Tuoba Yu frowned, looking at his Empress with icy coldness.

Watched by that gaze, Pinting’s heart couldn’t help trembling, but she had to continue: “Your Majesty insists on attacking Yuexi because you were instigated by that Kang Lande. But I’ve investigated Kang Lande’s background countless times, yet never once obtained a definite answer. Calculating carefully, years ago a mysterious person came to our residence—he wore a half-mask and had a terrifying appearance. After he appeared, Kang Lande was sent to Your Majesty’s residence. For Your Majesty to ascend the throne, presumably this Kang Lande also expended considerable effort, so Your Majesty views him as a meritorious minister. I have nothing to say about that. But I’ve always secretly suspected he was sent to Your Majesty’s side by Yuexi.”

Tuoba Yu’s gaze grew even darker, but he sneered: “These words are rather strange. You mean Yuexi people planted a spy by my side? Think carefully—if Kang Lande was truly sent by Yuexi, why would he instigate me to attack his own homeland?”

Pinting couldn’t help saying: “Your Majesty, having followed you all these years, I’m no longer that ignorant princess from before. Kang Lande may come from Yuexi, but Yuexi’s internal power structure is extremely complex. I don’t know what kind of status that mysterious person has, but Kang Lande definitely harbors ill intentions. I think… Your Majesty perhaps reached some kind of transaction with a powerful person within Yuexi, exchanging for certain benefits. I just want to ask one thing—is this bargaining chip so heavy that Your Majesty disregards everything?”

“Audacious!” Tuoba Yu rebuked sternly.

Pinting was startled. Instinctively, her legs weakened and she nearly knelt on the ground, but she gritted her teeth and persisted, unwilling to reveal her inner anxiety.

Tuoba Yu’s gaze looked at her icily: “I’ve already said these matters don’t require your involvement. Properly fulfill your role as Empress! Don’t say what shouldn’t be said. Don’t touch what shouldn’t be touched!” With that, he lifted the tent flap and strode out.

Pinting chased outside the tent, calling miserably: “Your Majesty…”

However, at this moment, he acted as if he hadn’t heard. He ordered someone to bring a horse. In his dragon robes with cloud-patterned sleeves billowing, sunlight fell upon him—he seemed radiant beyond words, too magnificent for description. He leaped onto the horse and looked down at Pinting from his elevated position. At this moment, Tuoba Yu’s bearing was lofty, also containing a supreme dignity and nobility, subtly revealing the imperial majesty that could make mountains bow and all people prostrate themselves. Pinting momentarily dared not speak further and lowered her head. Tuoba Yu no longer glanced at her, spurring his horse and swiftly departing the military camp.

Tuoba Yu step by step ascended the high tower, his gaze coldly watching the north. From afar, he could see Yuexi’s city. At this moment, a green-robed scholar walked to his side.

Without turning his head, Tuoba Yu smiled slightly: “Kang Lande, do you know what the Empress just whispered in my ear?”

Kang Lande lowered his head: “This humble subject doesn’t know.”

Tuoba Yu laughed coldly: “She said you’re a spy sent by Yuexi, intending to obtain some benefit from me.” After pausing briefly, he continued, “But she’s not entirely wrong. What exactly does Empress Pei want? Why would she sell her nation’s intelligence to me and instigate this war?”

Kang Lande sighed lightly: “Your Majesty, this was originally agreed between Her Majesty and you. She supported your ascension to the throne, and this war is another gift she’s giving you.”

Tuoba Yu sneered: “Don’t treat me like a fool. Launching war isn’t good for the nation or the people. Moreover, my throne isn’t yet secure. How this war’s victory or defeat will end remains unpredictable.”

Kang Lande said unhurriedly: “Your Majesty’s words are mistaken. You are brilliant and mighty, you follow Heaven’s will, your mighty reputation spreads far and wide, and you command Dali’s million-strong troops. The court also has outstanding generals, while Yuexi is completely the opposite. The emperor is tyrannical, military officials are disloyal, and the imperial sons compete for position. Now is the best time for Your Majesty to launch a war. Moreover, when too many people offer counsel, matters become difficult to accomplish. Those court officials do not understand Your Majesty. Your Majesty should simply make your own decisions—there is no need to extensively seek the opinions of court officials. Those people are merely short-sighted. If Your Majesty indulges their opinions, when will you ever obtain greater benefits?”

