Two

"The world is truly filled with fools," said the armored figure coldly

The emperor fell silent for a moment, slumping softly on the throne: "Is there really going to be another occasion to summon the loyalists..."

An old minister stepped forward and sighed: "Your Majesty, please temper your anger and exercise self-restraint. The words of the ministers may not be pleasant to hear, but they indeed reflect the current situation. Now, we are like fish on a chopping board, while others wield the knife. We can only exchange the honor of the royal family for a modicum of respect. All we can do is wait for the loyalists to come to our aid."

Are we going to conquer, General! The staff officer could no longer contain the excitement in his heart

There is no way around it; the petitions from various places are indeed as such. What Hou from Moli County said is also correct; the eldest son is not suited for governance, and the prince should have known this long ago

They said that Bai Yin, in his final days, most enjoyed gazing out from here, looking at his own city. The armored figure seemed to say this casually.

The armored man turned around, his gaze icy, and his eyes were a deep brown, extremely bright, as if they were burning coals: "Is my nephew preparing to pledge loyalty to the emperor, bringing with him the subjects who left the country with me to the imperial capital to serve the king, and then kill his uncle, offering the head to the emperor?"

The prince killed his father, your biological brother, so he naturally should hate the prince

It is as precarious as a pile of eggs, please make a decision soon, Your Highness. The person in the wide robe bows deeply.

I will go to convey the orders to the army, prepare to depart immediately, the supplies are already ready

No, the general in white stood up and said, "I will personally deliver the order!"

My nephew, does this child still hate me? Is that why he is so easily incited and instigated

It is now one month away from the six-year mark. Six years ago, it was Xie Xuan who followed the prince to plant the military flag atop the capital city. That scene is something Xie Xuan will never forget.

On the surface, Ying Wuyi merely had a conversation with his most trusted strategist, Xie Xuan, at the Taiqing Pavilion. Both the sovereign and his minister felt that the imperial capital no longer held any interest for them, and with their homeland in turmoil, they contemplated the idea of returning home

As night was about to fall, the advisor in green hurried over and handed over the news from the imperial capital. The person waiting for it slowly opened the scroll under the lamp. He read it three times in succession to confirm this fact

In the seventh month of the third year of Emperor Yincheng's reign, after Ying Wuyi left the imperial capital, he led 35,000 infantry and cavalry, rapidly advancing southeast through the Lock River Mountains, intending to establish a passage between the Kingdom of Wang and the Kingdom of Li. The Kingdom of Wang and the Kingdom of Li do not share a border; according to Ying Wuyi's military map, he must traverse the territory of the State of Chu and step onto the perilous Canglan Road of the Kingdom of Li to find the way home. The State of Chu is widely recognized as a loyal minister to the royal family. Before Ying Wuyi raised his army, the 30,000 troops of the State of Chu had already been waiting in the warships at Jianshui for over a month. This is the best season for water flow, and Jianshui can easily transport this well-equipped army to the gateway of the imperial capital—"the Second Great Pass of the Eastern Land," Shangyang Pass.

His eyes are deep brown, very bright, like burning coal

The night has grown very deep. From the lofty Taiqing Pavilion, one can gaze down upon the city, which lies like a supine giant, sleeping under the shroud of night, with faint lights emanating from the distant streets and alleys. The night breeze is slightly cool, and the armored figure overlooks from the pavilion, as the wind gently pulls at his crimson cloak, causing it to billow slowly.

It is truly quiet

"Please put everything away; there is no need to discuss how to deal with me in this place. I have long been aware of the morning court here, and I have no interest in the matters you are discussing. I am merely here to inform you that I will be leaving Tianqi today, along with all the cavalry of my Red Army." The voice of the Guardian of Tianqi, Duke Ying Wuyi, was cold, "There is one more thing I wish to tell you: I have no interest in this broken city. I want this city only as the beginning of my quest for the world!"

The concubines were relatively obedient, going up to help him massage his back, while those who could not find a place assisted in kneading the muscles of his legs. Before Bai Hui ascended the throne, he was the Wang of Guangchang, a man who only needed to indulge in pleasure. He spent half of his life on literature and the other half with women. Due to his frail health, he experienced some discomfort every day when he rose early to discuss matters here.

