The collapse of the city moat was something that only happened today.
Their news arrived a little sooner, but Nanming was not a place Eleven was familiar with.
Eleven's news network in Nanming had only just begun to be established.
Perhaps it wasn't even as fast as the news from within the royal family.
At best, it was on par.
As for the common folk, there was even less to say; news always had a delay.
Yet, this news had only just returned not long ago, barely enough time to change the National Teacher's medicine, and songs were already being sung in the streets and alleys?
If they said this wasn't intentionally orchestrated by someone behind the scenes, they wouldn't believe it even if beaten to death.
"This ballad must have been stirred up by someone with an agenda, but the key is that after receiving the news of the city moat's collapse, composing and writing the lyrics would at least require some time."
"Composing and writing lyrics, let's put that aside. I'll assume that person is a genius who can write a catchy tune in moments. But to order people to spread it, that also requires time, doesn't it?"
"A'Li, you mean..." Fulong thought for a moment, and suddenly, a chill ran down his spine! "Could it be that this song was already prepared before the city moat had even collapsed?"
"Even more so, there were people stationed everywhere, ready to transmit the ballad at any moment?"
This, then, was not just a ballad targeting the Emperor and the concubine; it was an earth-shattering event!
The collapse of the city moat was not a natural disaster, but a man-made one!
It was caused by someone's design!
"Damn scoundrel!"
Fulong clenched his fists, instantly furious to the point where his insides felt like they would explode!
"How many innocent civilians drowned when the city moat collapsed! Is it possible that for the sake of power, they disregard the lives of the common people!"
This was simply wicked to the extreme!
Chu Qianli didn't speak, merely closed her eyes tightly.
Such inhumane acts were occurring amidst the power struggles of their royal family!
So many innocent lives were treated as mere pawns, discarded without a second thought.
Compared to harming the civilians of enemy nations during war, harming one's own country's people was an even greater sin!
Could it be that for the sake of a throne, one could truly be so vicious?
Prince Yu, is it really you?
"I had also heard Prince Jing mention a few things about the changes in Nanming over the years."
Before Feng Yexuan returned today, her interactions with Chu Wang had been quite pleasant.
Chatting with her uncle, discussing state affairs, and talking about national righteousness, she had indeed been in good spirits.
"Although Prince Yu's ambition to usurp the throne has been evident in recent years, and although his temper is explosive and cruel, at least he wouldn't harm his own subjects."
"Why has he become so ruthless this time?"
"People's hearts are like the belly of a fish; perhaps, he has been hiding his true nature all these years, never letting anyone see clearly!"
For Fulong, anyone who harmed the common people was a sinner for all eternity, unforgivable!
"Now, he has finally found an opportunity to capture the National Teacher and the Emperor in one fell swoop!"
"A'Li, if the collapse of the city moat was indeed arranged by Prince Yu, what do you plan to do?"
Chu Qianli did not answer this question directly. Instead, she looked at him, her mood somewhat complex.
"I... you don't find it strange that I care so much about the matters of the Nanming royal family, Fulong?"
Yet, he had never asked why.
As long as it was something she wanted to do, Fulong would wholeheartedly assist her.
As for the reason, he didn't ask, nor did he feel the need to.
Fulong smiled and said, "I do find it strange, but if A'Li says something is right, then it is right, and there's no need to ask further!"