Su Chong looked at Uncle Li who was standing beside him.

Uncle Li sighed.

Just a moment of joy, and something big happened.

Indeed, one should not rejoice too early.

Half an hour ago, the Flying Tiger Army came back to report that the plan had succeeded.

It was expected, yet unexpected.

The Duke Chong and Prince Qi tightly closed the city gates, and there was no way to sneak into the city except to wait for Prince Qi’s own people to return over the mountains, blend in, and quietly enter the city.

According to the plan, if even one could infiltrate, it would be considered good.

However, four from the Flying Tiger Army managed to get inside.

Because more than thirty people entered the city quickly, and the four disguised Flying Tiger Army soldiers followed behind without anyone noticing.

When the Flying Tiger Army reported, Marquis Dongxiang found it strange.

Even if they were in a hurry, surely they would notice so many people behind them? 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

He suspected they realized it but pretended not to know, planning to eliminate the Flying Tiger Army once inside the city to ensure their safety.

But the selected Flying Tiger Army soldiers were highly skilled, capable of fighting ten opponents at once, and vigilant enough to escape if necessary.

Thus, although the plan was somewhat daring, it was considered successful.

Now the servant mentioned the Eldest Prince was missing, likely among those thirty-plus people!

The citizens inside the city could not be ignored, let alone the Eldest Prince.

They guarded the border strictly, defending against Prince Qi and Duke Chong, but neglected the Capital City.

If the speculation was accurate, the siege plan would be more challenging.

That would mean Prince Qi and Duke Chong had two amulets.

Although it was only speculation, yet unverified, it added heaviness to everyone’s hearts.

Now they could only hope the Flying Tiger Army that infiltrated the city would find the Eldest Prince...

Even if found, rescuing him would be hard.

By the afternoon of the next day, a fast horse delivered a letter from the Capital, reporting the guards were killed and the Eldest Prince went missing.

Having anticipated the news, Marquis Dongxiang and others were not surprised at all.

Unable to enter the city, they could only wait, adapting as needed.

Three days later.

A pigeon flew back to the camp.

The four Flying Tiger Army soldiers had successfully infiltrated the city.

Duke Chong’s men rushed the Eldest Prince into the city without much thought, and once inside, they scattered.

The citizens within the city were anxious for their safety, with deserted streets, fearful of being imprisoned or hung on the city walls.

Now surrounded on three sides, hopes were exhausted; or rather, there was never hope for victory.

The Duke Chong and Prince Qi repeatedly threatened the citizens to write for Old Duke Chong’s help, which angered any soldier with a shred of integrity.

A man should fight on the battlefield; using the defenseless as shields was shameful.

Yet, no one stepped forward, everyone endured it.

Now that the Flying Tiger Army was inside the city, seizing the opportunity, if they turned against Prince Qi and Duke Chong now, the court would pardon their past wrongdoings.

This was the court’s last chance for them. If the army breached the city, their families would be implicated.

Besides, Prince Qi’s attempt at rebellion was bound to fail, and even if it succeeded, given his and Duke Chong’s ruthless nature, would the citizens have a peaceful life?

Could they even trust that Prince Qi wouldn’t betray them once victorious?

Many soldiers were already hesitant, but they boarded Duke Chong’s ship, with no retreat.

The Flying Tiger Army represented the court to win them over; only fools wouldn’t seize the chance to turn back.

The Flying Tiger Army didn’t recruit many, focusing on the North City guard commander.

Two days later, after the citizens were hung every night, the replacements came.

At that moment, the city guards and confidants tampered with the hanging ropes.

With a slight movement, the citizens would swiftly fall, experiencing brief pain but, when the rope was cut, would land and escape.

Their escape signaled the court’s assault on the city gates.

Prince Qi and Duke Chong never expected infiltrators, nor betrayals.

Without shields, Marquis Dongxiang and others besieged the city without hesitation.

As the city gates were breached, Prince Qi and Duke Chong dragged the Eldest Prince onto the city wall.

The Eldest Prince was tightly bound, with Prince Qi’s blade against his throat, high above speaking, "Withdraw immediately!"

"Or I’ll kill your Eldest Prince!"

Beneath the city wall, the army was furious.

Just about to capture Prince Qi and Duke Chong, now the Eldest Prince was unexpectedly involved.

As a prince, shouldn’t he stay safely in the palace? Why leave the palace carelessly?

Leaving was one thing, but the inability to protect oneself was another.

Did he realize his mistake would cost so many soldiers’ lives?

The Flying Eagle Guards held their bows and arrows ready.

Marquis Dongxiang and the Commandery Prince were on horseback, their expressions icy.

Prince NanAn’s temper flared, "What does Prince Qi mean, keeping the Eldest Prince hidden in the city indefinitely?"

Daqi no longer provided him a haven.

The Nanliang Court was equally endangered; colluding Duke Nanliang was killed by Marquis Dongxiang. Beimo...

Beimo was entirely out of the question.

The Emperor’s Hidden Guard had impersonated King Beimo at the Duke Mansion for ages, poisoned, barely survived the parasite.

Beimo wouldn’t accommodate them at all.

For escape, they had nowhere but further south to Southern Border.

Prince Qi uttered twice, yet no one stepped back.

Prince Qi’s blade sliced the Eldest Prince’s throat, blood flowed down.

The Commandery Prince glanced at Marquis Dongxiang, "Perhaps we should withdraw?"

Marquis Dongxiang remained unmoved.

Cold light flashed in his eyes.

The freshly cut blade advanced again, Marquis Dongxiang raised his hand, just starting to speak, when the Eldest Prince stood on the wall, demanding, "Withdraw!"

"I want you to withdraw!"

Marquis Dongxiang’s pupils constricted.

The Flying Tiger Army had already lowered their bows and arrows.

Marquis Dongxiang extended his hand, addressing Su Chong beside him, "Give me the bow and arrow."

"Father?" Su Chong asked in confusion.

Marquis Dongxiang grasped the bow and arrows, took three arrows, aiming at the wall.

Indeed.

Su Chong’s heart trembled.

Alongside the Flying Eagle Guards and Prince NanAn.

They knew all too well Marquis Dongxiang’s archery skills were mediocre.

Already mediocre, shooting three arrows at once, what if he hit the Eldest Prince?

Su Chong urged anxiously, "Father, let me do it."

"No need," Marquis Dongxiang was unmoved.

"I despise being threatened. I will shoot this single arrow; whether it’s death or capture depends on fate!"

With that, he released his hand.

Three arrows flew towards the city wall.

Everyone on the wall was stunned.

None expected Marquis Dongxiang to disregard the Eldest Prince’s life.

Duke Chong stood beside Prince Qi.

Arrows shot toward him, narrowly he avoided them.

But as he dodged, Prince Qi and the Eldest Prince did not.

An arrow hit directly between Prince Qi’s eyes, another struck the Eldest Prince’s chest.

Everyone was speechless.

Prince NanAn and others nearly fell from their horses.