It is said that this is the highest place in the entire Apocalypse City, referred to as the Taiqing Pavilion, but it actually resembles a tower. The man in the wide robe answered in a rather indifferent manner

As long as the prince's military flag is reinserted on the city walls of Jiuyuan, I believe no one would dare to mention the matters of returning power or abdication again

The surprise attack of the 5,000 Thunder Cavalry and the decisive victory in the blood battle of Lock River Mountain have indeed left a remarkable legacy for future generations, and thus no one dares to mock us. However, this move was indeed made too hastily. Given the current situation, continuing to occupy the imperial capital does not bring us significant benefits. Although the emperor is in our hands, the feudal lords may not have much loyalty to him. The hostage we hold is of little use. The armies of various nations have cut us off from the departing country, and we can only rely on the resources of Tianqi City for sustenance. Recently, replenishing our troops has also become a difficult task. Although the emperor is in our hands, the feudal lords may not have much loyalty to him. The armies of various nations have cut us off from the departing country, and we can only rely on the resources of Tianqi City for sustenance. The disturbances caused by the Marquis of Moli County may very well be the result of instigation by the feudal lords behind the scenes. If the prince does not personally visit Jiuyuan, we are likely to lose our homeland. The man in the loose robe bowed deeply again, saying, "Xie Xuan urges the prince to make a swift decision."

The man in the wide robe—Xie Xuan, the left commander of the Thunder Cavalry of the Exiled Nation—cast aside his wide robe without a glance, following in the footsteps of Ying Wuyi. Beneath his wide robe, he wore a suit of silver-scaled fine armor made of tempered iron, glinting coldly in the moonlight

"Indeed, it is somewhat regrettable," said the armored man, nodding. "However, having a woman by your side for a lifetime is ultimately quite difficult. Moreover, I am an armored man in this city, not one dressed in fine silks. I know that every inch of this city's land has been earned with the blood of my fellow countrymen. I would not go so far as to view a piece of land soaked in blood as a woman's bosom, clinging to it unwillingly."

I believe Your Majesty can write a letter to Ying Wuyi regarding this matter. After all, the Taiqing Palace has been the seat of governance for our great dynasty's emperors throughout the ages, and it possesses its own dignity. No matter how esteemed Ying Wuyi may be, he is still a vassal of our dynasty and does not have the privilege to enter the palace without an imperial edict

Ying Wuyi has already left the imperial capital and is advancing southward, having likely reached Shangyang Pass. The machinations of those in the imperial capital have borne fruit, as they have accurately predicted Ying Wuyi's movements. To gauge the heart of this hegemon, there truly are some geniuses among those ambitious individuals in the imperial capital. The general in white exclaimed under the lamp, his expression unchanged. The machinations of those in the imperial capital have borne fruit, as they have accurately predicted Ying Wuyi's movements. To gauge the heart of this hegemon, there truly are some geniuses among those ambitious individuals in the imperial capital. The general in white exclaimed under the lamp, his expression unchanged

The maid presented the golden embroidered imperial robe. The Emperor of the Great Yin, known in later generations as Emperor Ying Cheng, ascended the throne with the assistance of his consorts and donned the imperial robe

The armored figure did not respond, turning away to gaze into the distance

The Imperial Capital, Tianqi City

He openly showed disrespect to the emperor, declaring that he would seize the world, and then left the Ta Qing Palace. Outside the palace gate, a charcoal-red steed awaited him, followed by fifty thousand elite warriors of the Li Kingdom. This fierce army, which instilled fear and unease among the ministers of the imperial capital, withdrew from Tianqi City in a single day. It was long before people dared to enter the camp where the Li army had once been stationed; facing the empty camp, they could hardly believe their eyes.

I fear that I may not have the fate to entrust to him! The emperor impatiently dismissed his ministers, raising his hands in exasperation. "Ying Wuyi entering the palace at such a late hour treats the Taiqing Palace as if it were his own backyard. If he wishes to kill me, who could possibly stop a hundred Thunder Riders rushing in? I may wake up alive in the morning, but by evening, who knows where my head will be? How can you expect me to have the confidence to wait for the feudal lords to come to my aid?"

"Finally going to give up this city, does the prince feel it is a pity?" The man in the wide robe waved his hand towards the distance, "After all, this is the Tianqi of Wan Cheng, if it were to be compared to a woman, it would be the most beautiful woman in the world. Here, the pavilions are connected like brocade clouds, and beautiful women pass by in procession. If we speak of a land of wealth and nobility, it is no different from Nanhua in Wanzhou, right? Yet we have come, but we must ultimately leave."

The armored man let out a cold laugh: "I am not dead yet, my son is merely the crown prince of a foreign land. Is there any talk of a crown prince abdicating? Should I return power to the people, or should I allow my beloved nephew to be elevated by the populace into the palace, becoming the master of Jiuyuan City?"

Carrying this shocking news, the carrier pigeon flew to the palace of the Duke of Chu Wei—above the Zigong—just three days later. However, the birch bark scroll it carried was not delivered first to the hands of the Duke of Chu Wei, but rather to someone who had been waiting for it for a long time.

