During the two days they were searching through the charred corpses, Mu Hanjiang refused to believe the Crown Prince was dead.

How could such a bright, smiling youth—outwardly clumsy but inwardly brilliant—simply vanish from this world?

He entered the burned site, desperately searching for any sign that the Crown Prince might still be alive.

Although Feng Yuan later claimed that Feng Qiyuan wasn’t dead, Mu Hanjiang still harbored doubts until just now when he saw the young man’s familiar, gentle smile. Only then did his anxious heart finally settle.

But what followed was a fury as vast as the sea at having been deceived.

Mu Hanjiang’s face turned cold, and just as he was about to speak, the young Crown Prince rushed to tearfully say: “If I hadn’t died once, I would never have known who my loyal ministers and closest kin truly were! I heard from Grand Prince that you burned and blistered both hands digging through the fire to find me, your hands covered in blood blisters. Elder Teng even tried to jump into the river several times. If you wish to blame me for hurting the hearts of worthy ministers, then… I shall die today to repay the Emperor’s grace!”

As he spoke, Xiaoying grabbed Feng Yuan’s large hand and placed it against his neck: “Grand Brother, use some strength and strangle me. I must die to make amends to Lord Mu!”

Feng Yuan, seeing the tears in her eyes that seemed genuinely sincere, gave a cold laugh and pulled his wrist from her grasp: “The pond is deep enough. If the Crown Prince wishes to make amends to Lord Mu, he can jump in there!”

Nonsense! If she jumped into the pond, how would that be any different from soaking in a hot spring and revealing her true identity to Mu Hanjiang? Either way, her secret would be exposed.

Seeing Feng Yuan grow annoyed and unwilling to play along with her act, Xiaoying turned to face Mu Hanjiang, once again with a tearful expression. She looked sympathetically at Lord Mu’s blistered hands and called for maids to bring medicine, saying she would personally apply it to Lord Mu’s wounds.

However, when she reached out to examine Mu Hanjiang’s injuries, Feng Yuan’s large hand seized hers, claiming that her clumsy handling might hurt Lord Mu further.

The curses ready on Mu Hanjiang’s lips were gradually swallowed back as the youth’s tears streamed down. He finally spoke through gritted teeth: “I request a reasonable explanation from Your Highness!”

Xiaoying gradually stopped her tears and said to Mu Hanjiang: “What could make me fake my death except matters concerning the country and throne! Haven’t you also discovered that Shang Youdao is colluding with Wei Country? You’ve been working with the Third Prince here to eliminate bandits—haven’t you noticed the changes around Feng Tail Slope?”

When national affairs were mentioned, Mu Hanjiang promptly suppressed his anger and calmly replied: “Recently, troops at Feng Tail Slope have increased more than threefold compared to previous years.”

During the years he had pretended to be lame, he had been establishing secret networks in Wei Country and naturally understood their military situation. He had reported the matter of Wei’s troop increases to His Majesty.

However, His Majesty intended to avoid confrontation with Wei Country.

There was no alternative—the northern campaigns were draining too much money, leaving the national treasury empty.

A war without funds would only deplete their resources further.

Emperor Chunde’s idea was to endure temporarily, letting Wei Country take some advantages, and deal with them later when resources permitted.

But Xiaoying was puzzled: “If Wei Country is so eager to act, and it coincides with the flood disaster in Jiangzhe, why do they still delay their troops?”

Seeing the Crown Prince’s question, Mu Hanjiang replied: “Because although Wei Country has ambitions, they also have hesitations.”

The Dafeng soldiers were brave and skilled. In their many encounters with Wei Country, they had traded victories and defeats; they were not weak forces that would be defeated in a single strike.

General Chen Nuo, stationed in Jiangzhe, also had an illustrious military record. Wei would need to carefully weigh the risks before rashly deploying troops.

But the recent chaos in Jiangzhe had allowed Wei Country to exploit. They had been constantly testing the waters, frequently probing military intelligence under the guise of bandits.

Xiaoying had another question: “Why did Chen Nuo, under such circumstances, send only the unremarkable Thousand Man Commander Luo Zhen to guard Linchuan? Is he trying to lure the enemy deep into our territory, planning to strike once the enemy forces enter Linchuan?”

