Watching the palace guard squad disappear into the distance, King Xi of Yan felt the last trace of concern in his heart vanish. He turned eagerly to Qin Yue and urged, "General Qin, now that the guards have been sent out, we can leave, right? Where exactly is this secret passage?"
Qin Yue still wore that respectful expression, his tone calm as he said, "Your Majesty, do not be impatient. Please follow me."
The prime minister and the other Yan officials had long since gathered nearby with their packed luggage in hand. Seeing King Xi of Yan preparing to leave, they hurried after him, shouting anxiously as they ran, "Your Majesty, wait for us! Your Majesty, wait for us!"
Qin Yue glanced back at them, the corner of his mouth curving in an imperceptible arc. Then he smiled. "My lords, do not panic. We shall flee together this time."
With that, Qin Yue led King Xi of Yan and the cluster of panicked nobles and ministers behind him, all clutching their luggage, swiftly out of the city government office and toward an exceedingly secluded corner behind it.
They had not gone far before entering a narrow alley.
The alley was silent on both sides, save for the mournful whistling of wind brushing past the walls.
But just as they reached the middle of the alley, the clanging of armor suddenly rang out from behind the walls on either side, followed by the sharp, grating shing shing of countless weapons being drawn.
In the next instant, King Xi of Yan and the others discovered in terror that this seemingly deserted alley was packed with ambushers wielding blades and axes.
These men wore identical uniforms and held gleaming, cold-edged weapons. They instantly closed in, sharp blades pressed tightly against their throats and