"We have no time to lose your Highness," said Bai Li. "We need to get to the throne room before Haoran declares himself emperor. The situation will get really complicated if he takes the Dragon Throne."
"As if it isn't already," said the Crown Prince sardonically. "But you took the words right out of my mouth, Commander. I couldn't agree more," Yicai tossed his head sharply in agreement. "We need to defeat my brother today."
Bai Li saluted the Crown Prince in acknowledgment of his order, and the two men raised their swords, the blades glittering in the sun for their men to see the signal they were to follow their leaders.
"Hyaah!" Yicai turned his horse and kicked Jin into a gallop, his men streaming into place behind him as they rode through the Nanjing city gates.
"Let's go men!" roared Bai Li. "Follow me! Protect the Crown Prince with your lives!"
"Protect the Crown Prince! Protect the Prince!" echoed the cries of his soldiers all along the column of men.