These national affairs were not fully understood by Xiaoying before, but after spending several days with Feng Yuan, she had filled in her previous gaps in knowledge.

For a moment, Mu Hanjiang was left speechless.

He knew all about Wei Country’s schemes and was aware that it would be best for Chen Nuo to guard Linchuan personally to stabilize the situation.

But His Majesty didn’t want war, and Chen Nuo, trying to interpret the imperial will, was unwilling to expend too many resources.

General Yezhong had already led his troops back north, and Chen Nuo feared that defending Linchuan would deplete his forces, allowing Yezhong to replace him. He had relocated his trusted subordinates to Jiangzhe.

This was territory Chen Nuo had managed for a long time, and he wouldn’t allow Yezhong to interfere.

So, guessing at His Majesty’s intentions, he also planned to follow the principle of “avoidance,” unwilling to sacrifice his main forces. He had sent out the insignificant Luo Zhen as a sacrificial pawn.

Although Mu Hanjiang understood this deployment strategy and had advised against it as the military’s Ritual Officer, he had no authority to change the general’s orders.

Moreover, Mu Hanjiang’s attention had been diverted by his old nemesis, the Little King of Hell.

He had focused solely on using Chen Nuo’s influence to eliminate these petty criminals as soon as possible so that he could concentrate on dealing with Wei Country.

The Crown Prince, hearing Chen Nuo’s calculations, suddenly composed his expression and coldly rebuked: “When the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards were first established, they were meant to be brave and fierce protectors of the country. Yet in Young Master Mu’s generation, they’ve become petty schemers focused on self-interest. How many more territories must Dafeng lose, how many more citizens must die, before you, court officials, abandon your calculations of personal gain?”

This sudden rebuke startled Mu Hanjiang. He rose and knelt, frowning: “I dare not forget the nation for personal interests! Nor dare I use the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards for personal gain!”

The youth sighed with hands behind his back: “I know Lord Mu is good. That’s precisely why I was so disappointed when you sided with General Chen. How can Father Emperor, while in court, know the rapidly changing situations at Feng Tail Slope? I had originally hoped to use a false map to make General Chen suffer setbacks, so he wouldn’t use the Dingshan bandits as an excuse, but would return to Linchuan early to settle external threats before dealing with petty criminals. Now with Wei Country unrestrained and troops about to deploy from Feng Tail Slope, have you come today to still argue with me about these wretched bandit suppression matters?”

Feng Yuan silently drank his tea beside them, listening to Yan Xiaoying speak eloquently.

He had underestimated his fourth brother—how could he have thought this person would be devoured alive by Mu Hanjiang upon appearing?

This one was accustomed to manipulating people with words and clearly understood Mu Hanjiang’s character. The single weak point of “national righteousness” was enough to have Mu Hanjiang firmly under control.

Indeed, hearing these words, Mu Hanjiang’s expression became serious. After some thought, he asked: “So, Crown Prince, is your feigned death related to Feng Tail Slope?”

Xiaoying slapped the table, displaying a look of “this student can be taught,” then waved her hand toward Feng Yuan: “The next part of the plan, please explain it to Lord Mu, Grand Brother!”

Feng Yuan had been consistently avoiding discussions about the Feng Tail Slope plans.

Xiaoying didn’t bother trying to extract information. Taking advantage of Mu Hanjiang’s presence today, she let the Crown Prince make his stage appearance while also putting Feng Yuan on the hot seat.

This fellow had been putting on airs with her lately, acting all mysterious.

If Feng Yuan hadn’t been thorough enough to ensure the Crown Prince was completely dead, he shouldn’t blame the Crown Prince for jumping back into action and disrupting his plans!

How could Feng Yuan not see through Xiaoying’s calculations? Watching her throw the mess his way, he calmly gathered his composure.

At this point, Yan Xiaoying’s persuasive tongue seemed to have moved Mu Hanjiang.

