Politics was often a matter of many intertwining concerns.
Luring the snake out of its hole, purging the demon race, punishing Prince Qi, rebuilding authority, preparing before the rain came, casting a net to catch fish-all of these were tangled together.
Su Ziji gazed out the window. Firelight shone through the dense curtain of rain, illuminating rings of carts that radiated outward like the ribs of an umbrella, forming a protective cordon.
The carts all had rain covers overhead and iron-plated shields on both sides. These were twenty bed crossbows.
The Three-Bow Bed Crossbow, also known as the Eight-Ox Crossbow, used hard wood for its bolt shafts and iron plates for its fletching. Its bolts resembled javelins.
Once fired, a bolt could penetrate five inches into stone and lodge in a city wall, allowing attacking soldiers to climb up it.
On the battlefield, it could still pierce iron armor at seven hundred paces.
The Imperial Feather Guards had substantial resources-even bed crossbows. Now every one of them had been put into service... though they were somewhat old.
"We're here!"
Su Ziji changed into a suit of jet-black armor, its plates clanging.
Wind and rain pressed down beneath an unbroken mass of black clouds. Wheels rolled along the road amid the disorderly tread of men and horses.
Before long, a scout returned to report.
"Your Highness, an imperial envoy has arrived on orders."
"I will receive him myself."
With his hand on his sword, Su Ziji stepped down from the carriage and walked to the front of the formation. Sure enough, a familiar eunuch stood before him. The instant their eyes met, Su Ziji understood: he was one of the empress's men.
The eunuch appeared desperately anxious. Holding a command token high, he shouted, "Your Highness, Prince Qi is attacking the