Old Fang was almost lifted into the carriage by his guards. Before he could even sit down, he hurriedly lifted the carriage curtain and instructed his guards: “You… one of you go ahead and investigate whether something has happened in the capital. Report back immediately once you have news!”

“Yes!” The guard accepted the command and departed.

Old Fang watched one guard ride ahead at full speed before finally lowering the carriage curtain and leaning back inside the carriage.

His back was already soaked with sweat, and he could only continuously pray that this news was false.

The carriage left Shouyang City and galloped forward along the bumpy road. Old Fang’s heart was in his throat as he pondered what to do if Fan Yuhuai, who held military power, truly intended to rebel and kill the Emperor and Crown Prince.

After leaving the city, the carriage had been racing for over an hour into the depths of the night. Though they were on the official road, once outside the city, both sides of the road were lined with dense, tall trees, casting dark shadows with the howling winds.

Old Fang was jolted until his entire face was numb. Soon, the guard he had sent to gather intelligence returned at full gallop, turning his horse around to follow alongside Old Fang’s speeding carriage, calling to him inside: “Sir, this subordinate has returned!”

Old Fang, who had been resting with his eyes closed in the carriage, immediately braced himself against the carriage window upon hearing this, pulling open the curtain in one swift motion and asking: “How is it?”

“This subordinate just went to the post station on the official road and questioned the old man at the rest stop tea stall. He said that these past few days, all travelers coming from the direction of the capital have been discussing Prince Liang conspiring with Left Chancellor Li Mao and Imperial Guard Commander Fan Yuhuai to rebel!” the guard reported.

Old Fang’s heart kept sinking, and the carriage’s jolting made his head throb.

“Sir, I also questioned merchants coming from the direction of the capital. The merchants said that now the capital only allows entry but no exit, so many people no longer dare enter the capital and have turned back! What should we do now?” the guard asked.

With such a commotion, something had happened…

Returning to the capital might be a dead end.

What to do?

What could he do?!

He was a strategist of the Crown Prince’s residence; the Crown Prince was his master!

All these years, the Crown Prince had given him more trust than anyone else. Though this was before Princess Zhenguo’s appearance, as a strategist, since he had acknowledged the Crown Prince as his master, he must plan for the Crown Prince for life!

Old Fang was scared to death in his heart, yet he still planned to return.

The Crown Prince was the foundation of the nation; the Crown Prince was the nation’s legitimate heir. He was a man of Jin… he must uphold Jin Kingdom’s legitimacy.

Therefore, even though Old Fang was afraid… he had to return to save his master. This was his responsibility as a man of Jin, and even more so, his righteousness as a strategist. Even if he died trying to save the Crown Prince, he would die a worthy death.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Old Fang opened his mouth with a trembling throat: “You… have the Crown Prince’s residence’s waist token. Try to seek aid everywhere…”

Old Fang thought of Shouyang. Seeing Shouyang’s situation, he couldn’t help feeling that the Bai family might rebel, so he hurriedly instructed the guard: “But don’t seek help from Shouyang!”

Otherwise, if Shouyang took this opportunity to send troops to the capital and eliminate the entire imperial family in one sweep, claiming externally that Prince Liang did it and they were only going to quell the rebellion, then… the entire imperial family would be in danger.

“Go elsewhere, go to Great Liang… find General Liu Hong. Along the way, you can also appeal to those generals who have troops. We now have neither the Crown Prince’s written order nor the Emperor’s written order. We can only send this news out, hoping that before General Liu Hong receives the news, loyal and brave officers and soldiers can come to rescue His Majesty and the Crown Prince!”

“What about you, sir?!” the guard asked.

“I…” Old Fang swallowed his saliva, his fear evident, “I must return, return to His Highness the Crown Prince’s side, and find ways to help the Crown Prince hold out until reinforcements arrive!”

The guard looked at Old Fang’s pale face, clearly showing fear, and gritted his teeth, saying: “Sir, you are a strategist by the Crown Prince’s side. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for you to seek aid? Moreover, sir, you lack the strength to truss a chicken. Going there would be of no help!”

Old Fang shook his head, unsure whether he was convincing himself or the guard: “Even if my hands cannot grip a blade, I must go protect the Crown Prince! I must strategize for the Crown Prince and hold out until reinforcements arrive!”

Seeing Old Fang’s insistence, the guard stopped trying to persuade him and cupped his fists toward Old Fang: “Sir, take care!”

After speaking, the guard spurred his horse and rushed off toward Great Liang to request that Liu Hong immediately withdraw to rescue the Emperor.

·

Shouyang, Bai Residence.

At this time, Bai Qihe of the Shouyang Bai clan, leading several clan elders who were loyal to the Bai family and newly elected, were all seated in the main hall of the Bai residence. Several madams and young ladies of the Bai family were also present.

Great Madam Dong Shi sat in the main seat, holding a teacup in her hands, looking sternly at the guard who was kneeling on one knee in the center of the main hall, reporting about the chaos in the capital.

The Bai clan members were shocked upon hearing the news.

“The Grand Princess commanded us to bring Seventh Miss and news from the capital back to Shouyang, but Seventh Miss was worried about the Grand Princess’s and Second Miss’s safety and refused to leave. The Grand Princess then sent this humble one back first to deliver the message,” the guard reported.

The reason Bai Jinse wanted to stay by the Grand Princess’s side was because… she feared that if Prince Liang truly succeeded in usurping the throne in the capital, her grandmother might try to suppress the matter to maintain the Lin family’s imperial power. Only by staying by her grandmother’s side could she timely report to her elder sister, and perhaps… There would still be room for redemption.

But if she returned to Shouyang and it truly came to the point where Prince Liang ascended the throne, with her grandmother’s thoughts unclear, Bai Jinse would truly be restless.

“The Grand Princess has already sent someone with this news, which is why I invited everyone here to listen together. After hearing it… We should also discuss how to respond next.” Dong Shi used the teacup lid to press down the tea leaves floating in the clear tea, taking a gentle sip. Her manner showed no sign of lacking a plan and only seeking counsel from the clan.

Seeing the chaos in the capital, if Prince Liang truly ascended the throne, he would certainly come to Shouyang first to seize the Bai family members to control her daughter!

After all, Bai Qingyan now held heavy military power – how could Prince Liang not be afraid?

Summoning the Bai clan elders as well, Dong Shi’s purpose was… to have these people contribute money.

With chaos in the capital, Shouyang had to intensify preparations and stockpile grain, in case Prince Liang came to Shouyang to seize people. Shouyang must hold out until her daughter returns from Great Liang.

Shouyang City had many citizens and many soldiers. If besieged, grain would be most important.

Although Shouyang’s stored grain could at least support the entire city for three months, Dong Shi had to consider the long term. What if Bai Qingyan couldn’t return within three months?

Only when grain storage reached six months would it be truly secure.

Bai Qihe was perceptive and naturally understood that Dong Shi had a plan in mind and needed the clan’s help. He quickly cupped his hands toward Dong Shi and said, “Madam, if you have orders, please give them. The Bai clan prospers together and suffers together. In times of great crisis, we await Madam’s direction.”

Seeing the clan leader speak thus, the other elders voiced their agreement.

Dong Shi set down her teacup, her cold, serious gaze sweeping around the room before speaking: “Since this is so, I will not stand on ceremony with you all!”