Yan Han waited less than three days before the scouts he had sent out returned with news.

The troops dispatched by the Ministry of War had traveled for only one day when they encountered the advance guard of the Shuoxi Army coming to investigate. After reconnaissance, they discovered that indeed over a hundred thousand troops were following behind. Not daring to proceed further, they rode back to Lin’an almost without rest, entered the city, and galloped straight to the palace gates. Showing their golden-feathered arrow, they entered the palace and reported their findings to Yan Han in great trepidation.

Upon hearing this news, Yan Han collapsed on the imperial throne. The imperial brush fell from his hand, and he remained frozen and unresponsive for a long while. Yuan Qing was so frightened that he called for the Imperial Physician, but before the physician arrived, Yan Han had already recovered consciousness. His face was as white as paper, yet he still couldn’t utter a word for quite some time.

Yuan Qing was also anxious and covered in sweat. “Your Majesty, what should we do? Should we summon Commander Zhao? Or perhaps invite the Duke of Weiguo to the palace?”

Zhao Yu commanded the Imperial Guard, while Peng Huaichu, who had not been assigned to the northern expedition, was still in the capital. Upon learning of Yan Han’s army moving south, Yan Han had already entrusted the Nine Cities Patrol to his command. In these past few days, the Imperial Guard and Nine Cities Patrol had made initial deployments. However, Yan Chi brought over a hundred thousand troops, while the city’s Imperial Guard and Patrol combined numbered only thirty thousand. How could they possibly resist?

Cold sweat formed layer by layer in Yan Han’s palms as he couldn’t think of any delaying tactics. After a while, Yan Han suddenly said, “Summon Zhao Yu and Peng Huaichu, and immediately order Yue Jia and Yue Qing to enter the palace.”

Yuan Qing was slightly surprised, not knowing why Yue Jia and Yue Qing were being summoned. Before he could turn to leave, Yan Han added, “Have Yan Ze come to the palace as well.”

Hearing this, Yuan Qing hurried to relay the orders. Within half an hour, all three summoned individuals had entered the palace.

By this time, Yan Han had somewhat regained his composure. Upon seeing the three, he said, “Yan Chi has rebelled and is now leading a hundred thousand troops south. They will reach the capital soon. The city currently has only thirty thousand troops. I summoned you three to hear your suggestions.”

Yan Han’s directness immediately caused the three men’s expressions to change drastically.

Among them, Yue Jia and Yue Qing were hearing this for the first time, while Yan Ze had known since Yan Han sent people north to scout the military situation.

Yue Jia frowned and said, “How could Yan Chi bring a hundred thousand troops south? Wasn’t he fighting the Rong enemies in the north?”

Yan Han gave a cold laugh, “The Rong enemies have already been driven back. I suspect he has joined forces with the Northern Prefecture Army, which is how he amassed a hundred thousand troops. Now they’re taking advantage of the capital’s weak defenses to march south together—they aim to seize my imperial throne—”

Yue Qing couldn’t help but interject, “That’s impossible! My father is still in the north, how could he let Yan Chi march south?”

Hearing these words, Yan Han’s tone became somewhat unpredictable, “This question also greatly interests me, though I trust in the Marquis of An’yang’s loyalty. Perhaps he was just tied down by the remaining Rong barbarians—”

Yue Qing listened with trepidation and dared not ask further. Yue Jia’s expression also became grave, while Yan Ze, though solemn-faced, remained unperturbed.

Yan Han glanced at the three men and looked at Yue Jia, saying, “Yue Jia, you previously requested to march north, but I didn’t give you the opportunity. Now, I authorize you to join the Nine Cities Patrol to defend Lin’an. Are you willing?”

With matters having reached this point, how could there be any unwillingness?

Yue Jia immediately cupped his hands and accepted the order. Yue Qing wanted to speak but held back, having no choice. Yan Han then looked at Yue Qing and said, “Yue Qing, you are of similar age to Yan Chi and have a friendship with him. I order you to leave the city and persuade him to surrender. If he is willing to withdraw to Shuoxi now, I will make him the King of Shuoxi. Do you dare accept?”

By having Yue Jia guard Lin’an from the city walls while sending Yue Qing out to persuade surrender, this plan effectively held the An’yang Marquis’s household in check.

Yue Qing dared not refuse and immediately accepted the order. Seeing this, Yan Ze stepped forward with a slight smile and said, “Your Majesty, if we’re speaking of friendship with Yan Chi, I am more familiar with him than Yue Qing. Why not entrust this task of persuading surrender to me?”

