Chapter 767: Chapter 483: A Court Meeting in the Capital (5k) (Part 2)
Zhao Douan was taken aback, growing increasingly curious about the third scroll left by Xu.
However, the matter at hand was an urgent return to the Capital. Zhao Douan rose to pack his belongings, casting his gaze upon the residence, each corner marked by traces of battle between the two. A sense of reluctance overwhelmed him.
Xu Zhenguan twirled the teacup with his fingers, suddenly asking:
"By the way, what’s your relationship with Zhang Yan Yi? Helping you like this, surely you aren’t colluding with the Heavenly Master Mansion behind the court’s back, are you?"
Zhao Douan’s forehead began to sweat, turning towards the Empress’s playful gaze, forcing a stiff smile:
"Your Majesty, let me explain..."
...
...
Huai River.
Near a dock, the "Jiancheng Army" was gathered in a dense crowd, exuding a formidable presence.
Prince Jing, Xu Wen, emerged from a house by the dock, his expression grim.
He was not wearing armor, but rather an elegant purple robe; outside stood a subordinate general, who bowed and said:
"Reporting, my Prince, the remnants from the sealing last appeared here, but unfortunately, they have moved and could not be captured."
Prince Jing nodded, unsurprised.
The so-called "remnants from the sealing" naturally referred to Mo Chou, Sun Lianying, and their group.
"This group had skilled protectors by their side and could muster local Shadow Guards along the way, making them hard to catch." Prince Jing remarked softly, a hint of regret in his eyes:
"It’s a pity. Had I known these stray dogs could stir up so much, I would have paid the price to keep them on Jiancheng Road from the start."
A short while ago, the ship Prince Jing was on had to dock prematurely due to the canal’s narrow waterways being blocked by a pile of sunken ships.
This caused delays in the northward progress of the army, all masterminded by Shipping Governor Ning Zechen.
"To sink ships to block waterways, he’s quite a ruthless character. It’s unfortunate such a person can’t be used by me." Prince Jing lamented slightly.
Beside him, Princely Heir Xu Jinglong said eagerly:
"Father, don’t blame yourself. When the Fake Emperor was fleeing, you dispatched all capable fighters to pursue her and didn’t bother with these small fry, which was wise. Minor hindrances are insignificant compared to the great cause."
Prince Jing’s expression eased, his lips curling upward:
"Now five rebel kings are rushing to the Capital, all believing that whoever invades the Capital first gains the upper hand, but that’s not the case. The Capital is defended by Xue Shence, commanding the Capital Camp army. Anyone who attempts a strong assault won’t succeed; only internal collaboration can breach the city."
After a pause, he said: "By now, the Li family should have entered the Capital, right?"
Xu Jinglong smiled and said: "It should be within these days."
Prince Jing slightly nodded:
"As long as we succeed, the Capital won’t fall into anyone else’s hands. If we proceed steadily, we can aim for the throne."
Xu Jinglong replied: "It’s just a pity that Yunfu Prince Mu is using tactics to slow down our march; taking the land route this time is much slower and more difficult."
Mu Prince... Xu Wen snorted. Among the princes, Prince Huaian and Lingnan King are no threat, Prince Chen lacks ambition, Qingzhou’s Prince Heng has ambition but is actually useless, Yanshan and Hejian are restrained by border forces.
Only Yunfu Prince Mu poses a threat to him, aside from the Empress whose whereabouts are unknown and remains a major concern.
"Now that we’ve allied to raise army, before the court falls, Mu Prince is still an ally. The pressing issue now is the Empress." Xu Wen said.
As soon as he spoke.
Outside the dock, behind dense soldiers, a horn sounded, accompanied by rapid hooves.
That was the horn for the army’s urgent intelligence.
Prince Jing and his son were energized, turning their heads to see the soldiers bearing the Jiancheng Army flag open a path through the crowd, splitting like black sea water.
A rider spurred forward, dismounted swiftly, and rushed over, kneeling on one knee, hands raised holding a pouch of urgent military intelligence: "Reporting, my Prince, a secret intelligence!"
Could it be... Is there news from the hunt for the Empress?
Prince Jing’s eyes lit up, his big hand grabbing the envelope, hastily tearing it open, a letter densely written with intelligence filled his sight.
Xu Jinglong watched curiously, his heart skipping.
Prince Jing’s face suddenly turned pale, then darkened, his tall figure staggered momentarily as if struck by lightning.
"Father!"
"My Prince!"
Surrounding loyalist rebels were shocked, rushing forward to support him.
Prince Jing gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, regaining his composure as if merely unsteady, coldly scanning everyone.
He confirmed his lapse didn’t draw more attention from nearby soldiers before squeezing out from between his teeth:
"Follow me back to camp!"
As the commander, he must not publicly lose composure, shaking the morale of the troops.
...
A group retraced their steps to the large camp set nearby, the moment Xu Wen stepped into the tent, he suddenly staggered, clutching his chest, spitting out a mouthful of blood!
"Father!" Xu Jinglong was stunned, as were the core officers from Prince Jing Mansion.
What information could infuriate the assured Prince to spit blood so intensely?!
"Don’t make a scene, I’m fine."
Xu Wen spat out a mouthful of clotted blood, feeling his heart much lighter, seated in the camp with the Princely Heir supporting him, handing over the urgent military report for everyone to read.
Soon, all Jiancheng Road officials and generals in the camp changed their expressions!
Urgent report from the front:
The forces hunting the Empress were completely annihilated, none survived, and the Empress suspiciously entered the Heavenly Human realm.
Heavenly Human!
"How is this possible?!"
"There must be a mistake, the Fake Emperor’s sealing was defeated, seriously injured, this intelligence must be misleading!"
"For such a major event, how could the spies speak aimlessly?"
A commotion followed.
"Silence!" Prince Jing slapped the table fiercely, suppressing the disturbance, his face exceptionally calm as he said: