupted somewhere again?
