A hasty succession ceremony was held in Heaven Dou City. Once it was over, Xue Qinghe, wearing Heaven Dou's crown, was forcibly pressed onto the throne by his old father.
"Qinghe, I'm entrusting this empire to you from now on. I believe you can lead the empire in driving out Spirit Hall's invaders and lead our Spirit Hall toward new glory," Xue Ye said earnestly.
Xue Qinghe said timidly, "Then what about you, Father Emperor?"
"I," Xue Ye said, "have decided to leave the city and inspect the empire's northern borderlands, recruiting patriotic soldiers capable of battle to support you." In truth, he simply wanted to run away.
After completing the succession, Xue Ye hurriedly fled toward the city gates with his beloved wives and concubines.
However, he was too late. By the time Xue Ye reached the gates, they had already been shut tight, with all passage forbidden.
Xue Ye stood up in his carriage and shouted at the officer guarding the city, "Absurd! Who gave you permission to shut the gates? Open them for me!"
The officer said to Xue Ye, "Retired Emperor, the enemy has already reached the city walls. Opening the gates now would be seeking death!"
"The enemy?" Xue Ye's face turned much paler. He understood now—he had tried to flee too late.
"To the eastern gate," Xue Ye said.
Thus, he hurried toward the eastern gate.
Yet the eastern gate had been surrounded as well. He went to the other gates, only to find every one of them encircled.
Xue Ye was so furious that his beard trembled and his eyes bulged. "Military doctrine says to surround on three sides and leave one open! Damn Spirit Hall, why are you so unwilling to follow the rules? Won't you even leave me a path to