The Qian Residence
With the emperor coming in person, armored troops naturally arrived at the Qian Residence ahead of him to secure it. Though Qian Wei was critically ill, Madam Qian and the others still mustered their strength to make the arrangements.
"Assassins!"
Amid the bustle, a hoarse shout suddenly rang out in the night, tearing through the unsettling silence.
The guards' Thousand-Household Commander jolted. Without time to think, he threw himself in front of Su Ziji. The other guards snapped to their senses and surged forward, surrounding Su Ziji to protect him.
Still more guards warily drew their sabers, leaving the people of the Qian Residence stunned, their faces ashen and their bodies trembling.
"They have nothing to do with this. Still, have them go inside first," Su Ziji ordered after a glance.
A Hundred-Household Officer immediately carried out the command, ushering everyone, including Madam Qian, into the inner courtyard.
Thud, thud, thud.
The streets farther away erupted in noise, armor plates clattering amid incessant cries of battle.
Then came a piercing whistle. A rain of bolts plunged into the charging crowd, instantly spraying blossoms of blood. Even from so far away, the muffled sounds of sharp bolts piercing flesh and the heart-rending screams of those struck remained audible.
Crouching behind a wall, Su Ziji held his breath and watched the battle before him.
Beneath his helmet, the corners of his lips curved upward.
The fifty armored soldiers who had entered the residence first all drew their sabers and stood ready. Nearby, brilliant tongues of flame and thick smoke poured from a collapsed section. Even a hundred paces away, the heat was palpable.
"Enemy troops have emerged from Guanhou Ward, Honoring-Kin Ward, and Lower Bian Ward!"
"They blasted open the ward walls and roads to attack us from multiple