After arriving at the riverbank, the middle-aged emperor discovered there were no boats nearby and could only lead his men on another detour.
They circled around and around until night had fallen.
Although the guards at his side said nothing, anxiety was beginning to show on their faces.
As they ran, the middle-aged emperor gradually began to distrust even these guards.
A terrifying thought kept surfacing in his mind.
What if these guards took his head to claim merit and rewards? What then?
He had no ability to resist at all.
During the more than ten years of his rebellion, he had seen plenty of such things.
Many of his opponents had ultimately not died at his hands, but at the hands of trusted aides who coveted wealth and glory.
Betraying one's master for wealth and status was the most common thing in chaotic times.
So even when such people brought him benefits, he would not reward them. He would even have them killed to correct the prevailing atmosphere.
But now the wheel of fortune had turned, and it was his turn to be chased everywhere.
Under such circumstances, he could not trust anyone.
Back when he listened to his tutors speak of the Three Kingdoms, what he hated most was how Cao Cao had killed his benefactor out of suspicion.
And now—
He hated Cao Cao, understood Cao Cao, and had become Cao Cao.
Of course, he could not kill several dozen guards.
He merely ordered the guards to spread out and keep watch, first arranging for the Guard Chief to leave.
Then he sent other guards to contact nearby cities.
He also dispatched someone to report to the capital and urge them to send reinforcements quickly.
This time, his defeat had come out of nowhere.
It nearly angered