Tuoba Yu raised his eyebrows, looking at him with a half-smile: “Hearing you speak, it seems every word and sentence considers me, but I won’t forget—ultimately you’re a Yuexi person.”

Kang Lande’s expression remained calm: “Yes, this humble subject was born in Yuexi. But in my view, all of Yuexi combined doesn’t match Her Majesty Empress’s single decree. As long as Your Majesty follows all my suggestions, you’ll soon obtain everything you desire, including Yuexi’s ten cities, and also including that person Your Majesty has always deeply hated.”

Tuoba Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly, his smile somewhat cold: “You know my thoughts?”

Kang Lande lowered his head: “Your Majesty, don’t misunderstand. This humble subject merely accurately conveys Her Majesty’s meaning. She says Your Majesty is her best ally and will naturally fulfill promises to you. But she hopes you’ll remember this at all times—don’t abandon your original intentions because of those ignorant people’s remonstrances.”

Hearing this, Tuoba Yu sighed quietly, his gaze looking toward the distance, his tone quite emotional: “The Yuexi Emperor certainly never imagined his pillow companion would sell national intelligence for personal gain, causing consecutive military defeats. No matter how many troops he sends, how many generals he dispatches, the outcome is the same. I’m very curious—what did you promise the Great Zhou monarch?”

Kang Lande smiled: “Great Zhou’s relationship with Yuexi is even worse. Without offering conditions, they’ll fight desperately on their own. Moreover, previously when building waterways and competing for river channels, Great Zhou suffered great losses. Now they’ve just realized the people who built waterways for them were spies sent by Yuexi. Naturally they’re furious.”

So Empress Pei was undermining the Emperor behind the scenes. A gust of wind blew, making Tuoba Yu’s robes billow. Looking at the soldiers below standing in strict formation, he suddenly felt surging ambition and laughed loudly: “Good! Since this gamble has already begun, I absolutely have no intention of retreating before battle. Rest assured!” He didn’t know to whom he said this. The voice rolled in the wind briefly before suddenly dissipating.

Kang Lande also revealed a faint smile and said no more.

In Yuexi city, facing Dali from afar, Yuan Lie heard Tuoba Yu sent troops to cut off the river channel and couldn’t help saying coldly: “General-in-Chief, I’ve always admired you for having countless strong generals, but this time you’ve truly disappointed me! Originally Yuexi and Dali had equal military strength. As long as we didn’t disrupt our own formation, we absolutely wouldn’t easily fail. Yet you even lost the waterway for transporting provisions. Now that Dali has obtained this waterway, they can completely rely on water transport to continuously bring grain from their country for military use! This way, our provisions will be forced to transport overland—we simply cannot match their speed.”

Wang Gong’s face showed some embarrassment. Wang Qiong quickly spoke for his father: “Your Highness, that Tuoba Yu supports money and grain with his entire nation’s strength. Comparatively we’re at a disadvantage. Better to temporarily lead troops to retreat and defend Huazhou. Once the opportunity comes, we can still find ways to recapture this city.”

Yuan Lie laughed coldly, looking at General-in-Chief Wang Gong: “Do the General-in-Chief and General Zhendong share the same opinion?”

Though General-in-Chief Wang Gong was the commander, Prince Xu Yuan Lie had special status. His Majesty’s secret decree had already entrusted all military authority to him. Even General-in-Chief Wang Gong and General Zhendong Wang Qiong had no way to refute his opinions. Fortunately, Wang Gong disagreed with what Wang Qiong just said. He proclaimed loudly: “Your Highness, the battle has reached this point—we can only persevere! Our days here aren’t good, but Tuoba Yu’s are the same! His million troops pressing at borders—every move is easily discovered. So he can neither advance nor retreat. Now it depends on who has more patience. In my view, the first step we should take is to find ways to cut off their provisions, making them fall into chaos!”

Hearing this, Yuan Lie finally smiled: “Truly worthy of being the General-in-Chief. Your words hit the mark. But the opposition already controls the waterway. Taking their grain transport route won’t be so easy.”

