Zheng Wanba drew several deep breaths and stared at the dim candle flame on the table for a long while before slowly speaking:
"His Majesty has already grown suspicious. I had intended to lead the troops back for a surprise attack the very night we next left the city, but now it seems we must seize the opportunity of Prince Anhe's arrival in the Capital instead."
"Make sure our men have Lang City and Huai County, the places nearest the Capital, firmly under control. I don't want any troops coming to their aid when the time comes.
Prince Anhe's arrival in the Capital may be our best opportunity. Keep a close watch on Azure Cloud Temple... under no circumstances can anyone discover the secret passage."
"Settle all my personal troops outside the city and the death sworn warriors I've raised over the years into position. Once the moment arrives, I'll have someone launch a whistling arrow as the signal..."
"We must succeed in this battle. Failure is not an option!!!"
Beside him, the ugly man's eyes flickered.
"Rest assured, General. With your subordinate keeping watch, should anything else go wrong, I will bring you my head!"
That night, the Imperial Study.
The lights shone especially brightly.
Chu Wenzong watched his State Preceptor perform a divination and spoke with apprehension in his eyes:
"My dear minister, will this internal uprising bring fortune or calamity?"
Qing Qianxue poured the coins out of the tortoise shell one by one, arranged them together, and studied them carefully for a while.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. In this uprising, you have heaven's timing, favorable terrain, and the people's support.
Your Majesty holds nine chances of victory to the Zheng Family's one. As long as you make the proper arrangements, everyone will emerge safe and sound."