Padded with fluffy velvet cloth, the cat bed held Jiang Lu gently settled within. A guard carefully lifted her up and steadily carried her onto the spacious military carriage.
She yawned.
She poked out her tiny head, her round eyes curiously surveying her surroundings.
People streamed through the streets and alleys, while carriages and horses passed without end.
As she took in the sights along the way, she suddenly realized—this was the Imperial City.
They needed to set out from the Imperial City and head south.
On the drill grounds beyond the city, banners snapped and fluttered in the wind.
Bai Rou stood at the front of the troops in cold silver armor. She raised a hand to tighten her shoulder guard, and the plates of her armor scraped and struck one another with a crisp series of clacks, spreading a chilling aura of slaughter in an instant.
Her gaze swept across the entire force, ready to depart, and she called out her command.
"Set out—"
Orderly footsteps rang out, and the troops gradually disappeared from view.
Though the various feudal kings had risen in rebellion, perhaps due to the suppression of the Eldest Princess and officials from all sides, the common people around the Imperial City had not been greatly affected.
But as the army marched south, the closer they came to the southeastern region, the more desolate and mournful the land became.
Bai Rou rode on horseback, her personal guard keeping close at her side. The guard lowered her voice as she reported, unable to hide the distress in her tone.
"Miss, the farther south we travel, the more strained and haggard the people become. The Qi King has raised troops and carved out his own territory, conscripting soldiers and grain at will, ravaging the countryside. The people