Wang Gong couldn’t help shaking his head. He’d already done his best, but regrettably no matter what decisions he made, the results leaked out. He vaguely sensed there seemed to be spies in the military, but among so many generals, which one? Why, despite defending so strictly, could the opposition still penetrate everywhere? Who was scheming behind the scenes! Thinking this, he said quietly: “Your Highness, for now… our actions must primarily maintain secrecy. We absolutely cannot let information leak.”

Yuan Lie’s gaze became profound, his handsome face shining with dazzling brilliance in the candlelight: “The General-in-Chief speaks of military spies?”

Wang Gong glanced at the military tent entrance and said calmly: “This point, this humble subject also dares not confirm. But if there were no spies, why would all our troop deployment plans and actions be known by the opposition one step ahead? Yet I’ve thoroughly investigated all generals and soldiers without finding any abnormalities. Clearly the opposition is extremely well hidden. For now we’re helpless and can only keep plans secret.”

Yuan Lie toyed with the paperweight on the table, saying with a half-smile: “This is merely treating symptoms, not the root. Since the opposition enjoys eavesdropping, we’ll just send them a gift!”

Hearing Yuan Lie’s words, Wang Gong and Wang Qiong exchanged glances, seeming somewhat puzzled.

Yuan Lie said: “The most important thing in military campaigns is information. The opposition can learn our actions every time—clearly their status isn’t low. They must be among those generals participating in discussions. But each of them has followed the General-in-Chief for many years. Even if the General wants to suspect them, you cannot bear to. For me, they’re all strangers. Please rest assured, General—I’ll quickly eliminate this spy, whoever they are!”

Wang Gong sighed: “In that case, everything is entrusted to Your Highness Prince Xu!”

That very night, Prince Xu’s people secretly controlled the tents of over ten deputy generals. All who attempted resistance were summarily executed without exception, regardless of whether they were spies. Such actions immediately caused an uproar in the military. Many people gathered outside Wang Gong’s military tent demanding he immediately handle this matter and release the imprisoned generals. But Wang Gong’s tent remained utterly quiet. He fully supported Prince Xu Yuan Lie’s methods, paying no attention to anything and absolutely refusing to see anyone. Dissatisfied generals ran to Yuan Lie’s place to make trouble. Yuan Lie, unlike Wang Gong, didn’t give them face. Anyone with opposing opinions was summarily beheaded.

This simple and brutal method made everyone fall silent in fear. Three days later everything subsided. No one dared make trouble at Yuan Lie’s tent again, nor dared speak even one word for the detained colleagues.

At this time, Yuexi scouts obtained secret military intelligence—Dali was loading required provisions onto ships, traveling down waterways from both Yongzhou Canal and Suoshui Canal. That very night, General Zhendong Wang Qiong ordered soldiers to prepare, boats ready to depart to intercept the opposition’s provisions. Who knew before they could depart, Yuan Lie stopped them.

Yuan Lie said coldly: “General Wang, you cannot depart tonight!”

Wang Qiong was startled: “Tonight the moon is bright and stars few. Taking advantage of moonlight’s convenience, we can find ways to cut the opposition’s provisions, striking by surprise, catching them off guard. Why can’t we go?”

Yuan Lie smiled: “The General goes with the intention of cutting their grain route, but Tuoba Yu has elite troops and strong generals, already prepared. Perhaps he’s even set ambushes waiting for us. Attacking directly this way will be very difficult to succeed. I heard Tuoba Yu has grain ships connected in a line along the riverbank. As long as these boats are burned, we can achieve the goal of destroying provisions. Regrettably, though tonight’s moonlight is good, there’s no wind on the river. Without west wind assistance, if we want to use fire attack methods, it’s completely useless. We can only rely on soldiers fighting to the death—what use is that?”

Wang Qiong was startled, then looked at him: “West wind?”

Yuan Lie’s gaze looked directly at him: “Yes, west wind. Without west wind, General, you cannot start this fire.”

Wang Qiong sighed deeply: “I was too anxious. Usually Zijin is by my side to remind me, but this time she’s not here… Fortunately Your Highness Prince Xu is meticulous. Otherwise going this time would also be futile. But currently the military has no one skilled in calculating yin and yang or deeply versed in astronomical calculations. Zijin is in the capital—distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. What should we do now?”

