In daylight, the city was filled with rising smoke and fire, everywhere panicked crowds fleeing in stumbling chaos, the ground scattered with various items.

But the clothing, dress, and faces of these people were not the familiar Da Xia citizens.

Galloping horses passed through them. The rider suddenly leaned down and scooped up an object from the ground—a slender bottle—

“Xi Liang is really interesting. Why use such an ugly bottle?” He examined it, puzzled.

Someone on horseback galloped over from the side and snatched it away: “Who cares if it’s ugly? The gems on it are valuable. If you don’t want it, it’s mine.”

The first person angrily pursued: “Boss said whoever grabs it keeps it.”

“Well now I’ve grabbed it from you,” the person ahead laughed strangely.

The two chased each other galloping through the streets, but didn’t charge into shops or houses to plunder, and paid no attention to the fleeing, terrified civilians on the street, racing swiftly toward the city gate.

Outside the city gate stood a dense mass of riders, all wearing ordinary robes, some even rather ragged. At this moment, every person’s body and horse back was hung with gold, silver, and jewels.

“What is that thing you have? Doesn’t look valuable.”

“What do you know? This is called spice, more valuable than gold, silver, or jewels. I poured this out of an incense burner.”

“You’re really pathetic. Didn’t you go to the palace treasury?”

“We didn’t have your luck. Boss assigned you the good position on the east side. We got the west side with the women’s palaces—nearly suffocated going in—”

“Who told you to fail last training? Boss said you don’t deserve to be bandits, you only deserve to be Prince Zhongshan’s incompetent soldiers.”

“Who are you cursing? You’re the same!”

“I’m not the same. I passed in the first batch. I’ve long been Boss’s person.”

The two who joined the group also merged into the commotion. Everywhere was laughter and quarreling. Suddenly a piercing bird cry cut through the air above. Hearing this sound, whether laughing loudly, arguing fiercely, or even fighting—everyone stopped instantly. The next moment they all mounted their horses and galloped in the direction of the bird cry.

Standing on the hills in the distance outside the Royal City, one could clearly see the galloping riders. The jewels on their bodies flashed in the sunlight like glittering stars. Behind her veil, Mu Mianhong’s eyes curved in a slight smile.

“Looks like everyone got rich this time,” she said.

“Following Boss means wealth and good days,” the men beside her laughed.

And they’d plundered Xi Liang no less.

If word of this got out, they’d have glory for life.

“Boss,” another person thought of something and looked at the Royal City with rising smoke. “Since we’ve already killed the First Prince, why don’t we simply occupy the Royal City?”

Mu Mianhong gently touched her veil: “Occupy what city? We’re bandits and mountain thieves. We’re not an army.”

The men exchanged glances. If they were really just mountain bandits, how could they have run so far on such a dangerous surprise attack on Xi Liang’s Royal City?

Was it really just for robbery?

When the great battle erupted earlier, everyone had asked if they should help, but Mu Mianhong flatly refused.

“That’s Zhong Changrong’s business. Nothing to do with me,” she said.

But the next sentence was to keep watch on Xie Yanlai.

Then they discovered Xie Yanlai had gone to raid the King’s camp.

Without stopping for a moment, Mu Mianhong immediately mobilized troops—not to support Xie Yanlai, but to head into Xi Liang territory—

They traveled day and night without stopping, dispersing and moving covertly, finally converging on the Royal City. Some infiltrated while others besieged, coordinating from inside and outside, striking directly at the royal palace. Boss had even killed with one whip the First Prince who charged out to fight.

Only then did she have someone escort an official dragged from the Xi Liang royal palace to see Xie Yanlai.

All of this wasn’t for plunder—it was supporting Xie Yanlai.

“Boss,” a man couldn’t help saying, “If Zhong Changrong has nothing to do with you, wouldn’t Xie Yanlai be even less related?”

Mu Mianhong’s eyes danced with a smile: “This, you wouldn’t understand.”

With that, she urged her horse forward at a gallop.

What do you mean we wouldn’t understand? The men looked at each other. We don’t understand, so Boss, why don’t you explain? If you explain, we’ll understand.

They howled and urged their horses to chase after her.

Behind them, squadron after squadron of riders converged like streams flowing into a river, roaring and thundering.

…

…

Meanwhile, in Zhongshan Commandery City, far from both Yunzhong Commandery and the capital, the entire city was also jubilant.

Here they weren’t celebrating the border army’s victory report.

