Just then, dozens of horsemen happened to ride by, also galloping along the garden’s perimeter. Feng Miaojun touched the ground lightly with her toes and jumped onto one of the horses, crouching on its haunches. Her body was as light as a feather, and with the invisible illusion formation of the White Board, the rider didn’t even sense her presence.
Two-quarters of an hour later, this squad finally galloped to the eastern part of the garden.
She heard the clashing of weapons and shouting from ahead, and even saw the light of supernatural abilities piercing the night sky.
Oh? Are they already fighting? Feng Miaojun was first shocked, then her heart sank:
Had Mo Tizhun already rescued his father, wife, and children? Or had he already resolved to kill the Wei people at all costs?
Neither reason boded well!
She had been here before. The east gate was originally ornately carved with painted beams—beautiful. Now, however, one bronze door had a hole large enough for a horse to run through, while the other had simply shattered into pieces, clearly having been forcibly blasted open. Yao soldiers poured in through the breach like a tide, continuously joining the battle.
In front of the main gate, several commanders and ministers stood seemingly directing operations in the garden, but with Feng Miaojun’s keen hearing, she could tell they were arguing.
Where was Mo Tizhun? Had he already charged in at the forefront? If he had already gone in, how would these generals dare not follow?
With the chaos of battle here, she did not fear being discovered, so she stood behind a large tree near these men and listened carefully. The result was that this group of people, all talking at once, were accusing one person:
“Zhao Rushan, have you lost your mind? His Majesty is still trapped inside!”
“You dare to order an attack? If anything happens to His Majesty, that’s a crime punishable by the execution of nine clans!”
The man being pointed at had a square face and a lion’s nose, and in military armor appeared as sturdy as half an iron tower. Feng Miaojun had stayed in Inzi City for some time and knew this was General Zhao Rushan, renowned for his military achievements. Unlike typical straightforward generals, he often employed ingenious tactics in warfare.
Facing everyone, he waved his large hand: “What are you quarreling about? I gave the order, I hold the highest rank here, and I alone will bear all consequences. You need not share the responsibility!”
Hearing this, Feng Miaojun’s thoughts raced.
So, Mo Tizhun had not yet returned to the capital!
Zhao Rushan had the Yao King’s trust and was stationed seventy li west of the capital, but this time he had been sent to intercept the Wei army invading from the southwest. Events proved that this was just bait laid by Xiao Yan, so he hurriedly returned to Inzi City after receiving news of the incident.
Based on timing, he should have just arrived in Yao’s capital, which explained why the assault on the temporary palace had only recently begun.
Now that the royal family was trapped in the garden, the Crown Prince and State Preceptor were elsewhere, and the Chancellor was seriously injured. One rank higher crushes to death—he dared to give this order only because his rank was higher than all the officials present.
He truly had great courage!
The officials continued angrily: “What does bearing responsibility have to do with it? His Majesty is trapped in the palace, and you attack without regard for his safety. What exactly are your intentions?”
Zhao Rushan sneered: “You surround but don’t attack, waiting for the Crown Prince to arrive. But what choice will you leave him then?”
The crowd exchanged glances, all knowing that once Mo Tizhun arrived, he would immediately face an impossible dilemma, unable to save both family and country. Whichever he abandoned would cause immense pain.
“No matter what choice the Crown Prince makes, he will be condemned by everyone!” Zhao Rushan said sternly. “Rather than that, let me take the blame for him! The order to attack the garden was mine, and whatever the consequences, I will bear them!”
The others were shocked, and even Feng Miaojun was moved.
With troops coming and going and the clamor of voices here, Zhao Rushan couldn’t speak plainly, but all the shrewd officials present understood: by ordering the attack on the garden before Mo Tizhun arrived in the capital if they rescued the King and the Crown Prince’s wife and children, then all would be well; if they could not…
If they could not, and instead angered the Wei people who then killed all the hostages, this would be a “national disaster” for Great Yao, but in the current situation, it might not be unacceptable!
The Crown Prince was filial. If he were coerced by the Wei villains and surrendered the country, then Great Yao would be directly extinguished! What place would there be for these civil and military officials?
Rather than that, it was better to place them in peril to seek a new life, simply allowing the Crown Prince to be crowned with no attachments. Then the Wei villains’ palace raid would have no meaning, and instead, they would find themselves surrounded by Yao forces.
Originally, no matter what choice the Crown Prince made, the people would have reason to criticize him. This coronation would be improper and illegitimate, and it would take much effort later to reverse public opinion. But if the hostages died before Mo Tizhun’s arrival, then his angry attack on the garden to avenge them would be perfectly reasonable, wouldn’t it?
Even Feng Miaojun, hidden behind the tree, had to admit that Zhao Rushan had a ruthless heart, not only toward others but especially toward himself. Rashly sending troops, potentially leading to the King’s death—this was a crime punishable by the execution of nine clans!
Although the Zhao family had few members, all “nine clans” together were only about a dozen people. She found it strange: why were Yao Kingdom’s officials so eager to worry on behalf of their ruler? First, the Zuoqiu family worried for Mo Tizhun and killed the Crown Prince; now Zhao Rushan worried for the Crown Prince, urging him to inherit the throne.
Fortunately, her New Xia officials, except for the former Fu Lingchuan and Hu Yanbei, were not so proactively eager to overstep their authority.
After hearing Zhao Rushan’s words, the other officials showed varying expressions—some hesitant, some disagreeing. But Zhao Rushan had no time for them; saying “Excuse me,” he followed his troops and strode into the Imperial Garden.
Feng Miaojun naturally wouldn’t miss such a good opportunity and similarly slipped in amid the chaos.
Chen Dachang had also changed into Yao military uniform and found an opportunity to take to the streets.
He quickly discovered that less than two hundred zhang from the Imperial Garden was an official residence also heavily guarded, labeled as Wu Family Tower. It was probably some high official’s or rich merchant’s mansion, temporarily requisitioned as a command post against the enemy.
Going back and forth twice, he noticed that commanders and guards in bright armor frequently entered and exited, looking hurried.
It seemed that Inzi City’s garrison and high-ranking commanders were concentrated here, discussing strategies. But was Mo Tizhun back in the city yet? From the looks of things, at least he hadn’t made a final decision yet.
That meant the most pressing moment had not yet arrived, and Chen Dachang felt a bit more at ease.
As he was pondering, a squad of guards suddenly appeared from around the corner, surrounding several people walking this way. Looking closely, he was surprised:
The person in the very center, with thick eyebrows large eyes, and resolute features, was none other than Yao Crown Prince Mo Tizhun!
Compared to two years ago, Mo Tizhun now appeared more masculine and mature, with a commanding presence about him. However, at this moment his brows were tightly knit, his chin covered with stubble, and his eyes bloodshot, clearly having gone without proper rest for a long time.
Since the Wei Kingdom’s invasion of Yao began, this Crown Prince had been the busiest person. Now he not only had to manage the war effort across the entire country but also had to summon his energy to deal with the crisis in Inzi City. One wrong move, and he would regret it for life, bearing the blame for generations.