Yuan Lie smiled: “Though Miss Wang is proficient in astronomy, geography, yin-yang and arithmetic, military campaigns don’t absolutely require her. In my view, we can select some clever people in the military, have them stand by the river observing wind direction. Once the wind shifts, we immediately depart. This method seems clumsy but isn’t unworkable.”

Suddenly a voice rang out: “What if wind rises briefly then shifts direction, or the west wind simply stops? Our boats midway can neither advance nor retreat, attack nor abandon. What then? Moreover, recently I’ve observed wind direction is mostly southerly. Waiting for west wind is extremely difficult. Once we miss the best opportunity, our stratagem becomes unworkable.” Wang Ji had already lifted the curtain and entered, looking worried.

Yuan Lie glanced at him and said mischievously: “This isn’t difficult either. You might as well rush eight hundred li to the capital to ask Miss Wang which day troops can deploy! Have her calculate properly!” He clearly mocked Wang Ji for being rigid and inflexible. Hearing this, Wang Ji couldn’t help feeling somewhat angry, but having practiced Buddhism for many years, he knew when to advance and retreat. He could only say quietly: “Your Highness Prince Xu, I’m also thinking of the military. I mean nothing else. Please don’t misunderstand.”

Yuan Lie waved his hand: “I know what Young Master Wang said actually isn’t wrong. But military campaigns emphasize timing and require heaven’s assistance. If we have this fortune, we’ll naturally encounter west wind. If heaven doesn’t assist us, there’s nothing we can do—we can only clash head-on.”

After Yuan Lie finished speaking, the Wang family father and son exchanged helpless glances. They’d never seen anyone fight battles this way. Heaven’s way? Who knows which side heaven favors! Unexpectedly, the next evening dark clouds shrouded the sunset. The sky darkened early. West wind actually slowly drifted along the river surface. The person always stationed at the riverside observing wind direction was overjoyed, rushing directly into the tent to report to them: “Your Highness, two Generals—west wind has come, west wind truly has come!”

Wang Ji had also been observing weather changes. He walked outside the tent, looking at the sky: “But looking at this situation, it seems like rain is coming.”

Wang Ji was also very worried: “Your Highness, if torrential rain pours down, our ship-burning plan will fail.”

Yuan Lie remained unmoved, his gaze very firm: “Our fire ships can release fire when they reach close range. Tuoba Yu’s ships are habitually coated with tung oil on the surface—very easy to ignite. We can succeed if we act before the rain. Young Master Wang, this time I’ll personally lead soldiers. Are you willing to accompany me?”

Wang Ji was startled and quickly said: “Your Highness cannot! Your status is precious. You absolutely cannot rashly proceed. This matter should still be handled by me leading people.”

Yuan Lie smiled and shook his head: “Since I promised His Majesty to personally handle this matter, I cannot entrust such important matters to others. It’s not that I don’t trust Young Master Wang’s abilities—it’s just this matter is too dangerous. As a great general, I should lead by example to inspire morale. Otherwise everyone will think Prince Xu is merely an empty show. Don’t you agree?”

Hearing these words, Wang Ji and his father looked at each other, unable to say more.

That night, Yuan Lie led twenty ships loaded with cannons, reeds, dry firewood and other combustible materials. But to avoid getting wet, he specifically ordered people to cover the fire ships with tung oil cloth. Wang Ji’s prediction proved correct—that night truly brought torrential rain, dense as curtains. Wang Ji stood in the cabin worrying. He understood if the heavy rain never stopped, today’s fire attack would be ruined. He hesitated, looking at Yuan Lie gazing up at the rain: “Your Highness, should we make other plans?”

Yuan Lie’s gaze profoundly watched the dark blue sky: “Young Master Wang, all we can do is wait.”

Wang Ji anxiously said: “Your Highness, if time drags on, our ships will easily be discovered by Dali. Better to abandon and return.”

Abandoning now meant complete failure. Yuan Lie shook his head: “No, wait another half hour!” Finishing this, he ordered all small boats to hide in nearby reed marshes, secretly observing weather changes. As rain continuously fell, even good-tempered Wang Ji was about to explode. He’d followed his grandfather and father so many years—never had he seen Yuan Lie take such risky tactics. One mistake and everyone’s lives would end here! He wished he could grab Yuan Lie’s neck and shake awake this conceited fellow. Battle wasn’t child’s play. You couldn’t just summon west wind at will. What gave you such confidence! But he couldn’t, because the other party was a high-status imperial family member, and also a martial arts expert far superior to himself. He could only stand at the bow anxiously staring at the sky.