Prince Zhongshan had intercepted courier messages. The border army’s flying bulletins couldn’t get in here. Of course, news of border army setbacks—like the fall of Stone Slope City—even if the court didn’t report it, Prince Zhongshan would have it spread throughout his territory, letting the people lament Da Xia’s misfortune and hate the incompetence of ruler and ministers.

However, at this moment, the city-wide gathering wasn’t to hear unfortunate news. Today was the actual day of Prince Zhongshan’s birthday. Compared to the endless stream of gifts from the previous period, today the commandery city saw an endless stream of people.

Officials and military officers from within Zhongshan Commandery, aristocratic families, renowned scholars and recluses, and even quite a few people from various places outside Zhongshan Commandery had come.

For Prince Zhongshan’s birthday celebration, some came to show friendship with the Prince, some had intentions to cultivate favor but were still hesitant. Unexpectedly, upon entering the commandery city, they encountered such a grand spectacle—the palace servants of Prince Zhongshan’s residence were loudly reading out name cards at the city gate—

Now it was impossible to avoid people’s eyes and ears.

Drums and music filled the commandery city. People crowded the streets. Even carriage curtains couldn’t block outside gazes. An elderly man sitting in a carriage looked rather uneasy.

“Too hasty,” he murmured. “Perhaps just sending gifts would have been better.”

Beside him was his son, middle-aged but still vigorous. He said, “Father, you’re overthinking. What’s there to hide? The court has already enfeoffed Prince Zhongshan as the Stabilizing Kingdom Prince. If they dare confer it, how dare we not show respect?”

The court didn’t dare break with Prince Zhongshan, so why should they curry favor with the court?

“Besides, even Deng Yi accepts Prince Zhongshan’s gifts.”

Could receiving gifts be the same as giving gifts? The old man wanted to mutter this, but at this point it was too late to turn back.

“What does the court look like? A child emperor, a military general’s daughter as empress, a petty official as grand tutor. The border army fighting back and forth for over a year, and what did they produce? The loss of Stone Slope City.” The middle-aged man grew more animated. “The Late Emperor shouldn’t have been confused. When his son died, he still had brothers. Though physically impaired, surely better than a child. Prince Zhongshan is the one who should be emperor.”

The old man moved his lips and said quietly, “Don’t say such things. After all, it doesn’t conform to propriety—”

After all, the Late Emperor had already made his grandson emperor, a done deal. Unless that little emperor abdicated, Prince Zhongshan becoming emperor could only mean rebellion.

However deserved, it would still make one a traitorous subject, usurping the throne.

Though they were courting Prince Zhongshan’s favor, charging into battle and waving flags in support—those things should be left to others.

The middle-aged man was somewhat unconvinced, but thinking that they ultimately didn’t belong to Prince Zhongshan’s inner circle, it was indeed better not to stand out for now. He said no more. At this moment the carriage stopped at Prince Zhongshan’s residence. The father and son alighted and followed the dense crowd into the palace.

However, upon reaching the front hall, Prince Zhongshan wasn’t there—only the young masters were receiving guests.

“Seems there’s a victory report,” someone quietly passed along inside information.

A victory report from the court? Then for the Prince it wouldn’t be good news. Everyone in the hall understood this in their hearts.

…

…

“Xie Yanlai.”

Prince Zhongshan recited the name on the report, as if to memorize it, then tossed the message onto the table.

“Besides Xie Yanfang, the Xie family has other formidable figures.”

A palace official beside him looked annoyed: “The Xie family is truly good at hiding. Who knows what other underhanded methods they have.”

Though Prince Zhongshan felt some regret, he wasn’t particularly angry. He said, “If everyone knew their resources, they wouldn’t be considered formidable.”

“Capturing the Xi Liang King means this crisis for the court is resolved,” another person sighed. “What a pity.”

Prince Zhongshan smiled: “It can temporarily relieve the urgent situation, but other matters remain uncertain.” He asked again, “Any new news from the capital?”

“Not yet,” an official said, then smiled. “But we can guess. News of the defeat will surely cause an uproar at court. At least the Grand Tutor and Empress will clash.”

Prince Zhongshan glanced at the report on the desk and smiled: “With this victory report, the Empress will have confidence.”

The officials snorted coldly: “Both are petty people who’ve risen to power, making our Da Xia lose all peace.” They then bowed in unison to Prince Zhongshan, voices choked with emotion. “Prince, please restore order soon. Otherwise Da Xia will surely descend into chaos.”

Prince Zhongshan laughed heartily: “Today is a joyous occasion. Let’s not discuss these matters.” He said as he walked out, “Don’t keep all the guests waiting.”

The officials responded affirmatively and surrounded Prince Zhongshan as they walked out.

