Yunchao, the southern military camp.
Yun Li sat upright in the main hall, gazing intently at the sand table before him, discussing the course of the battle with his generals and soldiers.
"Your Highness, our army has swiftly recovered the five prefectures and twelve states in the south, like autumn leaves being swept away by the wind. With such unstoppable momentum, I fear that the imperial city of Dunyang will soon be at our feet as well."
A general excitedly reported on the battle situation.
Yun Li shook his head slightly, his tone firm and calm, "No, this Crown Prince has decided to temporarily halt the attack."
Upon hearing this, everyone was surprised and puzzled.
Since Crown Prince Yunli raised his army, in just two months, his army has swept through the land like a hot knife through butter. Wherever they went, officials surrendered one after another, and none dared to oppose him.
The soldiers were disciplined and never disturbed the people during their march. They even helped the people harvest and plant crops during the summer harvest. Such a benevolent army moved the people to tears of gratitude.
The officials of Dunyang City, more than 80% of whom were from the south, were caught off guard by the rise of Yunli.
Although there were many who opposed Yun Li, they dared not openly rebel, since their families were still under Yun Li's control.
Yun Li smiled slightly and explained to everyone, "Although our army is currently in high spirits, we are exhausted from the long march and urgently need rest and recuperation. Moreover, I have learned that Yun Shu is facing a shortage of supplies. We only need to hold our ground and wait for Yun Shu to lose his composure. At that time, we can then defeat him in one fell swoop. Wouldn't that be a much safer approach?"
Yun Li's words revealed a confident and assured demeanor.
He knew that he had more advantages than Yun Shu.
He had received a secret letter from the Emperor of Da Xuan, authorizing him to use Chaoyang County as a rear warehouse, thus ensuring ample food supplies and no worries about military needs.
Meanwhile, Yun Shu's treasury was empty, military pay was unsustainable, and even food supplies were hard to purchase.
Under such circumstances, it is extremely difficult for Yun Shu to maintain the army's combat effectiveness.
Yunli only needs to wait for the right opportunity to reap the benefits.
This is why he decided to stop attacking at this moment.
Yun Li's words enlightened the soldiers.
They all nodded in agreement, expressing their admiration for Yun Li's decision.
At that time, the once bustling streets and alleys of Dunyang City were now shrouded in chaos.
The once bustling streets have become empty and desolate.
Occasionally, a few horse-drawn carriages would speed by, raising a cloud of dust and stirring up the chaotic atmosphere of merchants fleeing in haste.
The shop's doors and windows were tightly shut, and the once dazzling array of goods had vanished, leaving only messy shelves and scattered packages.
On the ground, broken silver and jewels were scattered carelessly, but no one paid them any attention, because the merchants at this moment only had the thought of escaping.
Merchants value profit, but they cherish life even more.
At the city gate, a vast crowd of refugees formed a long queue.
The wealthy merchants, who were usually impeccably dressed, now disregarded their image and rushed towards the city gate with their families and valuables.
Some people rode fast horses, while others rode in carriages, the stone slabs beneath the carriage wheels making a rapid and heavy sound.
The air was thick with the smells of dust and sweat, mixed with the rapid breathing and terrified shouts of people. Some merchants stumbled and fell during their escape; they struggled to their feet, only to be met with even more crowding and chaos.
At the city gate, the crowd was extremely dense, and the soldiers guarding the city tried to maintain order, but to no avail.
Merchants rushed toward the city gate, fearing they would miss their chance to escape.
As the sun sets in the west, the afterglow fades.
A soldier, holding an imperial edict, galloped up on horseback.
"From this day forward, the gates of Dunyang City are closed, and no one is allowed to leave the city without authorization!"
The resounding declaration struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer, plunging the once bustling city gate into a deathly silence.
In a short while, the crowd erupted in excitement.
Merchants who were lined up at the city gate and had not yet left the city began to scuffle and push each other, and the scene immediately became chaotic.
The chaotic scene was only temporarily brought under control after the soldiers guarding the city beat several people to death with sticks.
From this moment on, Dunyang City became an isolated city.
The merchants who fled south were filled with anxiety, unsure whether the former crown prince would accept them.
Dunyang Imperial City, the residence of Empress Song Huaixi, Yonghua Palace, Tingfeng Pavilion.
The Listening to the Wind Pavilion is surrounded by floor-length gauze curtains, and in the center there is a bamboo mat covered with fragrant flower petals.
One side of Tingfeng Pavilion is surrounded by clear water, leading directly to a side hall of Yonghua Palace.
On the water, a small boat gently sways, weaving through the endless lotus leaves.
Occasionally, tiny bubbles rise to the surface of the water. Then, a pair of slender, delicate hands gracefully reach out, gently pluck a lotus bud, and slowly sink it to the bottom. Such elegance and charm should only exist in heaven.
Soon after, with a splash, two figures leaped out of the water, completely naked, like two lotus flowers emerging from the water, beautiful and charming.
The women in the water were none other than Empress Song Huaixi and Consort Cui Mi.
Their graceful figures, like dragons playing in the water, caused the surrounding maids to lower their heads and not dare to look directly at them.
Upon hearing the noise, the maids immediately lowered their heads, quickly placed the chilled fruit and mung bean and lily porridge on the small table next to the bamboo mat, and then respectfully withdrew.
Cui Mi gently lifted the gauze curtain and rolled down onto the fragrant mat with Song Huaixi.
A gentle lake breeze lifted the gauze curtain, revealing the two figures half-hidden among the petals.
Song Huaixi got up and went to the small table to get a bunch of chilled grapes.
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