Killing a fortune-teller didn't make Kang Luo feel one bit better.

Looking at the ruins of the Hall of Sacred Heaven in front of him, he felt even worse.

The Hall of Sacred Heaven was Nanyue's equivalent of the Great Xuan's Golden Hall. It stood for supreme power and majesty, and that son of a bitch Ning Chen had burned it to the ground.

And it wasn't just the Hall of Sacred Heaven. Ning Chen had set fires everywhere, and a lot of palaces were nothing but ruins now.

On top of that, Ning Chen had left a lyric on the palace gate.

The lyric's insults were filthy, enough to nail his father the emperor to history's pillar of shame for good.

But in all fairness, Ning Chen's lyric really was good. Another rare masterpiece.

Just then came the sound of hurried footsteps.

Kang Luo glanced back. It was his deputy.

The deputy hurried up to Kang Luo, glanced at the body on the ground, then bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, there are too many refugees. The little grain we brought back can't possibly hold out.

If this goes on, it won't just be the refugees. Our own soldiers won't have anything to eat either. I'm afraid there'll be......"

He didn't finish, but Kang Luo understood.

If there was no food, there was bound to be a mutiny.

Most men joined the army for a full belly, and to earn a little pay on the side to support their families.

No food, no water, no pay. Who'd lay down his life for you then?

Something flickered in Kang Luo's eyes.

He'd already made up his mind. "Gather the troops. We abandon the imperial city for now."

The deputy was startled. "Your Highness, forgive this subordinate for being so bold... Abandoning the imperial city now is the same as giving up your place as heir apparent. The Second Prince is sure to seize it."

Kang Luo's face darkened. "Do you think this crown prince doesn't know that? But do we have any other choice? The people of three cities are crying out…