The carriage moved forward along the road.
The villages along the way were desolate, with corpses scattered everywhere beside the road.
Most of the cities they passed were in ruins, with collapsed city walls left unrepaired.
The soldiers guarding the city walls were emaciated. Based on Song Lin's experience in commanding battles, the troop numbers were gravely insufficient—surely because someone had siphoned away their provisions.
With such combat strength, it's unlikely they could defend the city; probably they would surrender immediately when the barbarians arrived.
Apart from wealthy households who could sustain themselves comfortably, most common people were struggling to survive.
This is the state of today's court.
Meanwhile, officials informed the court of Song Lin's return.
Little did Song Lin know, an inescapable trap had already been laid ahead.
As soon as he arrived, they planned to kill him right in front of the hall.
