Dawn crept over the eastern peaks, painting the world in shades of amber and rose. At the mountain's base, purple banners clustered like storm clouds, their numbers swelling with each passing hour. Crown Prince Xia Jingshi stood sentinel at the ridge, his jaw tight as he calculated impossible odds. The Holy Emperor remained their only leverage—a fragile shield against the Imperial Guard amassing below. Yet Xia Jingshi understood the cruel arithmetic of siege warfare. Time favored those with resources, reinforcements, and patience. His forces possessed none of these advantages. A hand touched his shoulder, light as falling leaves. "Your Highness, you need rest," Yixiao said, her voice carrying the warmth of morning sunlight. "I'll take watch." "Soon," Xia Jingshi replied, though exhaustion weighted his bones. He gestured toward the valley. "The Imperial Guards multiply by the hour." Yixiao followed his gaze, her expression shifting fr...