If he could drag Mu Hanjiang into this, the matter might proceed more smoothly than his original plan…

With this thought, Feng Yuan ordered someone to bring a military map, spread it on the table, and said: “Wei Country has amassed a large force at Feng Tail Slope. If my estimation is correct, once news spreads that Chen Nuo is seriously injured and unable to return to camp, Wei’s commander, Gu Zhi, will no longer remain on the sidelines. He will surely deploy all his forces to take Linchuan.”

Mu Hanjiang ground his teeth: “In such a critical moment, why did you madly injure General Chen?”

Feng Yuan replied word by word: “Because I want to make Feng Tail Slope an empty nest.”

Mu Hanjiang widened his eyes in disbelief.

“You dare to use such heavy bait! But even if General Chen is gone, you, as a titular Defense General, cannot command Chen Nuo’s army. Those imperial troops have become a dead move! Even if Feng Tail Slope becomes an empty nest, what then? Can you bring in a large army for a surprise attack? How will you block Wei Country’s full deployment in Linchuan? This is simply absurd!”

“Who said I want to command Chen’s army? That rabble is useless!”

This time, Chen’s army was merely fragrant bait, enticing Wei Country to deploy first, making everything that followed natural!

Hearing this, Mu Hanjiang frowned as he looked at the map, pointing at Linchuan: “Don’t tell me… you’re relying on Thousand Man Commander Luo Zhen? He has fewer than five hundred soldiers! Barely enough to defend the city, they can’t stop Wei Country’s large army!”

Feng Yuan leaned forward slightly, his hands pressed on the table: “I’ve seen Linchuan city’s defenses. He only needs to hold for a few days, and he has that ability.”

“Based on what?”

“Based on the fact that he’s a general trained personally by my mother!”

Mu Hanjiang retorted: “Even if he holds for a few days, what then? If Chen’s army is a wasted piece, where will you summon reinforcements from?”

Beside them, Yan Xiaoying seemed to realize something and pointed to Xichuan near Feng Tail Slope: “I remember before leaving the capital, General Yezhong mentioned to His Majesty that after autumn, his commander Dong Dingneng would lead heavy troops to Xichuan for deployment?”

Xichuan wasn’t very close to here. However, recently, new canals have been dug there, connecting it to the Lian River.

Xiaoying, managing the salt and grain business, frequently traveled the waterways and was familiar with the water routes.

She recalled that a few days ago, Feng Yuan had asked her about the travel time to Xichuan…

This man never engaged in idle chatter.

The dry season of the Lian River was about to end, and the sky had been heavy recently. It only needed one heavy rain to fill the river.

At that time, a few fast ships could transport Yezhong’s troops to Linchuan—divine soldiers descending from the heavens!

The landing position on the water route was perfect. Taking advantage of Feng Tail Slope’s emptiness to launch a surprise attack would trap those Wei soldiers who had left their nest, with nowhere to return!

Hearing the Crown Prince’s explanation, Mu Hanjiang raised his head in disbelief: “So you’ve planned this early on… to lure Wei Country into war? When exactly did you two Highnesses plan all this?”

Feng Yuan was one thing! But when did the timid Feng Qiyuan become so bold?

But what if Dong Dingneng hadn’t reached Xichuan? Wouldn’t Feng Yuan’s actions plunge Jiangzhe into fire and water?

Feng Yuan didn’t deny Xiaoying’s deduction, only giving the clever woman a deep look.

Although he knew she was intelligent, he hadn’t expected her to guess his thoughts again.

He turned to Mu Hanjiang: “Dong Dingneng will arrive!”

“Based on what?”

“Chen Nuo received military documents about peripheral defense adjustments seven days ago. General Dong has already arrived in Xichuan. He brought elite troops from Yezhong’s command from the capital! These are soldiers who have experienced battle in the northern territories, not the useless wine bags Chen Nuo has raised. They are worthy of use.”

Mu Hanjiang was so anxious he could barely sit still. Before coming today, he had never imagined that the always silent Grand Prince would have conceived such an earth-shattering, audacious plan!

The usually steady-natured Mu Hanjiang began pacing on the spot.

Suddenly, he frowned: “Wait. If General Dong wants to provide aid, he must set out before Wei Country deploys, or he won’t arrive in time. But changing troop routes requires either an imperial edict or an emergency. Otherwise, General Dong transporting troops without orders is a serious crime!”

