"Your Highness, we've reached Xuanwu Gate!"
At the shout, Su Ziji opened his eyes. White light flickered in his pupils, interweaving and swaying like flames.
Only after three breaths did it slowly recede, returning to normal.
Rain drummed loudly against the carriage roof as the horses pulling it struggled onward.
"When the time comes, Heaven and Earth lend their strength; when fortune departs, even heroes cannot act freely."
Do I have fortune now?
As columns of iron-clad troops drew within a li of Xuanwu Gate, Su Ziji rose after only a brief thought and issued an order. "The entire army is to inspect its armor and weapons. Prepare for battle."
"Yes!"
The moment he stepped down from the carriage, he was met by pouring rain. The Imperial Feather Guards made their preparations in separate units, and their commanders' responses were still commendable, drawing a private sigh from Su Ziji.
The dynasty had been founded only thirty years ago. Though its military edge had lost some of its sharpness, it had gained greater severity and the bearing to swallow the four seas whole.
"They're moving quickly!"
The aura descending from the sky gradually became clearer. The dense rain slanted more heavily ahead, while the rain above their heads steadily thinned.
Once a distinct band of rain had formed, it plainly blocked the view into the distance.
In only a quarter of an hour, Su Ziji saw that preparations were complete and gave the order again.
"Advance!"
Several thousand troops, a black mass beneath the sky, headed straight for the foot of the palace city.
The palace city was close at hand.
"Who goes there?"
Lanterns hung at the city gate, while torches burned, illuminating the nearby area in the rainy night.
"Are you Imperial Feather Guards?"
A guard leaned over the