News of Prince Zhenbei, Song Buran, and Ji Yunting leaving the Capital City spread within a few days. It was followed by the official gazette from Huizhou.
The news that sea bandits had come ashore with the Governor of Huizhou's token to slaughter the common people, that scholars had surrounded the Governor Mansion in support of the populace, and that Ding Xian had deserted with his troops instantly threw the court into an uproar.
Deserted with his troops?
Song Yunzhao could hardly believe her ears when she heard Zhang Maoquan's report. 'Didn't Ding Xian go to sea for a decisive battle with the sea bandits? How did that turn into desertion?'
She keenly sensed that something was wrong. This was only the beginning, yet it had already stirred up such a storm. Moreover, the memorial submitted to the imperial court immediately branded Ding Xian with the crime of desertion.
This was a crime that could lead to the execution of his entire clan.
