In an instant, inside Tongjin Gate, lanterns and torches were all lit at once, making it as bright as day.

The Emperor rode atop a tall steed, with George Hall leading two thousand mighty imperial guards behind him—a force a hundred times greater than the other side!

William Harris looked down in silence...

Chapter 6: Leaving the Body Intact

At this moment, the Song Emperor William Harris was far less calm than he appeared on the surface.

Just last night, he had barged into Longde Palace with a eunuch, forcing Charles Harris to hand over power. He then soothed the officials and accepted George Hall's allegiance. And tonight, he already possessed an armed force, while the retired emperor Charles Harris on the other side had only a few dozen men. The balance of power had instantly reversed, and the pent-up frustration in his chest was finally released!

Moreover, Charles Harris's escape had given William Harris a golden opportunity. Last night was just collecting some interest; now it was time to settle the principal.

After a moment's thought, William Harris took the initiative to spur his horse forward, meeting them head-on with confidence.

Compared to the self-assured and commanding William Harris, both Ethan Brooks and Samuel Todd, and even Charles Harris inside the carriage, had become pitiful prey—weak, helpless, and utterly miserable!

Samuel Todd was first shocked, then broke out in a cold sweat, his body trembling slightly.

It's over!

The Shengjie Army hadn't come to their aid; instead, the Emperor had arrived in full force. What more was there to say? All their plans had come to nothing!

"King Todd!"

William Harris's icy voice rang out. Samuel Todd didn't even have the courage to look up, hurriedly bowing. "This old minister is here!"

"I sent Zhu Yaban to see you!" William Harris said indifferently. The words seemed light, but they made Samuel Todd tumble from his horse and prostrate himself on the ground. The Emperor had given him a chance, but the old man had let him down. Between the Emperor and the retired emperor, he had chosen the latter!

Is there anything more terrifying than picking the wrong side?

Samuel Todd felt as if the sky was falling. He couldn't help but turn to look at Ethan Brooks, almost wanting to pounce and strangle the little brat!

At this moment, Ethan Brooks was even more wretched than Samuel Todd. While Samuel Todd had rolled off his horse without much harm, Ethan Brooks, in his panic, got his foot caught in the stirrup and landed face-first, the pain bringing tears to his eyes.

No need to ask—his pale face was ruined. Ignoring the pain, Ethan Brooks feared disaster was imminent and hurriedly shouted toward the imperial carriage.

"Retired Emperor! Retired Emperor!"

Faced with such a desperate cry, Charles Harris also found it hard to breathe, gasping for air—it was enough to kill him!

Both his lackeys were finished. He had no choice but to lift the curtain, coming face-to-face with William Harris.

Surprisingly, in such a short time, the anger on William Harris's face had vanished, as if spring had arrived early—his face was all smiles.

"Retired Emperor, you have worked hard!"

Charles Harris actually felt flattered, instinctively shaking his head. "No, not at all, it is Your Majesty who has worked hard, Your Majesty has worked hard!"

William Harris smiled again. "Retired Emperor, last night I said we must unite as one, resist the Jin invaders together, and protect the country. Do you still remember?"

Here comes the reckoning!

Faced with such a terrifying situation, Charles Harris dared not put on airs. He only hoped for a dignified end, so he quickly replied, "I remember, I remember! But please, don't misunderstand!"

Suddenly, inspiration struck Charles Harris, and he thought of an excuse. "Your Majesty, I was only concerned about the defense of Kaifeng, so I asked King Todd and Mr. Brooks to accompany me on a patrol—nothing more. I... I'll return to Longde Palace right away!"

Charles Harris was trying to slip away. Hearing this, Ethan Brooks was full of admiration—truly worthy of being the retired emperor; what a perfect excuse!

"Your Majesty! It is indeed so. We accompanied the retired emperor to patrol the capital and guard against the Jin invaders sneaking into Kaifeng. Please see the truth, Your Majesty!"

William Harris couldn't help but laugh. The way they could lie with a straight face was truly something else. But since they wanted to act, he would play along!

"Retired Emperor, is that really the case?"

Without hesitation, Charles Harris nodded vigorously. "Yes, it's all true, Your Majesty, please don't doubt!"

"Very well!"

William Harris declared loudly, "Ethan Brooks, I appointed you as the Longde Palace attendant to serve the retired emperor, not to stir up trouble everywhere! Now, accompany the retired emperor and get back to Longde Palace—do not come out again!"

All the anger was directed at him, and Ethan Brooks turned pale with fright, nodding desperately. But he wasn't all that terrified, even feeling a bit contemptuous. In the end, the Emperor still didn't dare to break with the retired emperor.

He was just giving himself a way out!

It seemed the Zhao men were still cowards—nothing more to say.

Though they had failed this time, as long as the retired emperor remained, there would be more chances. Next time, with better preparation, things might turn out differently. Hopefully, the Jin wouldn't arrive too soon.

Ethan Brooks was still comforting himself when he suddenly realized something.

Wait!

What about Samuel Todd?

They had both escorted the retired emperor—what would happen to King Todd?

As Ethan Brooks hesitated, William Harris suddenly turned and said, "Samuel Todd, if this was just a city patrol, why did you need to mobilize the Shengjie Army? The retired emperor may not have known, but under his name, what were you really up to? Were you trying to kidnap the retired emperor? Planning to head south with ill intent, or simply hand him over to the Jin and betray the Song!"

Ah!

Samuel Todd was struck as if by lightning!

What did that mean?

How had all the charges landed on his head?

"Your Majesty, without the Shengjie Army, this old minister would never dare to move troops on my own!"