Your Majesty, while other lords may harbor ulterior motives, General Bai Yi of the State of Chu and Wei is indeed a loyal minister of the nation, one to whom life can be entrusted. Another person stepped forward.

No privileges?" The emperor sneered

In the third year of Emperor Yin Cheng, in July, at the end of summer

The man in the wide robe laughed and said: "A prince like him should not complain so. What the world remembers is that the prince killed his own brother; they have already forgotten that it was the Marquis of Moli County who forced the prince to the edge of the cliff with a knife back then. Because the prince emerged victorious, the world resents him, and the current Marquis of Moli County is no exception. This is the fate of the prince as a sovereign." Because the prince emerged victorious, the world resents him, and the current Marquis of Moli County is no exception. This is the fate of the prince as a sovereign.

"Yes, Xie Xuan also believes this." The man in the loose robe replied respectfully

After a long while, he asked in a low voice: "Xie Xuan, we have been trapped in the imperial capital for almost six years, haven't we?"

The emperor grew even angrier

Thus, the ministers of the royal court deliberated and advised the emperor to attend the morning court less frequently, suggesting that matters be discussed only in this side hall. Before dawn, the ministers would quietly enter through the northern palace gate, guided by the inner eunuchs. After the discussions were concluded, they would exit together with the officials on night duty, evading the watchful eyes and ears of Ying Wuyi. This small and constrained court has been maintained for two years, and for Emperor Cheng, Bai Hui, the territory he ruled over consisted solely of this side hall.

Well. I think this is not impossible. However, the current excuse is that the Long Prince is ineffective in governance, incompetent and tyrannical, leading to many starving people dying of hunger this spring. Therefore, the Marquis of Moli County is preparing to request the Long Prince to abdicate and return power to the people

"Gentlemen, please feel free to speak your minds." The Emperor sighed softly and shook his head, "Last night, Ying Wuyi brought one hundred Thunder Riders into the palace to gaze from the Taiqing Pavilion. I spent most of the night in trepidation, not daring to sleep, and only managed to close my eyes for a brief moment after he left in the early morning. My esteemed ministers, as your Emperor, I truly feel my dignity has been tarnished. Please, speak freely; I am listening." My esteemed ministers, as your Emperor, I truly feel my dignity has been tarnished. Please, speak freely; I am listening.

Without this city, I can still obtain this world. Therefore, if it is discarded, then it is discarded. Ying Wuyi turned and left.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed as an inner court official nearly tumbled in, exclaiming: "Ying... Ying Wuyi... is coming this way, we cannot stop him! We cannot stop him!"

"What brings you here at this late hour?" The armored person was not in the mood for idle chatter with him

The sound of footsteps ascended from below, as a man in wide robes and broad belts climbed the steps, bowing respectfully behind the armored figure.

However, I raised and taught him without any injustice towards him. Yet, his father once held a knife to my throat; what choice did I have? Should I have prioritized the bond of brotherhood, waiting for his father to strike me down, and then my nephew would feel the kindness of his uncle, shedding tears on the anniversary of my death to comfort my wronged spirit?

I believe that Your Majesty's letter on this matter is acceptable, but it is not appropriate to reprimand him. I observe that Ying Wuyi does not harbor any murderous intent towards Your Majesty; he is merely using this as a means to coerce the feudal lords. Your Majesty may speak gently and guide him gradually, encouraging him to show a bit of respect.

"Oh dear, my back is truly about to break, perhaps it was the wind that blew on me last night." The emperor sighed softly, forcing himself to straighten up

"How can it be quiet?" The man in the wide robe laughed, his smile gentle yet tinged with unabashed mockery. "This is the Apocalypse, the center of power in the world. Even in silence, there are thunderous roars. It is a sleeping lion, and when it awakens, it will still devour people."

The ministers exchanged glances.

Did they ever remember my suffering? The emperor smiled bitterly, These people, apart from not having the strong capabilities of Ying Wuyi, are no different from him in essence. Who has ever cared about my life or death?

The person in the loose robe has received the military order

The two smiled at each other, their smiles chilling yet their gazes warm

This is the East Side Hall of Taiqing Palace, where one can see the towering Taiqing Pavilion outside the window. The morning sunlight is warm and soft, while the atmosphere inside the side hall is somber

He suddenly turned around and descended the steps: "According to your instructions, relay the orders to the three armies! Prepare and report to me when ready!"

We have taken the imperial capital and achieved great victories over the feudal lords, yet we have become trapped beasts in a cage, unable to return to our homeland. The armored man scoffed coldly, "I have spent my life in military service, and this move on the chessboard has been poorly executed, which is indeed a source of ridicule."

