The sky was just beginning to lighten, and the wind and snow had eased.
But the atmosphere in the capital was even more oppressive and icy than when the storm had been at its worst.
Countless citizens were jolted awake by the sound of hooves outside their windows. To their horror, they saw mysterious troops clad in silver armor and riding enormous black horses thundering past in wave after wave.
The city gates had been completely sealed. Silver-armored soldiers stood atop the towering walls, Repeating Crossbows in hand, their presence radiating a murderous chill.
Prince Han's Manor and Prince Zhao's Manor were surrounded so tightly that not even a bird could fly in.
Panic spread rapidly through the capital.
Everyone realized that something terrible had happened.
The Northern Command of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Imperial Prison.
This was the most dreaded place in all of Great Ming, where the air was forever thick with the stench of blood and decay.
Ji Gang, Commander of the Imperial Guard, had not slept all night.
He had felt restless, as if some great calamity were about to strike.
Just as he was irritably sipping his tea, an Embroidered Uniform Guard Captain rushed in, looking panicked.
"Commander! B-Bad news!"
"What are you panicking for?"
Ji Gang furrowed his brow and barked at him.
"His Highness Prince Zheng... He brought people and surrounded... surrounded our Northern Command!"
"What?"
The teacup in Ji Gang's hand crashed to the floor and shattered.
He shot to his feet and hurried outside.
The entrance to the Imperial Prison was packed with Great Snow Dragon Riders.
They stood silent in the wind and snow. Even the Embroidered Uniform Guard patrolmen, hardened by countless brushes with death, felt a chill at the icy killing intent they exuded.
Zhu Zhanjun