There was still a stretch of road to Yangzhou, but at such a close distance, it should theoretically be safe. If the Imperial forces could be ambushed outside such a major hub, with the Demon Suppression Department's Jade Token taken and King Zhao's sword stolen, the Empress would need to issue a self-critique decree. Lord Bao Qin's presence was evidence, clearly the Imperial vanguard had arrived for support, and it seemed more strong forces would come.
In the Worldly Society, this was the height of Cao Gang's power, and they should already have control of the river section by now.
Yet Ling Ruoyu still felt a sense of crisis. This was the easiest time to lower one's guard, and perhaps someone was secretly gathering, just waiting for this moment. Especially since Wan Dongliu of the Cao Gang hadn't appeared yet, which was particularly strange and made mishaps seem more likely.
