The gates of the Imperial City were shut tight, and Imperial Guards moved back and forth along the streets.
For a time, the entire Imperial City was in a state of panic, with rumors and speculation everywhere.
"What in the world happened? Every gate of the Imperial City is shut. No one can get out or come in, and lately, I've seen Imperial Guards all over the streets. I'm afraid something terrible is going on!"
"The New Emperor just ascended the throne. Could someone be coveting the throne and planning a rebellion?"
"Have you all forgotten what caused such a stir some time ago?"
"Hm? What are you talking about? Y-you mean the rumor that the Town King was plotting a rebellion?"
"Exactly. I feel this has to do with the Town King."
"But wasn't it said that Town King Chen Changan and the Town Heaven Army had gone their separate ways? Without the Town Heaven Army, what ability does the Town King have to rebel?"
"Besides him, though, I can't think of anyone else it could be."
"Do you think the Old Prince really was the New Emperor's—"
"Shut up! Do you want to die, boy? How dare you discuss something like that? This is the Imperial City. If you want to die, don't drag us down with you."
The people in the Imperial City were panicking, but the New Emperor did not send anyone to suppress such talk.
Elsewhere, Chen Changan had already rendezvoused with the Town Heaven Army and appeared outside the Imperial City.
"Reporting to Your Majesty."
"Town King Chen Changan and the Town Heaven Army have appeared fifty li from the Imperial City. They will arrive shortly."
Hearing this, excitement showed on the New Emperor's face.
"Good!"
"Excellent!"
"This is the perfect chance to establish