Perhaps the heaven’s way Yuan Lie spoke of truly worked. Half an hour later, the rain actually gradually slowed. Yet the wind force never ceased—the whooshing sound could be heard even inside the cabin. Presumably strong west wind had blown away the rain clouds. The rain grew smaller and smaller, gradually disappearing.

Wang Ji watched all this happen in shock. Yuan Lie walked out of the cabin and said coldly: “We can act now.”

Twenty fire ships quietly set sail. With favorable wind and water, they were soon at Dali’s grain storage location. By now it was deep night. Dali’s guards responsible for defense had originally also set up heavy defenses, but seeing the whole night peaceful plus torrential rain, to avoid wind and rain they only left some people on watch and confidently slept soundly in the cabins.

The fire ships reached ten meters from the grain ships. Yuan Lie ordered soldiers on the ships to use fire arrows and iron hooks to start fires, then sent all twenty fire ships charging toward the opposition’s boats. Those fire ships all carried sulfur, saltpeter, land mines, cannons, reeds, dry firewood—highly flammable materials. Soon fires burned vigorously. Plus west wind assisted the fire’s momentum—immediately half the sky turned red. At this moment, everyone including Yuan Lie and Wang Ji had already jumped into the river and swam toward shore.

Dali’s ship-guarding general Zhang Yao heard fire broke out. Hastily donning clothes, he came out to look. He only saw in whooshing wind sounds, grain ships along the riverbank blazing with spreading fire momentum, like a fire dragon baring fangs and brandishing claws. Momentarily angry, he donned armor, mounted horse, and brought people to investigate. Regrettably, just rushing to shore, he saw in the firelight a troop blocking the road. The leader’s features appeared especially handsome in firelight, yet was completely bare-armed, eyes carrying murderous intent, smile cold and cruel—precisely Prince Xu Yuan Lie.

Zhang Yao hastily drew his long sword toward Yuan Lie. In less than three rounds, Yuan Lie’s sword pierced his throat. He toppled to the ground, dead. The guards following Yuan Lie were also fierce as wolves and tigers, quickly charging into the opposition’s formation, slashing horizontally and vertically. The just-awakened Dali soldiers saw their main general killed and the attackers so fierce—hurriedly ordered retreat. Those soldiers who didn’t escape in time were quickly slaughtered clean.

Yuan Lie shamelessly seized Zhang Yao’s warhorse and ordered soldiers to set more fires, burning all Dali’s military supplies and provisions stored here. In the firelight, Yuan Lie ordered people to retreat orderly and quickly to the riverside. Wang Ji had been waiting anxiously. Seeing him safely return, he finally breathed a sigh of relief and directed them to board the small boats originally prepared and hanging behind the fire ships to depart.

In one night, Dali’s provisions and supplies all turned to ashes. Over a hundred grain transport boats were also burned. Wanting to transport provisions by water as before was absolutely impossible. Upon hearing the news, Tuoba Yu was momentarily furious beyond measure. He ordered the vice general Gao Hua responsible for guarding to be dragged out and beheaded. But killing was useless. Now his best method for obtaining provisions had been destroyed. Those hundred grain ships couldn’t possibly be built in a day or night, much less immediately requisitioned from the country. His heart momentarily couldn’t contain his fury. At this time, the court officials who came with him also grew anxious, clamoring insistently to submit a peace letter to Yuexi to cease war.

Pinting couldn’t help advising: “Your Majesty, do you see? Court officials and soldiers think of home day and night. Delaying like this will likely cause trouble. Now here we can neither advance nor retreat—what a dangerous situation! If something changes in the rear, Your Majesty, what will you do then?”

Before Pinting finished speaking, Kang Lande stepped forward: “Your Majesty, battle isn’t child’s play. You’re a person of the rear palace. The Late Emperor already declared the rear palace must not interfere in politics. Have you forgotten?”

Pinting gritted her teeth: “Well said, Kang Lande! What exactly is your status? Why do you bewitch His Majesty so at his side?”

