The Struggle Between Princes [Two-in-One!]

Outside the Hall of Revering Heaven.

The Grand Empress Dowager's phoenix palanquin came quietly to a halt.

Beside it, an officer hurried forward, urgency in his voice:

"Reporting to the Grand Empress Dowager and General Lu! Our scouts report that the Feathered Forest Army is advancing from the Meridian Gate in great force—no fewer than four thousand men!"

His words rang out like a thunderbolt splitting the heavens.

Everyone exchanged glances, their expressions varied. Alongside their shock came bewilderment and disbelief.

A flicker of astonishment crossed the Grand Empress Dowager's brow, but she spoke without betraying her feelings.

"Understood. You may go."

Surprise flashed across Lu Lu's face, but inwardly, he quickly regained his composure.

He silently wondered why there had still been no word from the several hundred elite soldiers at the Meridian Gate.

Even so.

He was not overly concerned. The Feathered Forest Army had eight thousand men, but within the imperial city, the combined forces of the gate officers, the Court of Imperial Accoutrements, and the palace guard commander still held the advantage.

Why would the Feathered Forest Army suddenly intervene?

If they truly intended to help Zhou Zhen, they would have come long ago. Why wait until now?

Coming now smacked of a fisherman waiting to reap the spoils of others' struggle!

Besides, they would offend both sides—all that effort for no thanks!

Zhou Jinyu, the empress of Great Qing, looked more radiantly alluring than ever that day, her beautiful eyes half-lowered.

Upon hearing the news, she gazed intently toward Chong'an Gate.

She did not take this unexpected development to heart.

The Feathered Forest Army's involvement had been part of the earlier plan, but they had kept failing to arrive.

Now, they were too late.

Before long!

Hoofbeats drew closer, and a column surged through the