Xudu, the emperor's bedchamber.
Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, sat facing Empress Fu in the inner palace. The attendants around them had been replaced: Cao Cao's loyalists were gone, and battle-hardened Winged Cavalry stood in their place.
"Your Majesty, what happened? Will we survive this?" Empress Fu asked in a frightened whisper.
Emperor Xian looked just as shaken. He listened to the cries of battle outside the hall, then glanced at the Winged Cavalry standing motionless as statues. "I don't know whether I'll survive either," he said bitterly.
Emperor Xian questioned the Winged Cavalry. The soldiers answered with courtesy, but when he tried to leave the bedchamber, two of them blocked the door.
Following the explanation Bai Xiaowen had taught them, the two Winged Cavalry soldiers saluted. "Our young lord is commanding the army to eliminate the Cao Clan's loyalists in Xudu. Your Majesty, please remain inside, lest the rebels harm you."
"Who is your young lord?" Emperor Xian asked.
"The great general's son, Yuan Xi, governor of Youzhou," the soldier replied.
Emperor Xian grew even more troubled. He returned to the bedchamber, sat beside the imperial bed, and sighed without end.
He sat there for over two hours before a voice suddenly called from outside the hall, "The young lord has arrived!"
A younger voice immediately rebuked the speaker. "Quiet. Do not disturb His Majesty."
"Yes."
The young lord spoke again. "Has His Majesty retired?"
"Not yet," a Winged Cavalry soldier answered.
"Announce me. Tell His Majesty that Yuan Xi, governor of Youzhou, requests an audience."
"Yes."
Emperor Xian had heard every word. Before the announcement could be made, he hurriedly ordered, "Admit him, quickly... No, please invite Governor Yuan of Youzhou inside."
Bai Xiaowen straightened his illusory robes and made sure every courtesy was observed. Only after