Qiu City was home to the Tuoba clan. It had always enjoyed the founding rulers' protection and lavish favor, and the monarch allowed all retired ministers of the Imperial Court to settle there in their old age.
Even the families of all the generals away at war-the elderly, the frail, the women, and the children-lived in Qiu City under the Imperial Court's protection.
The generals risked their lives fighting abroad to defend their homes and country, yet the monarch feared the troops they commanded and wanted to slaughter the city, offering all their families as sacrifices!
The Eldest Princess could not accept such a deranged act. She furiously condemned Tuo Ba Hong, only to be held back firmly by his attendants.
Her eyes reddened as she shouted, "I will never agree! Never!"
"Elder sister, think it over carefully. One city in exchange for the whole realm. The foundation of our Tuoba family's rule for countless generations rests on your decision."
"Hahaha."
Tuo Ba Hong walked past her, then strode out of the hall.
That grating sound echoed in the Eldest Princess's ears.
Her body went limp, and she collapsed onto the floor. Pounding the ground, she burst into tears. "A wretched ruler! An utterly wretched ruler!"
This was no grand unification that would endure for countless generations.
Instead, the Tuoba family's realm was about to be destroyed in Tuo Ba Hong's hands.
"Princess, keep your voice down." A Shu crouched to help her up, signaling that there were people outside.
She rose to shut the hall doors tightly, then stationed several trusted palace maids who had accompanied them from Great Xia at the entrance. Only then did she feel safe returning to check on the Eldest Princess.
Heavy rain suddenly began falling outside the window. Its patter filled the air,