Unstoppable momentum.

If one had to use a single word to describe the advance of the "rebel army," perhaps only the phrase "unstoppable momentum" would be most appropriate.

Yun Zong panicked.

His method of controlling the court has always been to suppress virtuous ministers and famous generals, and to rule the people by relying on harsh policies and severe punishments. Those who are attached to him can rise to power not by their abilities, but by their ability to flatter and fawn.

Therefore, the workers were mostly good-for-nothings who indulged in drinking and eating, and the soldiers in the barracks were all incompetent. They were quite good at bullying the villagers, but when they faced the battle-hardened Northwest Army, they were beaten so badly that they would run away as soon as they engaged in combat.

Yun Zong was furious and wanted to order the Ministry of Personnel to expedite the conscription, but because of Minister Qian's matter, the Ministry of Personnel was full of resentment towards him and made excuses and refused to obey orders.

He then ordered the Ministry of Revenue to allocate funds from the national treasury for military expenses, only to discover that Xi Chenzhou had already planned ahead:

When he conquered the Northern Rong, the spoils of war he sent were all pretty but useless calligraphy, paintings, ritual objects, and jewelry. He kept all the gold, silver, money, grain, and troops that could actually serve as military supplies in the Northwest!

"That scoundrel Xi Chenzhou, he's truly cunning and treacherous! What a wolf in sheep's clothing, he's utterly lawless!"

Enraged, Yun Zong overturned the desk in the study, throwing all the urgent battle reports on the ground. His face contorted in rage, and his voice was so shrill it seemed to tear the roof apart.

The advisors and confidants knelt on the ground in fear, pleading in broken voices, "Your Highness, please calm your anger..."

"That traitor Xi Chenzhou is bound to lose, don't worry!"

"He's merely rebelling in the name of the Empress, but how could he possibly be truly willing to submit to a woman? Let's expose his true colors, reveal his wolfish ambitions, and make him suffer the consequences. Let's see who still follows him then!"

Yun Zong nodded thoughtfully, then smiled sinisterly.

“That makes sense. Her Majesty was young and fooled by him, actually believing him to be a loyal subject? She ran away with him, but in reality, she was sold out and is still helping to count the money! When Xi Chenzhou consolidates his power and ascends the throne himself, she will only have one path left—death. I'd like to see if she regrets it then!”

Yun Zong revealed a cold smile.

"Also, don't forget, the general guarding Qin City is General Lin, and his most beloved granddaughter has long admired Xi Chenzhou. Between the throne and the beauty, I want to see how Xi Chenzhou will choose this time!"

There was much discussion in the court, but these words did not reach Tong Su's ears.

Xi Chenzhou led his troops bravely and, after capturing the city, did three things:

The first thing he did was to declare that he was marching to protect the Empress and eliminate Yun Zong, that only the Empress's rule was legitimate, and that everyone should consciously worship and support the Empress and fight for her for life.

The second thing was to send people to smash the shrine of Yun Zong, listing eighteen major crimes of Yun Zong, such as deceiving his superiors and subordinates, harming loyal and good people, killing innocent people indiscriminately, disregarding human life, and setting up oppressive policies, and to create a statue of Yun Zong kneeling on the iron with his upper body naked for people to beat and vent their anger.

The third rule was to strictly prohibit his troops from robbing the property of the people, and to establish three laws with them: those who kill will pay with their lives, those who injure will be punished, and those who steal will be criminals. All other harsh laws were abolished.

These three things earned him the support of the people. After the New Year, the Northwest Army raised the banner of rebellion. In just four months, the troops had already reached a position 900 li away from the capital, separated only by Qin City!

Qin City is strategically located, easy to defend and difficult to attack. However, once it is breached, the road to the capital will be wide open, with no further obstacles to stop it. Xi Chenzhou's iron cavalry will be able to trample the capital to pieces.

Everyone knew the importance of this city and was anxiously watching it. The city was guarded by an old general named Lin.

The old general's only son died in battle at a young age, leaving behind only a daughter. The girl grew up pampered and was deeply loved by the old general.

When Xi Chenzhou's army approached the city, he sent troops to persuade General Lin to surrender, but General Lin only sent someone to deliver a single sentence.

"I am old and my days are numbered. I have no regrets except for my granddaughter. Lord Xi, since you are determined to eliminate the corrupt officials and kill Yun Zong, you are a true hero. I have no right to stop you. So I swear an oath to you: if you are willing to marry my granddaughter as your principal wife, I will surrender the entire Qin City!"