However, while the people of Zhao reveled in the joy of victory, the neighboring state of Li was in utter chaos. The devastating news of Ancheng's fall struck the king of Li like a bolt from the blue. His eyes widened in shock and anger, and in his rage, he spat out a mouthful of blood. He then staggered backward, falling unconscious.

At this moment, several of the king's princes witnessed this scene, each with their own hidden agenda, each casting their gaze towards the throne, symbolizing supreme power. The Kingdom of Li had long lacked a clear-cut crown prince, so at this crucial moment of life and death, whoever could control more power and resources would likely emerge victorious in this fierce power struggle.

Among them, the Third Prince harbored lofty ambitions, determined to deliver a powerful counterattack against Zhao's aggression and safeguard the nation's dignity and territorial integrity. Unfortunately, the other princes were equally ambitious and refused to allow the Third Prince easy success. Thus, a thrilling struggle unfolded, with the princes resorting to all means, attacking and scheming against one another.

In such a complex situation, the Third Prince knew that if he wanted to achieve his goal of resisting the invasion of Zhao, he must first defeat these powerful competitors. Only in this way could he accumulate sufficient strength and prestige to effectively organize the power of the whole country and rise up to resist the aggressive offensive of Zhao.

At this turbulent time, the princes of the Kingdom of Li, like a pack of hungry wolves, engaged in a brutal struggle for supreme imperial power. They completely disregarded the safety of the country and the lives of the people, focusing only on their own interests and desires.

At this crucial moment, Zhao, like an awakened lion, seized this golden opportunity. Their army rushed out like an arrow, their speed and momentum astonishing. Those well-trained troops, commanded by their brave and resourceful generals, displayed unparalleled combat effectiveness and cohesion.

The Zhao soldiers, brimming with energy and high morale, marched with resolute and powerful steps, singing stirring and majestic war songs. With overwhelming force, they launched a fierce attack on the Li Kingdom. Wherever they advanced, the enemy was completely defeated, unable to resist. Thus, the Zhao army advanced with unstoppable force, successively capturing three crucial Li cities and achieving victory after victory.

Yet, faced with such a precarious situation, the people of Li, long obsessed with power struggles, were suddenly awakened. They gazed in panic at their war-torn homeland, filled with fear and despair. Once a prosperous and peaceful place, it was now a battlefield shrouded in smoke and blood. The very buildings, towers, and streets and alleys they had once been so proud of were now shattered by the iron hoof of war.

Only then did the people of Le realize that, compared to the endless internal power struggles, unity and resistance to foreign invasion were the most urgent and pressing priorities. Only by uniting as one, sharing a common hatred of the enemy, could they defend their country and their loved ones from the ravages of the invaders and regain their lost dignity and peace.

As the ancient saying goes, "To resist foreign aggression, one must first stabilize the country." If domestic unrest cannot be swiftly quelled and everyone united in the fight against the foreign enemy, the entire country could be completely devoured by the enemy, plunging into an abyss of no return. The thought of this filled the hearts of every Li citizen with endless worry and regret.

Yet, time does not slow its rapid march despite regrets. When the Third Prince of the Kingdom of Li, after countless hardships, finally assembled a powerful army, he confidently prepared to launch a desperate counterattack, vowing to retake the lost territory. However, fate, as always, likes to play tricks on people. Just as he was full of confidence and eager to take action, a shocking conspiracy was brewing in the dark.

Taking advantage of the fact that the Third Prince was leading his army far away from the Li Imperial City, the other princes, disregarding their brotherly ties, quickly colluded. These ambitious individuals, utterly audacious, meticulously planned and executed a horrific act—the kidnapping of the current emperor.

Under the coercion of these unfilial sons, the pitiful emperor reluctantly issued a will. This edict, like a death warrant, sealed the future of the Kingdom of Li. Ultimately, after fierce competition and cunning intrigue, the power struggle concluded with the victory of the Fifth Prince. Through cunning tactics and ruthless cruelty, he ascended to the coveted throne.

On the morning of the first day after the new emperor ascended the throne, sunlight streamed through the palace's vermilion gates onto the magnificent court. Just as the ministers anxiously awaited the new emperor's first decree, a eunuch hurriedly entered the hall, carrying a golden edict.

The eunuch read out the contents of the edict in a shrill voice: "The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees that upon investigation, the Third Prince has been found to be rebellious and unfaithful. During the late Emperor's illness, he not only failed to observe filial piety by remaining in the Imperial City to care for him, but instead secretly mobilized troops and attempted to usurp the throne. Effective immediately, his noble status as the Third Prince is stripped, all titles and noble places abolished, and he is demoted to the rank of a commoner..."

The announcement of this decree stunned the entire court, both civil and military officials. No one had expected the new emperor to so brutally punish his fellow countrymen upon ascending the throne. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, the Third Prince was leading his elite troops, marching day and night to the frontier. The journey was fraught with hardships, but he feared the safety of his country and dared not pause.

However, when the Third Prince received this urgent report from the capital, he was instantly enraged. His eyes widened, his face flushed crimson, and his hands clenched tightly into fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, yet he felt no pain. "What? You're accusing me of treason? That's pure slander!" he roared in fury.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He gritted his teeth and said, "Hmph! Since they've falsely accused me of rebellion, if I don't actually rebel, won't I be bearing this eternal infamy in vain? Besides, throughout history, history has always been written by the victors! As long as I can successfully overthrow this unjust regime, all the charges will naturally vanish into thin air!"

Having made up his mind, the Third Prince turned his horse without hesitation and shouted to the soldiers behind him, "Men, listen! The court is currently ruled by treacherous officials and a tyrannical ruler, who have framed me without cause! We cannot sit idly by and wait for death. Only by rising up in resistance can we redress this injustice and restore order to the court!"

Before he finished speaking, all the soldiers shouted in unison: "We are willing to follow Your Highness to face life and death together!" For a moment, morale was greatly boosted and the shouts shook the earth.

With a wave of his hand, the Third Prince led this fierce army towards the Imperial City like a raging storm. The sound of horse hooves echoed through the sky, stirring up clouds of dust, as if foreshadowing the beginning of a thrilling battle for power...

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