Ch. 21Breaking Through the City Guarding Array
Key Plot Points and Events
- The Great Shang Dynasty's ministers, led by Huang Feihu, prepare to defend the royal palace against the Four Great Dukes' attack.
- The dukes, led by Ji Chang, arrive at the palace gate and plan to break through the City Guarding Array protecting it.
- Ji Chang and the other dukes, along with sect leaders, attack the formation simultaneously, destroying it and the palace walls.
- Martial Accomplishment King Huang Feihu, Prime Minister Shang Rong, and other ministers emerge from the palace to confront the invaders.
Character Developments
- Huang Feihu: Shows determination to defend Great Shang to the death, but acknowledges the uncertainty of victory due to lack of information about the enemy's strength.
- Ji Chang: Demonstrates his power and confidence by leading the attack on the City Guarding Array and challenging the Great Shang ministers directly.
Significant Themes
- Loyalty vs. Self-Preservation: Huang Feihu and Bi Gan's loyalty to Great Shang is contrasted with Ji Chang's offer for them to abandon Shang and join Xiqi.
- Power Dynamics: The Four Great Dukes' strength and confidence in their ability to conquer Great Shang is evident in their actions and words.
Character Interactions
- Huang Feihu and Bi Gan: They work together, showing unity in their resolve to defend Great Shang.
- Ji Chang and the other dukes: They collaborate to break the formation and attack the Great Shang ministers, demonstrating their teamwork and shared goal.
- Ji Chang and Huang Feihu: Their confrontation highlights the power struggle between the dukes and the Great Shang Dynasty, with Ji Chang questioning Huang Feihu's loyalty and Huang Feihu refusing to back down.