The Tu Fang leader, Wuti Marquis, personally led a hundred thousand of his people south, driving straight through to Chaoge.
The princes Yin Jiao and Yin Hong, charged with overseeing the realm, felt the city lacked commanders. They personally went down to Yuan Prison and appealed to the rebel officers with feeling and reason, winning their submission.
Yin Jiao trusted those he employed without reservation and dispatched Lei Kai with three thousand cavalry to scout the Tu Fang forces.
Lei Kai encountered the main Tu Fang force and personally slew thirty-seven men in battle, leading his troops to take over a thousand heads. Yet it made no difference. He could only exploit his familiarity with the terrain, fighting as he retreated, and bring intelligence about the enemy back to Chaoge.
That same day, Wuti Marquis led his army onward, crushing everything in its path, until it reached the walls of Chaoge City.
Panic gripped the people of Chaoge City. The markets in every ward fell quiet, the houses lining the streets shuttered their doors and windows, and all four gates were closed.
For a time, Chaoge lost its former bustle and prosperity.
In the East Market, Yun Zhongzi's Tortoiseshell was knocked to the ground by the panicking crowd.
In the North Market, Shi Ji's Yarrow Stalks were scattered all over the ground by the panicking crowd.
In the West Market, Jiang Ziya wisely packed up his Fortune-Telling Stall, only to knock the Old Woman's Heartless Vegetable all over the ground on his way home. He paid a hefty sum in compensation; all his work lately had been for nothing.
Shi Ji sighed softly. She could annihilate the army outside the city with a turn of her hand, but the calamity had not yet arrived, and it was inconvenient for Immortals