Hearing arguing here, court officials looked at each other.

Tuoba Yu said sternly: “All of you get out!”

Court officials were startled, exchanged glances, dared say no more, and withdrew one after another, leaving only Empress Pinting and the cold-faced Kang Lande. Tuoba Yu only felt his heart extraordinarily oppressed, the fire in his heart burning ever more vigorously. Seeing Pinting demand troop withdrawal, he couldn’t help adding fuel to the fire: “You get out too!”

Pinting froze, looking at the Emperor with eyes full of tears. But she was helpless. Unable to restrain herself, she glared angrily at Kang Lande and called loudly: “Your Majesty, don’t think I know nothing. You launched this war for another important reason—for that Li Weiyang!”

Hearing this statement, Tuoba Yu completely froze. But the involuntarily twitching muscles on his face made Pinting even more certain she’d spoken correctly. She gathered courage and said loudly: “Your Majesty, Li Weiyang is merely a woman. If Your Majesty likes her, countless Dali women are yours to select. Why must you remain fixated on her? In her heart, she’s long since cast Your Majesty aside like worn shoes. Why suffer so for her? Even if Empress Pei gives you that Li Weiyang according to agreement, so what? Her heart isn’t on Your Majesty at all! Flying into a rage for a beauty’s sake—what foolishness this is!”

Tuoba Yu suddenly stared at her, his eyes seeming ready to shoot flames. Watched by that terrifying expression, Pinting was almost scared into retreating a step. She only heard his tooth-grinding voice: “If Li Weiyang falls into my hands, I’ll dismember her completely!”

Hearing this statement, Pinting stared at him incredulously: “You… why must you do this!”

“Get out!” Tuoba Yu said sternly.

Pinting was shocked by that fierce momentum and dared say no more. When she reached the tent entrance, she suddenly heard Tuoba Yu say: “Transmit orders throughout the army—whoever dares speak of troop withdrawal again will be executed without mercy!”

Pinting couldn’t help turning back, tears glistening in her eyes: “Your Majesty, the army has no provisions and cannot sustain itself. When everyone clamors to leave, can Your Majesty kill them all? Kill them all—then no one will dare strategize for Your Majesty anymore!”

Before Tuoba Yu could react again, she’d already left. Tuoba Yu looked coldly at her departing figure, then turned to Kang Lande: “Didn’t your information say recently there’s been no unusual military activity? Why did this ambush occur?”

Kang Lande sighed: “Now the commander has changed. His methods are several times more ruthless than that Wang Gong. I just received news—he’s controlled all our people in the military, so information couldn’t be transmitted, which delayed matters.”

Tuoba Yu laughed coldly: “I thought Empress Pei was so formidable. Turns out she’s merely this!”

Kang Lande wasn’t angry. He smiled slightly: “Your Majesty, military strategy says one must adapt well when near battle. For now, we need to turn from guest to host, seize the opposition’s soft spots and attack fiercely, making them unable to respond. Only thus is the path to victory! We can abandon this city they defend and attack Yaozhou in the southeast. First, we can obtain more provisions and support. Second, Yaozhou’s geographical position is extremely important. Prince Xu will definitely return troops for rescue. Our current predicament can naturally be resolved. Then we’ll find ways to spread Prince Xu Yuan Lie’s reputation for cowardice back to the capital, forcing that Emperor to change generals mid-battle. Then won’t great affairs be achievable? As for provisions, Her Majesty Empress will definitely find ways.”

Tuoba Yu looked at Kang Lande and suddenly laughed.

Seeing him laugh strangely, Kang Lande didn’t know exactly what he was laughing about and couldn’t help saying: “Your Highness, what’s this about?”

Tuoba Yu laughed uncontrollably, ultimately only sighing lightly: “You’re a Yuexi person, yet now in my tent strategizing for me. Isn’t this laughable? I’m afraid that Yuexi Emperor still doesn’t know his Empress is the culprit. I truly want to know—what exactly does Empress Pei want to do? Giving me these cities, what benefit can she gain?”

Before he finished speaking, his expression gradually became strange.

