Chapter 2402: City Breakdown
Although Qiao Xuan could remain hidden from those outside the city gate, she would undoubtedly be exposed to everyone within the city.
This conflict troubled her deeply.
Ultimately, she decided to proceed with her plan.
In the chaos of war, perceptions might not always match reality, and people might not believe what they saw. Strange occurrences were common in every era and dynasty.
At the city gate, there were likely no ordinary people present. Few would take the soldiersâ claims seriously.
After all, without evidence, their accounts were seen as mere jokes.
The city gate was quickly breached, and the Northwest Army and Huaixi Army erupted in triumphant cheers. The soldiersâ morale soared as they shouted and stormed into the city.
The guards on the city wall were stunned and enraged, cursing the Fourth Princeâs incompetence.
âThe Emperor failed to understand the situation!â they lamented, looking up at the sky. They mourned the lack of coordination with the outside, which had allowed the city gate to fall so swiftly.
With the city gate breached and the rebels inside, defending the city wall was futile. The soldiers could no longer turn the tide. Some fled in panic, while the remaining loyalists rushed toward the palace.
Inside the palace, the Fourth Prince had initially believed he could hold out for at least four months to a year, confident that the Northwest Army and the Huaixi Army wouldnât wait that long.
He especially feared the Northwest Army. If the barbarians learned of their absence, they would surely attack. If that happened, the Northwest Army would have no choice but to return, leaving Shao Yunduanâs forces unable to fully seize the capital.
The Fourth Prince even hoped he could alert the barbarians to the Northwest Armyâs departure, hoping they would draw the Northwest Army away.
Unfortunately, with the capital surrounded, it was nearly impossible to send messages out.
Yet, he knew there was still a chance. No army could maintain perfect vigilance indefinitely, and there might be an opportunity to exploit their lapses.
The Fourth Prince knew he had to find an opportunity soonâŠ
His plan had been meticulously crafted, but he never anticipated the capital would fall so swiftly.
When he saw his trusted eunuch, Li, stumbling in, the Fourth Princeâs heart sank, but he initially attributed it to an unfavorable turn in the battle.
He forced a self-deprecating laugh, accepting that setbacks were inevitable in war, especially when facing such high morale from the enemy.
To his horror, Eunuch Li collapsed to his knees, trembling uncontrollably. With a tearful expression, he cried out, âYour Majesty, the city has fallen! The rebels have breached the defenses! We must flee nowâitâs not too late to escape!â
Eunuch Liâs panic was evident, and his urgency was clear. If they did not escape immediately, the chance to do so might soon be lost forever.
The Fourth Prince was stunned.
âWhat did you say?â
âWhere did this rumor come from? How can this be possible?â
Even in the worst-case scenario, it seemed impossible for the city to have been breached already.
Eunuch Li, on the verge of tears, insisted, âYour Majesty, I would never joke about this! Itâs true, itâs true!â
The Fourth Prince was left speechless.
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