“I estimate the same,” Fu Shen said, “The capital is too close to the Northern Border. We can’t spare ourselves, and Prince Jin only has the Southern Palace Guard, which isn’t enough. The capital can’t be defended and will be relocated.”
Yu Qiaoting: “And we…?”
“If we block here, they can catch their breath a bit longer,” Fu Shen said, “Let’s see how Prince Jin decides. Prepare to concentrate our troops and break through.”
Yu Qiaoting thought he would fight to the death and said in surprise: “General?”
“What is Prince Jin?” Fu Shen snorted coldly, “This lord has a family. Not rebelling is already giving him tremendous face. He wants me to sacrifice my life? He can dream.”
Fu Shen had overestimated Sun Yunchun’s luck.
On May 18th, enemy troops reached Miyun, joined with the Tang Zhou military, and the capital troops retreated to Huairou. His Highness Prince Jin was killed by Right Divine Wu Guard General Cao Fenchen. The Northern Palace Guard swept through like a whirlwind, beheading the Zhe tribe spies around Prince Jin and displaying their heads on the city walls.
Emperor Tai visited the ancestral temple, removed his hat, kowtowed, wept to the ancestral shrine, then ascended the court and ordered the relocation of the capital to Chang’an. That afternoon, a light cavalry escort protected Emperor Tai as he escaped from the Blue Sky Gate, fleeing to Shu.
The next day, Fu Shen received the Emperor’s final imperial edict in Yan Zhou from the Flying Dragon Guard – four words: “Decide for yourself.”
On May 19th, the capital was in chaos, officials and civilians fleeing in panic.
On May 20th, the capital troops retreated, and bandits entered the court.
Jiangnan, Lin’an.
A few days earlier.
“Father has already passed the throne to Prince Jin…” Qi Wang was so angry his hands were shaking. After pacing a few rounds, he shouted: “Someone, prepare the horses! This prince will return to the capital immediately!”
“Your Highness, please calm down,” Yan Xiaohang immediately advised, “Don’t be hasty.
Prince Jin could kill the crown prince and force the Emperor to pass him the throne, so he must have elite troops. Returning unprepared would be like walking into a net. In my opinion, it’s better to observe and then make plans.”
