Losing Hangzhou City meant losing a vast eastern territory including Shaoxing, Ningbo, and Zhoushan, among others—a heavy blow that no one could ignore.
Soon, the Third Prince and his courtiers had no choice but to accept the harsh reality: Hangzhou City had indeed fallen into Shao Yunduan's hands. Su Huai and his forces were completely obliterated, with Su Huai himself reportedly fleeing on a fishing boat, most of his followers perishing at sea—an ignoble end for the man who had cost the Empire such a significant loss.
The courtiers, heartbroken and seething with hatred, clamored for justice. They flooded the Third Prince's court with impeachments and demands for retribution against Su Huai.
After venting their anger, the pressing question before everyone was: What should be done now?
In response, the courtiers' gazes flickered, their expressions awkward or evasive as they struggled to devise a viable plan.
