Rebels and Traitors Block the Road

"By the Junior Guardian's order, spread the command throughout Kyoto!"

"Kyoto is sealed today. Those who defy the order will be executed!"

The cavalry galloped at full speed, hooves drumming in waves.

Flag-bearing soldiers raised their banners, silencing the night watchmen's calls.

The Lu Family Army was stationed throughout Kyoto's streets and alleys, with a guard post every few dozen steps and patrol units weaving between them.

Command flags fluttered wildly!

The common folk moved at the first whisper of trouble. Those with sense shut their doors and stayed inside, terrified of being caught in the fallout.

The peddlers hurriedly packed up their stalls as well, not daring to linger for even a moment.

The streets stood empty. Only pairs of eyes peeked silently from the towers and pavilions above.

Kyoto's shifting winds and storm clouds lay exposed before their eyes.

The Court of Judicial Review, the Golden Mace Guard headquarters, the Ministry of Justice Prison, and even the key offices of every ministry had all been placed under the watch of Lu Family Army commanders acting on orders.

Before Hongwen Academy!

Two white-haired elders stood side by side, their expressions complicated.

Hongwen Academy had been an undertaking founded after the late emperor of Great Qing ascended the throne. Two hundred thousand volumes of books were gathered in the Hall of Literary Glory, and an academy was established to store the classics and recruit worthy talents.

It was both the royal library and a place where the emperor gathered men of literary distinction.

There!

A young general clad in heavy armor sat atop a tall horse. A thousand elite soldiers surrounded him, sealing off Hongwen Academy completely.

He lightly tugged the reins, his steady, powerful voice cutting through the crowd.

"By the Junior Guardian's order, Kyoto is sealed today. Please