Chapter 24 No Way Out
I liked days like this, but heaven did not follow human wishes.
The great army advanced, cutting through everything in its path. It would soon be at our feet.
The city's troops somehow went out in batches and none returned. After seven days, morale was low.
"The ones outside fight like they don't care if they die. We truly cannot beat them."
Declaring himself emperor had painted a target on his back. This time several forces had come.
Fugeer appeared in my room with a bundle.
"Sister, I have prepared a carriage for you. Go quickly."
Everyone in the residence had fled, but once they left here they had nowhere to go. The city gates were sealed. Not a single person was allowed out.
Crowds of people jammed the gates in protest.
With Fugeer's methods, of course he could get me out.
I took the bundle and asked him back, "Aren't you coming with me?"
"Sister go first. I will follow."
He stood at the back door and watched me leave.
I waved to him. Goodbye, Fugeer.
When the carriage reached a deserted stretch, I knocked out the coachman and ran back to the shop.
People on the road hurried past. A woman clutching a child collapsed on the ground. She shouted at the man ahead, "Husband, don't leave us!"
The child's cry was loud. The man never looked back.
Orders from above—able-bodied men could leave the city with the troops to fight.
I gave a mocking smile. How familiar this method was.
At the shop, all the women workers were there, including Yezi.
"Zhang has been missing since last night. The silver at home is gone too."
She touched her belly, face full of sorrow. "How could he be so heartless?"