Prince Ding, once renowned throughout Northern Liang, reappeared before the people, naturally drawing congratulations from every quarter of the court.
With Prince Ding and his Ghost Army here, any further schemes Duan Hongzhuo attempted would be thwarted at every turn.
Jiang Zhizhou, too, had believed that this battle would deal a devastating blow to Duan Hongzhuo and his followers.
Yet to his utter surprise, even after Duan Hongxing led the Ghost Army in searching every corner of the palace, they found no trace of Duan Hongzhuo.
In other words, by the time Prince Ding appeared, Duan Hongzhuo had already vanished.
And the man who had fought Jiang Zhizhou was one of Duan Hongzhuo's subordinates, disguised as him.
"Duan Hongzhuo has disappeared? There's something decidedly strange about this."
After hearing Jiang Zhizhou's account upon his return from the palace, Yang Qing shook his head repeatedly.
When exactly had Duan Hongzhuo withdrawn from that chaotic battle?
By all reason, before Prince Ding appeared, Duan Hongzhuo and his faction had held an overwhelming advantage in the turmoil.
With everything proceeding so smoothly, Duan Hongzhuo could never have abandoned the wealth and glory already within his grasp.
Yet the fact remained: Duan Hongzhuo was nowhere to be found.
Like morning dew beneath the blazing sun, he had vanished without a trace.
"His Majesty and Prince Ding have sent men to search the palace and the Regent King's Residence several times, but they still found nothing. Where could Duan Hongzhuo have gone?"
Jiang Zhizhou lowered his brows and gaze, pondering every detail connected to Duan Hongzhuo in hopes of finding the faintest thread of a clue.
But he found nothing.
Seeing his distress, Yang Qing asked, "How do things stand at court now?"
Jiang Zhizhou steadied himself and told Yang Qing, "Another Imperial Testament left