C1681 The Queen

The siege came to an abrupt end, the gongs signaling retreat unexpectedly. Pei Junlin had braced himself for a grueling fight, only to be taken aback by the queen's capricious nature; her moods swung wildly before she abruptly chose to withdraw.

Bewildered, he and his companions were ushered out of the palace by a cadre of guards. As they navigated the streets under the scrutiny of hostile eyes