Chapter 2404: Waiting for Shao Yunduan
Chapter 2404: Waiting for Shao Yunduan
The Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the others exchanged glances.
“Forget it!” The Empress Dowager gritted her teeth and said, “Since the Emperor has made up his mind, I’ll stay to accompany him! You can choose indifferently! Heh, I also want to see how capable Shao Yunduan is now!”
“As subjects of Great Qin, how can he be so shameless as to seize Great Qin’s territory?!”
Everyone expressed their loyalty, vowing to stay and protect the Emperor, to live and die with him. However, some exchanged furtive glances and quietly slipped away.
The Emperor was the Emperor, after all, and Shao Yunduan would not kill him so easily. At most, he would be put under house arrest. But it was hard to say what would happen to others…
The Emperor was not afraid of death, confident that he wouldn’t be killed. But who else would be willing to stay and be buried with him? It was better to take advantage of the chaos outside. The rebels couldn’t pay attention to everything, providing a perfect opportunity to grab some treasures and escape!
The Empress Dowager, the Empress, the concubines, the princes and princesses, as well as some trusted palace maids, eunuchs, and guards, continuously rushed over. Together with the Fourth Prince, they waited at the Qianqing Palace for the rebels to enter the city and the palace.
The concubines, princes, and princesses trembled and sobbed softly. Their faces were filled with panic, and the entire Qianqing Palace was shrouded in a suppressed and tense atmosphere.
Outside the Qianqing Palace, chaos reigned.
Countless eunuchs, palace maids, and guards fought over gold, silver, and jewelry in a desperate bid to escape. Screams, cries, shoving, and fierce battles erupted everywhere. The once solemn and resplendent palace, the seat of imperial power, had become a purgatory on earth.
As the vanguard entered the city, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan slowly made their way in a wagon, following the commander-in-chief’s arrangements.
Having joined forces with the Northwest Army for such a significant operation, they were committed to seeing it through. From the beginning, both sides had aimed to take down the capital.
They were also 70-80% confident.
After all, the Northwest Army was a hidden trump card. The element of surprise would be significant. How many of the Fourth Prince’s forces could resist it?
Attacking the capital was different from attacking other places. Shao Yunduan planned to lead personally.
Dealing with the royal family and ministers in the capital required careful handling, and only Shao Yunduan could stabilize the situation.
As Shao Yunduan prepared to join the army, Qiao Xuan insisted on accompanying him.
She was truly worried.
With her presence, even if she couldn’t use her superpower openly, she could still provide a calming influence. Who knew when she might be able to turn the tide unexpectedly?
At first, Shao Yunduan refused. The battlefield was too dangerous, and he feared he wouldn’t be able to protect her. She would be safer in Hangzhou City.
However, he couldn’t bring himself to be stern with Qiao Xuan.
She persisted, and eventually, Shao Yunduan reluctantly agreed.
Instead of having Qiao Xuan follow them immediately, the coalition army, already surrounding the capital, arranged for someone to bring her to the city once it fell.
After the city was secured, they entered together.
This arrangement made things easier. Qiao Xuan could then help comfort the women from the royal and noble families.