The remaining officials were left dumbfounded for a long time, and eventually, the emperor's body went limp as he slumped down.

The plan has been repeatedly confirmed, yet the lords who are still attempting to save the Bai royal family must delay the advance of the departing army here, ensuring that the departing army remains here permanently, whether in body or in spirit

However, the true situation is forever unknown to outsiders. For this pair of rulers and ministers, historically renowned for their eccentricity, the thought of returning home arose solely because they had not engaged in warfare for far too long. The imperial capital prevented their warhorses from galloping, causing them to gain excessive fat, while their weapons, due to infrequent use, constantly required sharpening and oiling for maintenance. These individuals understood that they were gradually aging; each day they ceased to wage war diminished their chances of conquering foreign lands, and they were unwilling to wait for opportunities.

Ying Wuyi left Tianqi as suddenly as he had arrived

The secret envoy of General Bai Yi from the State of Chu presented a letter of inquiry yesterday, stating, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, the feudal lords have not forgotten your suffering." One person stepped forward to report.

Thus, they donned their armor once more and departed from the Apocalypse of the City of Ten Thousand Cities

Of course, even if what we do aligns with the ambitions of those in the imperial capital, the pressing matter at hand is to deal with that lion, Ying Wuyi. As long as he remains alive, the seven hundred years of the imperial dynasty will come to an end here

Thus, among the historians of later generations, some mock Ying Wuyi as merely a muscular warrior, failing to comprehend the strategic significance of the imperial capital. His desire to obtain the capital is akin to a dominant man seeking a woman; once acquired, it loses its meaning, and he turns away. He is overly attached to his homeland, and this dependence on his native land indicates that he is not a leader of great military strategy, lacking the ability to let go and unable to assess the situation. He could have continued to occupy the imperial capital, controlling the emperor, while using Tianqi City as a new base to conquer the world. This viewpoint has also been ridiculed by other historians, who claim that Ying Wuyi and Xie Xuan, this pair of ruler and minister, are essentially people without a country, father, or home. Ying Wuyi could kill his own brother, and Xie Xuan is not a man from the departing country. To say that these two are homesick is like saying wild horses would build a nest—everyone knows that wild horses are creatures born to gallop across vast plains; once they embark on their journey, they never look back.

Since Ying Wuyi became the master of Tianqi City, the emperor has rarely held morning court. Bai Hui, compared to his ancestors, may not be an incompetent and foolish emperor; if possible, he would also like to display his authority in the court. However, as long as the formidable lion, Ying Wuyi, stands beside him, no matter how the emperor speaks, he is merely a sheep bleating. The lion has not yet devoured the sheep; it is simply not hungry at the moment. As long as the formidable lion, Ying Wuyi, stands beside him, no matter how the emperor speaks, he is merely a sheep bleating. The lion has not yet devoured the sheep; it is simply not hungry at the moment

The city is filled with armored individuals bearing swords

The emperor was startled and nearly left his seat without a second thought, wanting to retreat to the back of the hall. The ministers were also filled with terror, like sheep and pigs awaiting slaughter, crashing into one another in a confined space. However, it was too late; right behind the inner eunuch, a heavier sound of footsteps followed closely. Someone suddenly lifted the curtain at the entrance of the eastern side hall, and a large beam of sunlight poured in. A tall figure clad in armor strode into the hall, standing firmly at the door, coldly gazing at the emperor from a distance.

The armored man shook his head: "I know he is useless, but after all, he is my son, and I cannot bring myself to believe that he has fallen to such a level of uselessness"

In that year, Xie Yu, the fierce king, was seventeen years old

Just as the emperor was about to show his displeasure, another minister stepped forward: "I also believe this to be the case. I have heard that Ying Wuyi entered the palace merely out of admiration for the reputation of the Taiqing Pavilion, the highest point in the imperial capital. It is indeed true that he came to the palace to take in the view, with no ulterior motives. This person is a rural man from the southern barbarians; as long as Your Majesty shows him leniency and favor, allowing him to outwardly express his respect for Your Majesty, it is not impossible for him to do so."

The ministers below were bowing slightly, not daring to make a sound

"Since ... ... His Highness the Prince is arriving ... ... " the most daring minister's voice trembled

It is not a major issue, and I do not dare to disturb the prince while he is lost in thought; this is a rule that Xie Xuan is aware of. There are reports from the Li Kingdom that the situation in Jiuyuan is already on the brink of eruption. I believe that Marquis Mo Li is preparing to declare himself as the Duke of Li.

Xie Xuan, how do you think we should proceed