By then, they had already left the Blood Prison restricted zone. Although no one had deliberately pointed out the way, everyone knew where to go—the imposing Imperial Court was the brightest presence in Flame Capital at night. A lamp stood every five paces and a pillar every ten along the Imperial Court's walls. No matter where you were in Flame Capital, you could see from afar the light of the Imperial Court illuminating the darkness.
"Time is tight—what do I need to know?"
"When the first ray of sunlight breaks over the Imperial Court, Shuiyun Palace will ascend the throne." Kui Nianruo said, "Shuiyun must already be preparing on the Ascension Platform at the center of the Imperial Court. Once dawn breaks, she'll wield Radiance and suppress the rebels!"
"How much longer until dawn?"
Qin Yueshi took out her pocket watch and glanced at it. "About an hour."
Le Yu nodded and glanced at the distant walls, which looked as if they were about to catch fire. "The rebels are attacking through the night?"
"Yes." Lin Xue said, "A hundred thousand troops have surrounded Flame Capital and have been fiercely attacking the northern and southern gates since yesterday afternoon. But supposedly, they're making more noise than progress. Although Flame Capital doesn't have many defenders left, the Jingnan soldiers who fled back and the Twelve Imperial Guards can barely put together a defense. With the retainers of some aristocratic clans lending a hand, and Flame Capital's sturdy walls and abundant defensive weapons, holding out for several days won't be a problem."
"There's no need for them to attack through the night at all. In other words..." Le Yu said, "They're afraid."
"Afraid?" Kui Nianruo asked in surprise. "If they're afraid, why are they still attacking the city? Shouldn't they retreat?"
"To