Yan Ze’s voluntary acceptance of the mission showed his loyalty, and at such a critical moment, Yan Han was deeply moved.

“Yan Ze, have you thought this through? Do you truly wish to replace Yue Qing in going out to persuade surrender?”

Yan Ze fixed his gaze and said, “Your Majesty, I have thought it through. Please trust that even if I cannot persuade Yan Chi to surrender, I can at least delay for two days.”

If they could delay, there would be hope of waiting for Ge Yang and others to return. Yan Han’s eyes brightened considerably, and he immediately said, “Good! Excellent! Since you have this intention, I grant your request!”

Yan Ze cupped his hands, “Your Majesty, rest assured, I will spare no effort!”

Yan Han breathed a slight sigh of relief. In such dire times, having someone still firmly supporting him was truly comforting.

Leaving Chongzheng Hall, Yue Qing’s face still showed tension. Yan Ze saw this and said, “Yue Qing, don’t be nervous. Go back and attend to the sick. I will handle the surrender negotiations.”

Hearing this, Yue Qing apologetically said, “Third Brother, you’re doing this for me, I…”

Yan Ze smiled, “It’s not just for you, but also for myself.”

Yue Jia hurriedly frowned and said, “Rather than Third Brother going to negotiate a surrender, wouldn’t it be better to have Yan Li released? Yan Li being imprisoned in the Imperial Prison is truly inappropriate…”

Yan Ze waved his hand, “It doesn’t matter who goes, but if I go, I can truly delay for two days.”

Yue Jia looked around and said in a low voice, “Third Brother, now that the Prince has a hundred thousand troops, how can you delay?”

Anyone would know there was no chance this time, especially since Yan Chi’s Shuoxi Army was the Zhou Dynasty’s most valiant elite force. However, hearing these words, Yan Ze merely smiled slightly, showing not the slightest nervousness, “It’s not certain this battle will even begin.”

Yue Jia raised an eyebrow, “It would be best if it didn’t come to battle, but given Yan Chi’s personality, once he decides to do something, he absolutely won’t be persuaded to change his mind.”

Yan Ze patted Yue Jia’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, it would be best if there’s no battle.”

Seeing Yan Ze still as composed as usual, Yue Jia grew increasingly confused, but Yan Ze said nothing more. The three parted at the palace gates, and as Yan Ze’s faint smile faded, he returned to his prince’s mansion. As soon as he returned, Tanxiang said, “Young Master, the Prince is waiting for you in the study.”

Yan Ze nodded and turned toward the study. Upon reaching it, he saw Prince Yi Yan Xiang standing by the window. Hearing footsteps, he turned to look and asked, “How did it go?”

Yan Ze’s face was completely cold, and he laughed with increasingly mocking expression, “He had Yue Jia join the Patrol to defend the capital, and wanted Yue Qing to leave the city to persuade surrender. Seeing this, I took on the task of negotiating surrender instead.”

Yan Xiang sighed, “Why trouble yourself so? At this point, we might as well let Yan Chi enter Lin’an. Who can stop him?”

Yan Ze shook his head, “Father Prince speaks truly, but I don’t want it to end like this. Mother Consort’s spirit in heaven is still watching, and Yan Han hasn’t paid his price yet.”

Yan Xiang looked at Yan Ze with a gaze containing traces of pity, “When Yan Chi enters the city, the throne will be lost—that is the price.”

Hearing this, Yan Ze laughed again, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes, “How could that be enough? It’s far from equal to the suffering Mother Consort and I endured.”

“Ze’er…” Yan Xiang started to speak but stopped, “Even the Empress could let go, why must you persist?”

Yan Ze gave a cold laugh, “I overestimated the Empress. I thought she had an iron will, but she’s no better than others. She gave up her chance, letting Yan Chi march south easily. With his hundred thousand troops, I can’t stop him, but for that small imperial city, I still have my ways. Father Prince need not worry.”

Seeing Yan Xiang’s worried face, Yan Ze said, “Father Prince, don’t be concerned. When things are done, I’ll accompany you to the East Sea to practice the Way.”

Looking at Yan Ze’s face which seemed to wear a mask, showing no discernible emotion, Yan Xiang could only heave a long sigh.

Yue Jia and Yue Qing both returned to the An’yang Marquis’s mansion, heading straight to the Imperial Princess’s quarters upon arrival. As soon as they entered, the Imperial Princess asked, “The Emperor knows?”

