The Rout

Ping'an, Year Nine, spring.

Xuzhou.

Ever since the Huang Jie Rebellion and the Great Zhou court's relocation of its capital, Xuzhou had been in a state of utter chaos.

Several regional warlords had clashed in fierce battles, while court officials jockeyed for power. Even the Vassal Lords across the realm had planted secret hands in the fray, unwilling to let any one side gain an advantage. They had barely managed to maintain a delicate balance.

But now a powerful neighbor had already risen nearby, watching them like a tiger sizing up its prey.

King Ding, Wu Zhi!

Though a woman, she had swallowed two provinces and driven her way across the realm, rising to become the greatest Vassal Lord under heaven. The speed of her rise had left many an established lord gaping in disbelief.

And now, using her first-mover advantage, King Ding's army had finally swept into Xuzhou with lightning speed. Raising the banner of saving the king, her forces marched straight toward the secondary capital and the court there, leaving the realm trembling with every passing day and the Vassal Lords shaken to their cores.

Pingling Commandery.

"Once we pass Suo Long Pass ahead, the boundless plains will open before us. The cavalry can ride straight to the secondary capital. The mountains and rivers lie within our grasp!"

Zeng Yu rode hard, waving his whip, his expression alight with excitement.

Only now was the plan he had laid for his sovereign beginning to reveal itself to the world.

But no matter how furious the Vassal Lords grew—or how desperately they lashed out like cornered dogs—they had no time to react. And even if they did, they were too far away to intervene.

"His Majesty has an army of one hundred and fifty thousand, though we claim it