Li Xiang watched and closed his eyes in anguish.
In truth, he understood. Rather than believing the emperor had summoned the Imperial Grandson back to the palace, they were weighing the Imperial Grandson's rightful status against the situation before them.
Only four hundred guards remained. If they kept fighting, perhaps they could hold out until dawn, but how many would survive?
Everyone wanted to live. They only wanted a way to back down with dignity.
His Majesty once commanded the Imperial Feather Guards, and now he has entrusted them to the Imperial Grandson, intending to pass on the rightful succession... In principle, that makes all the difference.
Was I wrong?
But when His Majesty gave me my instructions... he clearly said...
Alas... Your Majesty... Your Majesty...
Only Li Xiang himself knew the meaning of his sigh.
Before long, he heard the Hundred-Household Officer shouting down from above, repeating his words.
"Truly tenacious."
Listening to the shouts, Su Ziji silently gazed toward the gate. A tattered dragon banner, mottled with blood, fluttered defiantly.
Even a marsh ten paces wide would have fragrant herbs; even a hamlet of ten households would have loyal men. Without Li Xiang, the gate would already have opened.
One man's enemy was another's hero; one man's hero was another's enemy.
I understand more and more clearly that the men I must kill are precisely the loyal ministers and capable officers.
Li Xiang is utterly loyal, but he understands neither the tide of the times nor when to submit and when to resist... Since he dares defy my army, I must not only kill him but exterminate his entire household. It is something of a pity, but it must be done.
Listening to the shouts, Su Ziji considered the situation.
*I now know Li Xiang's heart. We have