Leling, the Imperial Palace.
"Your Majesty, terrible news, Sheqiu City has fallen!"
Accompanied by cries of alarm, a message from the southwest spread rapidly, plunging the entire palace into fear.
Within the great hall, court officials who had rushed over upon receiving the news now stood with grave expressions, their eyes betraying irrepressible terror.
Sitting at the head, Emperor Xu turned somewhat pale, "My ministers, the Chu people have broken through Sheqiu City, and now an army of a million is marching towards us, heading straight for Leling City.
The prefectures and counties they passed through had already had their defenders called away, leaving them utterly defenseless and unable to stop the Chu forces.
With the Chu army nearly upon us, what should we do? Everyone, please propose a solution."
The ministers, hearing what Emperor Xu said, were also filled with panic.