Yingdu, night.
The main hall of the Chu King's palace was brightly lit.
The civil and military officials entered the hall in turn, only to find that the hall had been newly decorated, with several rows of prayer cushions on both sides of the high platform, and an ancient bronze tripod on the imperial desk.
"My esteemed ministers," Xiong Qi said, seated solemnly on the dragon throne, "I have summoned you all here today to discuss an important matter."
The group looked at each other in bewilderment.
The daytime court assembly has just ended, how can there be another major event?
"The current situation is clear to everyone," Xiong Qi continued, "After much deliberation, I have decided..."
Before he could finish speaking, a scout rushed into the hall: "Report! The Qin army has arrived at the walls of Dengzhou, and claims they will be besieging Yingdu in three days!"
An uproar erupted in the hall.
Dengzhou is only 400 li away from Yingdu. If the Qin army speeds up its march, it may only take two days to reach it.
Xiong Qi, however, remained surprisingly calm: "I understand. My lords, since time is of the essence, we must make a decision even faster!"
"Someone, close the door!"
No sooner had the words been spoken than the doors and windows of the main hall were closed from the outside.
"Your Majesty, what is this...?" Zhen Xiong asked in confusion.
Xiong Qi did not answer, but solemnly took out a golden box from his bosom: "Please look, everyone, this is a secret edict left by our ancestor."
Everyone held their breath.
The rulers of the Great Chu Kingdom have always had a rule that each monarch must leave behind a secret edict in case of national crisis.
This secret edict has been passed down through generations and has never been opened.
"Your Majesty, could it be..." The old ministers' expressions changed drastically.
Xiong Qi slowly opened the golden box and took out a roll of yellow silk.
By the light of the lamp, everyone could see that it read: "If the State of Chu faces peril in the future, the nation and its people must be the priority... Preserve your strength and await the opportune moment..."
"My esteemed ministers," Xiong Qi said in a low voice, "I have decided to lead the royal family south to temporarily avoid the brunt of our attack!"
"What?!" the courtiers exclaimed in shock. "Your Majesty, this..."
"My mind is made up!" Xiong Qi said resolutely. "Although Yingdu is strategically important, the Qin army's firearms will not last more than three days. Rather than waiting to be killed, it is better to retreat proactively. I have already chosen a route of retreat and am preparing to lead the royal family south to Fanyi."
Fanyi was located at the southernmost tip of the Chu Kingdom, with high mountains and dense forests, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.
If we retreat there, we can indeed temporarily avoid the brunt of the attack.
"But Your Majesty..." Zhen Xiong said worriedly, "If we abandon Yingdu like this, I fear the morale of the army will waver even further!"
"That's why I've summoned you all here to discuss this," Xiong Qi said, looking around at his ministers. "I intend to leave behind an elite force to defend Yingdu to the death!"
"I do not seek to defeat the Qin army, but only to buy ourselves time. Once I reach Fanyi, we can regroup and perhaps even have a chance to rise again!"
The hall fell silent; everyone was stunned by Xiong Qi's decision.
"Your Majesty..." an old general said in a trembling voice, "This humble general is willing to lead the army to defend Yingdu to the death!"
"This humble general is also willing!"
"This humble general is willing to fight to the death!"
In an instant, cries of "Let's fight!" echoed throughout the hall.
Looking at these loyal ministers, Xiong Qi felt a pang of regret.
"My beloved ministers..." His voice choked with emotion, "My mind is made up. I will make arrangements for those remaining in Yingdu. What we must discuss now is how to ensure the safe evacuation of the imperial clan."
As he spoke, he unfolded a map: "From Yingdu to Fanyi, we must pass through these passes. I plan to divide into three routes..."
Just as he was arranging the retreat route, he suddenly heard a commotion outside.
"Report! The Qin army has quickened its pace and has already passed Huozhen!"
"What?!" everyone exclaimed in shock. "They actually marched through the night?"
Xiong Qi's face darkened: "It seems we can't wait any longer. My dear ministers, let's begin the arrangements now. Remember, everything must be ready by noon tomorrow!"
"Your Majesty!" Zhen Xiong exclaimed urgently, "Are you really sure?"
"Indeed," Xiong Qi's voice was resolute. "I have made up my mind. It's either total annihilation or preserving our strength. Rather than waiting to die here, we might as well fight!"
"That Yingdu..."
"Yingdu is well-defended!" Xiong Qi said. "I have already selected elite troops, led by General Pan Zhen. Their sole mission is to delay the Qin army for as long as possible!"
At this moment, a young general stepped forward: "Your Majesty, allow me to stay! I am willing to lead my troops to defend Yingdu to the death!"
"No!" Xiong Qi refused decisively. "You are the commander of my personal guards and must escort the royal family south. As for Yingdu..."
His gaze drifted outside the palace, his voice low and deep: "Let this capital city, left behind by our ancestors, serve its final purpose!"
Everyone fell silent.
Everyone understands that this is a risky move.
If the retreat is successful, the State of Chu will still have a chance to rebuild.
If we fail, then there will be no hope of recovery.
"Time is of the essence, let's divide the tasks now." Xiong Qi stood up. "Zhen Xiong is in charge of arranging the evacuation of the imperial family, the Prefect is in charge of the rearguard, and the rest of you go about your respective tasks. Remember, this matter must not be leaked!"
"Yes, sir!" the ministers roared in agreement.
Just as everyone was preparing to act, another scout rushed into the hall: "Report! The Qin army has posted notices in Huozhen, saying that officials and generals who surrender will retain their positions, while those who do not surrender will have their entire families executed!"
A commotion broke out in the hall.
Many officials' expressions changed drastically, clearly indicating that they were considering surrendering.
"Silence!" Xiong Qi roared. "Anyone who dares to make a move will be killed by me! Guards, deploy your personal guards outside the hall. No one is to leave without my order!"
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