A new round of counterattacks began.
This sudden wave of counterattacks caught both camps completely off guard, leaving them wondering whether there were traitors among their own men.
"Report!"
"Deputy General Ruan, the provisions at the East Gate have been stolen!"
"Report! Deputy General Ruan, the armory at the West Gate has collapsed!"
"Report!"
Report after report left all the commanders gathered for the council in the military camp dumbfounded. They had yet to even grasp what had happened.
One commander of a thousand smacked his lips and rubbed his forehead. "Didn't we already beat the Fourth Prince's soldiers into submission? How dare they turn around and launch such brazen sneak attacks on us?"
"No, no. I don't think this is as simple as we imagine. Could it be another prince's faction?"
"Surely not. Aside from our two forces, who else in the Capital City would risk their necks for a share of the spoils? They might end up on the chopping block before they get so much as a taste."
"Report!"
The last soldier ran into the command tent, panting and stammering. "At the East Gate, West Gate, North Gate, and South Gate, we've spotted... spotted several hundred thousand troops..."
The news struck like a thunderclap, sending Deputy General Ruan springing out of his chair. "Damn it!"
"What the hell are you stammering for? Why didn't you tell us sooner? You waited until it was too late! Keep dragging your feet, and we'll lose our lives too!"
The other commanders and strategists were stunned, still reeling from the mention of hundreds of thousands of troops. Their minds drifted far away, as though their souls had ascended to heaven while their bodies remained in hell.
"What are you all standing around for?"
"Get out there and do your jobs!"
That