On this point, Feng Yuan had already thought it through: “…The Crown Prince faked his death, and while investigating cases in disguise, was taken hostage by Wei spies to Feng Tail Slope, requiring General Dong’s reinforcement. Is this reason enough for the imperial army to move out?”

So that was the purpose of the Crown Prince not appearing! No wonder Feng Yuan wasn’t worried about Mu Hanjiang discovering the body was fake.

Whether the Crown Prince was dead or alive, as long as the imperial heir was in trouble, it would be reason enough to summon General Dong’s troops!

Xiaoying, having previously been schemed against by Feng Yuan, still felt somewhat unwilling to submit.

But now, after drawing out Feng Yuan’s complete calculations, she could only admire him thoroughly.

She, Mu Hanjiang, and the unfortunate Chen Nuo had all been pieces on Feng Yuan’s chessboard from the beginning!

Realizing this, Xiaoying also understood why Feng Yuan had glared at her when she appeared earlier.

Originally, he had no need to explain these strategies to Mu Hanjiang, but with the Crown Prince’s appearance, he had to alter his original plan.

Since that was the case, she should make up for her mistake to ensure Mu Hanjiang’s cooperation.

“Lord Mu, life passes in the blink of an eye. Now we have the rare advantage of time and place; we only lack the human factor. If anything goes wrong this time, my brother and I will take responsibility, with no connection to you, Lord Mu! But if it succeeds, yours will be the greatest merit.”

Hearing this, Mu Hanjiang looked up and glared fiercely at the two royals: “Is this how you see me? Am I the kind of shameless person who steps on others to elevate myself?”

Even when glaring, the elegant young lord exuded righteous dignity.

Xiaoying, adaptable as always, realized she had wounded the noble youth’s fragile pride and immediately apologized: “I misspoke. As they say, ‘Life exists for one’s aspirations.’ With such an opportunity, are you willing to gamble with us to see if our names can be recorded in Dafeng’s history?”

If they wanted the Crown Prince to “be captured,” they needed the cooperation of Mu Hanjiang, the head of the shadow guards. Only if he concealed the Crown Prince’s whereabouts could everything proceed seamlessly.

Mu Hanjiang didn’t speak, looking at the densely marked military map.

Reclaiming Feng Tail Slope was the unfulfilled wish of every passionate Dafeng son!

Now that the Grand Prince had already disabled Chen Nuo, this news couldn’t be suppressed, and Wei’s troops would surely deploy.

It was meaningless to blame the two princes for their audacity. The only choice was to think about how to repel Wei’s attack.

Mu Hanjiang had received strict training from his mother since childhood and was mature beyond his years. However, he had always lived according to plan, following in his father’s footsteps, proceeding along the track laid out by Princess Anqing.

The Dragon Scale Shadow Guards, though sounding formidable, operated in darkness, never seeing light. All their achievements were credited to others.

The first time he deviated from his path was four years ago when he pretended to be lame and went to Wei Country to establish defenses, all for the dream of one day reclaiming lost territories.

Unfortunately, after all that hardship, the maps he painstakingly surveyed in the bitter cold, along with military intelligence, all became waste paper in the empty national treasury—efforts wasted.

Now there was a chance, albeit slim, to achieve victory with fewer troops, reclaim Feng Tail Slope, quell Wei Country’s arrogance, and bring about a decade or more of peace for Dafeng…

Looking up, Mu Hanjiang gazed deeply at the young Crown Prince sitting calmly on the stone bench. The youth was as before, composed and slightly lazy, but the sharp glint in his eyes couldn’t be mistaken.

If he hesitated now, wouldn’t he, Mu Hanjiang, be inferior even to this frail young prince!

Finally, Mu Hanjiang made his decision. If Wei Country truly deployed troops as predicted, it would also dispatch the Dragon Scale Shadow Guards to cooperate with the two royal highnesses in this operation.

That day, after reaching an agreement with them, Mu Hanjiang hurriedly departed.

After Mu Hanjiang left, Feng Yuan looked at Yan Xiaoying with cold eyes.

