This urgent report not only soured Li Qiong's mood but also brought a sudden hush over the great hall.
All eyes turned to the new emperor.
An urgent report delivered at this time could only mean something of extreme importance.
They wondered what it could be.
Li Qiong unfolded the letter. It contained only a short sentence—
Our army has been routed. The rebels have reached Changgao Mountain.
Zuo Ji, standing nearby, glanced at the words. His heart skipped a beat. 'This is terrible,' he thought.
Changgao Mountain was a crucial pass on the road to the Celestial Capital.
From there, it was only a day's ride by fast horse to the Celestial Capital.
In other words, the rebel army would reach the Celestial Capital in a single day.
The defensive forces within the Celestial Capital were extremely limited. Even if every last soldier was deployed, they would be hard-pressed to stop the rebels' advance.
Li Qiong's face had turned ashen.
