Wang Beiwang's mind buzzed as if struck by five bolts of lightning. His face instantly went pale, and he froze where he stood.
Wang Xiu had been chosen by the imperial court? The proclamation had only come out yesterday, and today they had already begun rounding up boys and girls. Then again, even in a feudal society, such a thing was utterly unconscionable. The sooner it was done, the better; the longer it dragged on, the greater the resistance would become. Zhang Yuanqing, in the dungeon, had heard their conversation as well, and his heart sank.
The image of the little girl's timid, ingratiating gaze flashed through his mind.
"Why Xiu'er? Why did they choose Xiu'er?"
Wang Beiwang's expression twisted. A rage that burned away reason ignited within him, licking at his soul as fury made his limbs convulse.
In fact, after the imperial court posted its proclamation, the Azure Dragon Gang had held an emergency meeting. They planned to lie in wait along the official road leading to the Capital City, ambush the soldiers sent by the court to round up boys and girls, and save those children.
In their eyes, it was impossible for the imperial court to take children from the city for human sacrifices. City folk's lives were more valuable than those of country bumpkins—such was the shallow understanding of most people in this age.
Wang Beiwang had volunteered to take part. Knowing how dangerous it would be, he had gone home to see his parents and leave behind the money he had saved.
Never in his wildest dreams had he expected Xiu'er to be chosen.
His bloodshot eyes fixed on the exit as Wang Beiwang walked out, a fire burning in his heart that wanted to destroy everything.
"Wait!" The deposed ruler Zhao Shun shouted