Xiaoying sat lazily at the table, feigning innocence as she tilted her head: “Why are you looking at me? Even though I made a mess for you, didn’t everything turn out as you wished in the end?”

“Such enthusiasm! Why are you so eager to help me convince Mu Hanjiang?”

Xiaoying smiled cheerfully: “Grand Prince truly understands me. I can summon my foster father’s men to help General Luo defend Linchuan. In return, you give my foster father and his men a good future for surrendering and helping defend the city!”

If this worked, her foster father and the others would have a chance to receive imperial amnesty, which was far better than being sent to the capital in prisoner carts.

Feng Yuan hadn’t expected her to still be calculating like this, but he smiled slightly, showing no intention of agreeing.

Although the scattered Meng family troops aren’t many, they’re enough to help Luo Zhen defend Linchuan. What, do you look down on my foster father’s soldiers?”

Seeing Feng Yuan still wanting to refuse, Xiaoying, the local expert, sighed: “My Grand Prince, although you understand and trust General Luo, and know the city he’s defending, you may not be very familiar with Linchuan itself?”

“What’s wrong with Linchuan? The city walls are sturdy with no weaknesses.”

“Linchuan’s walls were reinforced a year ago and are indeed sound, but Linchuan’s terrain is poor. It’s situated in a low-lying area. If someone were to breach the dam on the east side, which was newly built a year ago, the city would be flooded within half a day. So this dam needs to be guarded! Luo Zhen’s soldiers are barely enough to defend the city; the dam can be entrusted to me and my foster father.”

Such terrain details wouldn’t be visible on military maps without visiting and carefully examining the area in person.

If Xiaoying hadn’t mentioned it, even Feng Yuan wouldn’t have thought of it.

He lowered his head and studied the map for a long time, finally discovering the word “dam” in an inconspicuous crevice.

Feng Yuan was silent for a moment, acknowledging his oversight that nearly left a vulnerability in Linchuan’s defense.

However…

“How did you think of water attacks?”

With Xiaoying now having no secrets before him, she answered candidly: “Once, troops dispatched by Mu Hanjiang surrounded and pursued us in Linchuan. When I surveyed the terrain, I pondered that if we could breach the dam and drown these pursuers, that would be great!”

Feng Yuan laughed and asked: “Why didn’t you do it?”

Xiaoying exaggeratedly widened her eyes: “Do you take me for an unforgivable bandit? If I flooded an entire city of civilians just to escape, how would I be any different from those corrupt Dafeng officials? I just discovered this and entertained the thought for a moment—how could I do it?”

After speaking, she suddenly realized she was talking to the first prince of Dafeng, and the “corrupt officials” she cursed were his family’s officials. Being so outspoken deserved severe punishment!

However, Feng Yuan didn’t seem to mind her disparaging the court. He simply said calmly, “If what you say is true, and if they truly want to earn merit to save their lives, let Meng Zhun and the others go themselves. However… you cannot go!”

It seemed he accepted Xiaoying’s advice, but still wouldn’t allow her to go with her foster father and the others.

“Why not?” Xiaoying promptly responded, matching Mu Hanjiang’s tone.

“On the battlefield, the slightest mistake means life or death. What use is your amateur martial skill?”

Xiaoying didn’t like hearing this; her large eyes narrowed slightly.

Seeing that he couldn’t persuade her, Feng Yuan coldly added, “This battle is crucial. As I’m using the Meng family rebels for the first time, I need a guarantee. You must stay in Xinxin Garden!”

Xiaoying understood. Feng Yuan didn’t trust her foster father and intended to use her as a hostage.

“If you’re worried, let my father stay behind. He’s in poor health anyway, perfect for recuperating here.”

Feng Yuan stood up, unwilling to waste words with the woman, and said harshly: “I’m keeping both you and your father here. What do the Meng family troops have to do with you, Yan family father and daughter?”

Xiaoying laughed in extreme anger, her cheeks flushing with an unusual redness, her eyes sparking with contempt: “Oh, so it’s the old, weak, sick, and disabled who stay behind! Grand Prince, you’re quite skilled at indirect insults!”