“Keep watch on the capital,” Prince Zhongshan still quietly instructed someone beside him.

He had a prediction—there would surely be chaos in the capital.

Perhaps it would be a good opportunity.

The person beside him acknowledged.

Moments later they arrived at the front hall. The guests gathered in conversation immediately called out in unison, “We welcome the Prince.”

Prince Zhongshan’s front hall was very large. Now it was filled with guests, even the steps outside were crowded with people. They all bowed and shouted together, like mountains calling and seas roaring.

Prince Zhongshan was slightly entranced, thinking that in the future when he ascended the throne, attending court would feel like this.

Prince Zhongshan’s gaze passed over the crowd to look into the distance. He smiled slightly, withdrew his gaze, seated himself, then said to everyone, “No need for such formality.”

The people rose and came forward one by one to pay their respects. Prince Zhongshan also exchanged pleasantries with everyone. The atmosphere in the hall was joyous.

“Report—” a palace servant called loudly, entering and bowing. “Prince, His Majesty’s birthday gift has arrived.”

The commotion in the hall instantly fell silent.

Prince Zhongshan sat in his wide white jade chair, gently smoothing his sleeve cuff, smiling but not speaking, as if what he heard wasn’t that the Emperor had sent gifts, but simply a comment about the weather.

When everyone in the hall felt suffocated, Prince Zhongshan finally spoke.

“It’s good that my junior nephew-grandson has this sentiment,” he said with a smile. “Today the people have spontaneously gathered in the streets to celebrate this prince’s birthday. Distribute these gifts to them, let everyone be merry.”

Not only did he not respectfully receive the imperial gift, but he would directly distribute it to the people. He addressed the Emperor only as nephew-grandson. Some in the hall felt chilled, some timid, but more were excited—the Prince was openly showing contempt for the Emperor!

Though it had long been this way.

But declaring it publicly at this moment was tantamount to making his intentions clear.

Ning Kun, standing at Prince Zhongshan’s side, said quietly, “Prince, the Young Master’s gift arrived together with the court’s—”

Reminded of this, Prince Zhongshan suddenly understood and instructed the servant: “First bring in Ah Xun’s gift.”

The servant hurriedly acknowledged and left, also conveying Prince Zhongshan’s intentions regarding the Emperor’s birthday gift. Moments later, those in the hall heard cursing and commotion from outside.

The servant came in carrying a scroll.

“The court officials were rude,” he said with utter indifference and a smile. “This servant has already ordered people to take them away to cool down.”

Prince Zhongshan naturally didn’t care. Looking at the scroll in the servant’s hands, he stood from his chair and personally received it.

“Let’s see what birthday gift Ah Xun has for me,” he said, then laughed. “He better not try to frighten me again.”

Most people in the hall knew about Xiao Xun leaping down from the tall pole for Prince Zhongshan’s birthday years ago, and they all laughed.

“It’s truly regrettable the Young Master couldn’t come in person,” they said one after another.

Prince Zhongshan received the scroll and unrolled it, laughing heartily: “It’s the character for longevity.”

Hundreds of densely packed small longevity characters formed one large longevity character.

He examined it carefully, looking at each character, almost pressing close to it.

“The longevity characters are all different,” he said with a laugh, then turned his hand to display it to everyone. “With characters so small, Ah Xun must have strained his eyes.”

The people in the hall were just about to agree when sudden commotion came from outside, along with shouts. What was happening? Did it take this much trouble to escort away one court official?

The people in the hall couldn’t help turning to look. Prince Zhongshan also looked over. Suddenly a young man appeared in his sight. His hair was somewhat disheveled, his robes covered in dust, looking like a beggar. But even so, with one glance, Prince Zhongshan immediately recognized him.

“Ah Xun—” he exclaimed in surprise.

The Young Master? The people in the hall were shocked. Real or fake? They stared at that beggar-like young man—

The young man rushed toward the great hall.

“Father Prince—” he shouted.

Prince Zhongshan laughed heartily: “Ah Xun, this birthday gift of yours has descended from heaven again! You’ve frightened your father prince again!”

But the young man’s face showed no joy whatsoever, only terror—

“Father Prince, quickly throw it away—” he shouted, reaching forward as if trying to grab something.

Throw it away? Throw away what? The people in the hall were stunned, instinctively following Xiao Xun’s outstretched hand to look at Prince Zhongshan.

Prince Zhongshan gripped the longevity scroll, his face still laughing, but blood slowly flowed from his mouth, nose, and eyes.

Blood.

Blood?

Blood!

The hall instantly erupted in screams, like mountains calling and seas roaring.