Yuan Conglai suddenly woke up inside the train carriage.
He had just had a nightmare, but he could not remember what it had been about.
He looked out the window. Outside was pitch-black, and listening to the rhythmic sounds from beyond the carriage while feeling the jolts beneath his seat, he knew the train was still traveling through the tunnel.
He felt that he had rarely slept so soundly, and his spirits had improved considerably.
Seeing that he was awake, the attendant handed him a cup of water. "Your Highness, have some water."
Yuan Conglai took it, shielding himself with his sleeve as he drank several mouthfuls. After easing his thirst somewhat, he asked, "Zikang, where are we now?"
The attendant said, "We've passed Bay Mouth Bridge and are approaching Stonefall Road." He spread out a map and pointed to their imminent destination.
Yuan Conglai looked and discovered they were already far from where he had set out. Surprised, he asked, "How long did I sleep?"
"Six hours."
Yuan Conglai was startled. "That long?"
At the same time, worry appeared on his face. "The Pseudo-Dynasty's troops have likely drawn closer to Nether Capital today."
The attendant reassured him, "Your Highness, do not worry. In another two hours, we will reach the end of the tunnel. So long as we determine whether Da Shun Army troops are active there, we may return and report."
Yuan Conglai said with a bitter smile, "Zikang, I would rather that place had already been blocked by Da Shun forces. Then, even if I had to give up my life, Imperial Father might find the resolve to hold fast."
"Your Highness, you must not think that way."
The attendant hurriedly urged, "Your Highness, you must not think that way. His Majesty is not merely the sovereign;