Yue Jia hurried forward, “Grandmother, is it true? Has Yan Chi rebelled?”

Only then did the Imperial Princess take out the letter she had received days ago and show it to the two of them.

After reading Yue Rong’s letter, both were shocked. In just a few short days, they hadn’t expected so many events to unfold in the north, and even more unexpected was that the Emperor had not only sent people west but had also played such tricks in the north, causing heavy casualties to the Shuoxi Army. No wonder Yan Chi suddenly led troops south!

Though Yan Chi had returned to Shuoxi many days ago and established a small court, he hadn’t led troops north. This time was different, and now they knew why.

Yue Jia said with focused eyes, “Then if it comes to battle…”

The Imperial Princess looked at Yue Jia and said, “How did your father act? The letter has arrived, don’t you know what to do?”

Yue Jia suddenly understood and naturally agreed immediately.

Three days after the news arrived, Yan Han ordered the city defenses to be on alert. Immediately, the capital’s citizens knew something was wrong. However, since the fighting had been in the north, although people were puzzled, they didn’t think the capital might also experience warfare. Yet on the very night the Emperor received definite news, countless rumors spread through the capital’s streets and alleys as if they had grown wings, all telling of how the Emperor had secretly harmed the Prince of Rui, and how he had ordered Prince Cheng to use underhanded tactics in the north to harm loyal and righteous military officers.

Along with this came revelations of several cases of official demotion and wrongful execution from several years or even more than a decade ago in the court. Even the case of Consort Jin was discussed in detail, all saying that Consort Jin died at the Emperor’s hand, and Prince Jin Yan Yu was merely a scapegoat. This then implicated the Minister of Justice Shen Yi and others. Thus, crimes of plotting against princes, wrongfully executing loyal ministers, poisoning consorts and his son, and other transgressions all fell upon the Emperor.

In just one night, rumors had made the high and mighty Son of Heaven shake precariously.

The noble families in the capital dared not make a show of it, but they had their judgments. Of these matters, about which a small portion of court officials had been wronged, most official families had heard something but had never seen such widespread circulation. And in all under heaven, who would dare to expose the Emperor’s scandals and secrets like this?!

The Son of Heaven was the supreme ruler, standing above all others. Though not a sage, he shouldn’t commit error upon error so mercilessly and unrighteously. It is said that even tigers don’t eat their cubs, yet now the Emperor could frame even his son, showing he had long departed from human morality. Though common people might not possess the Spring and Autumn Annals’ style of writing history, public opinion still held sway. When the news reached the palace, Yan Han felt even more chilled to the bone and hurriedly summoned Yan Ze to the palace. However, Yan Ze said that rather than widespread suppression, it would be better to ignore it, showing there was nothing to feel guilty about.

Hearing this, Yan Han felt it made perfect sense and indeed acted accordingly.

Another day passed, and Yan Chi, leading over a hundred thousand troops, finally arrived outside Lin’an City.

Rumors had already made the capital unstable, and now with the army’s arrival, those with clear minds could guess what was happening. Anyone with any wisdom could see the current situation. Yan Chi had absolute military superiority; removing the Emperor from his throne would take only as long as Yan Chi’s mood dictated—one day? Two days? Or three days at most.

And how could Ge Yang, far in the west, easily return with reinforcements?

Though Yan Chi brought enough troops to directly attack Lin’an, thinking of this hundred-year-old imperial capital rarely experiencing warfare, he first ordered the army to set up camp outside the city. He then raised the banner “Opposing the Tyrannical Ruler, Proving Heaven’s Way” and sent a surrender notice into the city.

Just as Yan Chi sent the surrender notice, the city gate opened halfway, and one man on horseback left Lin’an city—it was Yan Ze.

Yan Ze, alone on horseback, left Lin’an, crossing the dozens of zhang of wild land before the city. Under the watchful eyes of the Shuoxi Army’s rows of archers with their cold-glinting arrowheads, he leisurely approached the Shuoxi army camp.

Learning the arrival was him, Yan Chi did not order anyone to stop him. As Yan Ze traveled unimpeded into the camp and saw the vast campsite spread out like stars in the sky, and witnessed the sharp, elite bearing of the Shuoxi Army, the dissatisfaction in his heart diminished by three parts.

Yan Ze entered the camp unhurriedly, and upon seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan, he felt a strong sense that things were no longer as they once were.