The Third Prince's control over the Grand Canal, coincidentally tightening around his grip like a noose, was an intolerable reality for the Fourth Prince.
This assault had been meticulously planned by the Fourth Prince over an extended period, utilizing nearly all available resources. Success was imperative.
Already possessing superior strength, the Fourth Prince found the Third Prince's occupancy of Jinan to be a mere annoyance, failing to yield significant progress. Meanwhile, the Third Prince's power remained stagnant, offering little resistance against the Fourth Prince's relentless machinations.
As tensions mounted in Jinan amid the Fourth Prince's calculated maneuvers, panic gripped the Third Prince, compelling him to abandon the city and flee to Jiangnan. Desperate, he sought refuge within the walls of Jiangning City, claiming it as his own.
