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But Lu Shuyun was clearly not really thinking that way.

He was the Crown Prince. Why should he have to die alongside these aristocratic families? He already had a premonition that if he were captured, his father the Emperor certainly wouldn't spare him just because he was a Prince. Instead, he would surely be given poisoned wine or bestowed a white silk noose.

So if he wanted to live, he could not allow himself to be captured by the Imperial Army outside the city. He must find a way to leave Sufeng City.

Since this Chu Hongfei was also thinking of escaping, he might as well make use of him.

Chu Hongfei was from the Chu Family in the South, having grown up in Sufeng City, and having spent so many years there, he should be quite familiar with the city. Perhaps he could find a way to escape from it.

Of course, this wasn't the sort of thing one could openly talk about.

At that moment, Lu Shuyun continued, "With the city in a state of panic, sitting here, none of the family heads can think of a good solution. It's best for everyone to return home now and calm your clanspeople. Only with people's hearts at ease can we hope to survive this crisis."

Hearing this, the heads of the aristocratic families thought it over and admitted that indeed, they were merely sitting around, unable to come up with any good ideas. They could only wait for the outcome of the Grandmaster's war and then learn whether they could defeat the Imperial Army.

At that time, the Head of Qin Clan stood up and said, "The Crown Prince is right. In this situation, even if we sit here, we can only fret needlessly. It would be better to return to our own families and soothe our clanspeople."

Seeing the Head of Qin Clan speak so, the Head of Wang Clan sighed and said, "Very well, everyone should go back for today."

The family heads thought that if Sufeng City was really breached by the Imperial Army, they would only be waiting for their deaths in the Wang Family's place, and it would be better to lead their clanspeople in a last desperate struggle afterward.

Moreover, once the Imperial Army entered the city, they were bound to split their forces. The noble families were scattered throughout Sufeng City, and once the Imperial Army divided their troops, it might be possible, amidst the chaos, for some family to take their clanspeople and break out of Sufeng City.

Although everyone spoke of unity, in their hearts, they had all made the worst contingency plans. Most did not believe they could win. If there was any real chance of victory, they would not have been defeated so thoroughly up to this point.

Afterward, the family heads left the Wang Family and returned to their respective clans.

Once they had all departed, Lu Shuyun went to a tavern in Sufeng City and had someone secretly bring Chu Hongfei to meet him.

When Chu Hongfei heard that the Crown Prince wanted to see him alone, he was overjoyed. If he could meet with the Crown Prince in private, he would have a chance to persuade him to escape together.

Chu Hongfei had also considered escaping from Sufeng City on his own, but realized that he had no real strength, nor did he have any powerful subordinates in the Chu Family. If he attempted to escape alone, should he be discovered by the Imperial Army outside, he would likely be caught immediately.

If he had masters by his side, it would be different; they could hold off the Imperial soldiers while he made a getaway.

Without a doubt, collaborating with Lu Shuyun was the most appropriate option. Lu Shuyun had Master Realm experts by his side. If they escaped together, even if they were accidentally discovered by the Imperial soldiers, there would be powerful individuals to cover their retreat, greatly increasing their chances of leaving Sufeng City successfully.

Before long, Chu Hongfei appeared in Lu Shuyun's room. Upon seeing Lu Shuyun, he immediately paid his respects, "This humble one pays his respects to the Crown Prince!"

Lu Shuyun, smiling, replied, "Brother Chu, please get up. There's no need for such courtesy."

Seeing Lu Shuyun being so polite, Chu Hongfei felt encouraged, and then he asked, "Crown Prince, may I know why you have summoned this humble one?" NovelFire-content

Lu Shuyun sighed and then said, "The great families are all harboring their own schemes, which ultimately led to this war and our defeat. Although the Imperial Army has not yet breached Sufeng City, the city's fall is inevitable."

"I recall receiving a letter from a family in Qi Country not long ago, saying that as long as I go to Qi Country, my Uncle would surely find a way to keep me safe. When my father the Emperor passes away, my Uncle would spare no expense to support my accession to the throne."

Upon hearing this, Chu Hongfei's heart surged with excitement. From what Lu Shuyun implied, Lu Shuyun also planned to discreetly escape from Sufeng City, and moreover, head north?

Did this mean they were kindred spirits?

Chu Hongfei immediately said, "Crown Prince, if there is anything you require, please tell this humble one. Should I be able to assist, I will not hesitate even if it costs me my life!"

Lu Shuyun, still smiling, replied, "Death is not necessary. I just want to know, having lived in Sufeng City for so many years, you must be very familiar with it and aware of some ways to leave the city."

"If I manage to safely reach Qi Country, you will be the first to be credited. When I ascend to that position, I shall appoint you as a Duke!"

Hearing the promise Lu Shuyun offered, Chu Hongfei's heartbeat accelerated. After pondering for a moment, he felt there was still hope for Lu Shuyun to turn things around.