Early the next morning, when the people of East Lin Imperial City learned that Great Xia had withdrawn its troops, jubilation swept through the city.
They cheered and surged toward the South City Gate like a rising tide.
"I heard the Empress Dowager is going to tell everyone the truth about why Great Xia attacked our country today. Let's hurry over and see."
"What truth? Didn't they attack because our Sovereign assassinated Great Xia's ruler?"
"You probably don't know the hidden story. According to the Imperial Court, the Empress Dowager went to negotiate peace with the enemy yesterday and learned a great deal from Xia's Ninth Prince. Our Sovereign was most likely wrongfully accused."
"What could common folk like us know? We've always defended the Imperial City with our lives. If the Sovereign really was wrongfully accused, I'll defend the Imperial City for him even if it kills me."
"If the Sovereign really did such a thing, I won't resist when Great Xia comes marching in."
"Great Xia has already withdrawn. Doesn't that mean they have a guilty conscience?"
"Enough, stop speculating. The Empress Dowager is our country's heroine. Whatever she says must be right. Let's hear what she has to say!"
"Yes, my father holds the Empress Dowager in the highest esteem. All the older generation still remember her. Let's go listen, too."
"Yes, whatever she says must be right!"
The people chattered back and forth as they streamed in a mighty throng toward the walls of the South City Gate.
Grand Tutor Peng led his personal troops in guarding the area around the gate, even forming a protective ring around the Empress Dowager and her attendants.
Eunuch Mo had come on the Sovereign's orders to investigate the situation.
He wanted to send men up onto the gate