As the emperor of the Xingyuu Empire, Emperor Lianghu had complete access to the empire's information network. He was provided with updates from every corner of the continent, even extending as far as the Alzar Kingdom's Royal Assembly. Naturally, he knew about the problems in the Yunyun Stronghold and his daughters' actions. When Minister Linshi declared Xiuying and Ming as traitors, he did not take the news well. They were his progeny, his flesh and blood! A daughter would always hold a special spot in a father's heart. From how Lianghu treasured his wife, it was not hard to see he cherished his two daughters. Despite that, the relationship between them deteriorated to the current critical state.
The plan of kidnapping Elizabeth was a carefully thought out one. One could see that from how the empire deployed more than a dozen Imperial Sentinels to Port Silic. The Imperial Sentinels were a symbol of power and might, geniuses and monsters that surpassed human limits. Yet, the emperor was more than willing sacrifice them in exchange for the heir apparent! Elizabeth and Korogin, these two people were the keys to the Alzar Kingdom. Their existence was paramount! When she was successfully brought to the Yunyun Stronghold, it was like one hand on the Alzar Kingdom's throat. One more squeeze and it would suffocate the kingdom. With Lord Korogin's death, it would be a perfect ending.
Because of the Li Family and his daughters, Elizabeth was handed over to General Illion. It was an unimaginable loss! He was infuriated from the bottom of his heart. How could he raise his daughters to be so ungrateful? That day, his fury was felt through the palace. Furthermore, General Illion had the audacity to capture them! Although it did not completely turn the tables, it did level the playing field. Emperor Lianghu had set an elaborate trap for Lord Korogin. The forces in the north were deliberately weakened for General Illion. This gave Lord Korogin a sense of security in his plans. Yet, even if Emperor Lianghu captured Lord Korogin, the Alzar Kingdom had his daughters.
Were they equivalent? Generally speaking, the lives of the princesses were not worth the Master of Strategy's. A dullard could see that. Lord Korogin was not only the Master of Strategy, he was also the head of the Royal Assembly and the substitute monarch! His position was paramount, second to Queen Bethnal. Comparing him to the Imperial Princesses, which served an auxiliary role in politics, was a joke. However, Emperor Lianghu greatly treasured his two daughters and would fight for them back, even if he had to give up Lord Korogin! Of course, that was before they decided to stab in the back and turn to the kingdom… Now, it was hard to tell.
Therefore, their imminent arrival was confusing. Emperor Lianghu, the Four Cardinals, and even the Imperial Council believed that the Imperial Princesses would be taken to the Alzar Kingdom with the heir. That way, the kingdom could secure their advantage over the empire. The reason why Elizabeth could be kidnapped was a combination of factors. Firstly, Lord Korogin did not disclose her true status to anyone. Secondly, General Illion did not expect such a strong force to emerge in Port Silic. If the Xingyuu Empire tried to replicate their success now with the Imperial Princesses, it would be impossible. No matter what, they would be safeguarded as bargaining chips. Hence, their actions right now were the very definition of stupidity!
For betraying the empire, I'll make sure to make my daughters regret it! Emperor Lianghu thought viciously before a confused expression took over. What? Why am I thinking like this? Why would I hurt my own daughters? However, that confusion was like a rock falling on an ocean. The waves gradually faded, replaced with an overwhelming, bordering on illogical, hatred for the Alzar Kingdom.
While the emperor was conflicted, Sir Winstin was pale as he murmured, "Why would General Illion do this?" From what he knew, General Illion was always a calm and cunning man. This impulsive and self-destructive act was unlike him.
"General Illion shouldn't know of Lord Korogin's defeat here. Is he coming with other intentions in mind?" Cardinal Hui wondered.
"Regardless of what he's planned, there is nothing he can do here," Shaolong said.
Cardinal Hui turned to look at the emperor, who was trapped in his own thoughts. "What are your orders, Your Imperial Majesty?"
"It will be the same plan as before. Destroy the Alzar Kingdom's army and capture all important figures. For this battle, General Illion, Princess Elizabeth…" He hesitated to continue, "Princess Xiuying and Princess Ming are our top priority targets. Everyone else is to be killed!" the emperor ordered.
***
Back with the Alzar Kingdom's fleet, even before they arrived, they could feel a heavy oppressive aura in the air. It hung above them, like an executioner's blade. It was excruciatingly suffocating! Although the clash between Lord Korogin and Emperor Lianghu passed days ago, time could not wash away the insanity and bloodlust that lingered here. That, and the ridiculous casualties from here, made everyone instinctively feel goosebumps. Everyone here was a soldier that fought on several warfronts. They were particularly sensitive to such things.
Alzar gliders swept over the lands unimpeded and returned within an hour, their expressions ugly. The ravaged battlefield could not be covered up. The torn-up ground, the thousands of corpses, and the stench of death was extremely noticeable. Additionally, with the descent of winter, snow covered the lands. Before the blood could dry, it stained the white into an evil red. If anyone missed it, they would be laughed at as blind. Seeing this, the soldiers were mortified. They could see an overwhelming number of Alzar corpses. Whatever battle happened here ended in the complete annihilation of the Alzar army. The scouts reported everything to General Illion.
General Illion was solemn. Around him were his highest-ranking officers, including Sir Lorenzo, who had dark faces. By now, they understood everything from Lord Korogin's daring plan to siege Yongtein and the emperor's elaborate trap. Everything was in the empire's firm control from the very beginning. They were like puppets, playing along to the tune of their enemies. With how the battle turned out, it was clear that Lord Korogin was met with calamity. His fate unknown. At this point, was there a point in continuing? It would be much better to turn around and head towards the Alzar Kingdom instead!