Xiang An killed Xiang Bo, then fainted.
He remained unconscious for more than a day and a night.
His wounds had already injured his internal organs. Over the past two days, they had been aggravated again and again, compounded by the immense fatigue he had accumulated during Northern Chu's years of founding the state.
The fact that he had been unconscious for only a day and a night was already a miracle.
When he opened his eyes, Xiang Lu was sitting beside him.
"Fourth Uncle," Xiang An called.
"Don't speak yet. Have some water." Grief filled Xiang Lu's face as he handed Xiang An a cup of water.
Xiang An did not move, allowing Xiang Lu to feed him. His throat bobbed as he barely managed to swallow.
"Cough, cough—"
Yet he still choked.
He paid it no mind, only struggling to sit up.
"How is the Northern Chu army now?"
"We're finished." Xiang Lu lowered his head and bit his lip, grief heavy in his voice.
"To the east is Liu Ji, to the west Chen Ping, to the south Lu Wan, and to the north Han Xin."
"We've been completely surrounded."
Xiang An sat on the bed in silence.
"Heaven truly intends to destroy my Northern Chu..."
Xiang An raised his head and looked around the tent.
There was no one there—only Xiang Lu at his side.
Xiang An got out of bed, left the tent, climbed the watchtower, and looked in every direction.
There was no one in sight.
Yet there was no way out.
Xiang An returned to the tent and lowered his head, staring silently at the bloodstains on the ground.
He sat behind the desk, picked up a clean bamboo slip, and looked to his side.
"Fourth Uncle."
"Help me... grind the ink."
"...All