At this time, news of Dali’s provisions being burned reached the capital. Li Weiyang was feeding pigeons in the courtyard. When Zhao Yue reported the news to her, she smiled slightly: “Yuan Lie is truly bold. If west wind didn’t rise, or rose then suddenly stopped, wouldn’t he suffer great losses? Establishing authority needn’t be so urgent.”

Hearing her say this, Zhao Yue smiled: “Miss needn’t worry. Being proficient in yin-yang and the eight trigrams isn’t difficult. The master has no shortage of such people at his side—they’re just usually unnecessary.”

Li Weiyang knew Yuan Lie’s subordinates had gathered many extraordinary talents. He’d confirmed west wind would definitely rise, so made this strategy. But it was still somewhat risky. She thought about it but shook her head: “I truly don’t understand why Tuoba Yu still won’t withdraw troops. What reason is worth such obsession?”

Hearing this, Zhao Yue glanced at Li Weiyang with a very strange expression.

Li Weiyang saw her hesitation and said with a half-smile: “Whatever you have to say, speak directly.”

Zhao Yue lowered her head and took a letter from her bosom, personally handing it to Li Weiyang: “This letter was sent back by the master’s people, to be personally presented to Miss for review.”

Li Weiyang laughed: “Why so hesitant? Let me see.” With that, she unfolded the letter and read through it rapidly.

Zhao Yue saw Li Weiyang’s expression change slightly and couldn’t help saying: “Miss, this letter… what did the master say in the letter?”

Li Weiyang’s expression changed several times, ultimately sighing lightly: “This letter wasn’t written by your master. It was written by Princess Pinting—oh, now she’s no longer a princess. She’s Dali’s Empress.”

Hearing this, Zhao Yue was completely stunned: “Empress? Tuoba Yu’s wife? Why would she write to you, Miss?”

Li Weiyang shook the letter in her hand: “She has no way to stop Tuoba Yu. She’s writing now to tell me that the crux of everything still lies with Empress Pei. She wants me to pay more attention!”

Zhao Yue was even more shocked. Pinting was Tuoba Yu’s wife and Dali’s Empress. Why would she remind Li Weiyang to be more careful?

Seeing her puzzlement, Li Weiyang couldn’t help smiling: “Disputes between two nations aren’t so easily resolved. Pinting doesn’t wish to see war spreading. She hopes to quickly calm the warfare, so she wants me to start with Empress Pei.”

Pinting hopes the great war will stop? Zhao Yue couldn’t help speculating: “Miss, you mean… Empress Pei instigated Tuoba Yu to launch this war. Then what about Great Zhou…”

Li Weiyang nodded lightly: “Presumably the same.”

Even remaining calm would break. Zhao Yue widened her eyes: “Has she gone mad! As a nation’s Empress, why sell intelligence to help other countries? What benefit does this bring her?”

Li Weiyang smiled: “Empress Pei wasn’t a normal person to begin with. We can’t use normal people’s thinking to fathom her. According to Pinting, Empress Pei promised Tuoba Yu ten cities and a secret condition in exchange. As for the Great Zhou monarch… there’s still no definite news. Even Pinting doesn’t know what agreement Empress Pei reached with Great Zhou. If frontline warfare goes poorly, what benefit would that bring Empress Pei? This person is truly unfathomable.”

The pastry in Li Weiyang’s hand unintentionally fell. Those peace-loving pigeons, contrary to their usual habits, competed to rush forward and seize it. Li Weiyang watched, her expression moving slightly.

Zhao Yue said: “Miss, Fifth Young Master requests you go to the secret chamber.”

Li Weiyang nodded, casually scattering the pastries, saying softly: “Let’s go see Ying Chu first.”

In the secret chamber, Guo Dao looked at Ying Chu: “Lord Ying, after being confined these days, have you become somewhat clearer?”

Ying Chu didn’t even raise his head, only quietly thinking his own thoughts, not even glancing at Guo Dao, clearly uninterested in what he said.

Guo Dao smiled faintly and instructed someone nearby: “Bring the gift I’m giving Lord Ying.”

A guard immediately presented a cup containing some powder. Li Weiyang’s brows furrowed lightly. She only saw Guo Dao smile proudly: “Does Lord Ying recognize this substance?”

Without waiting for Ying Chu to react, Guo Dao lightly scattered this powder from the cup onto the ground.

Ying Chu’s pupils suddenly contracted sharply. His body immediately reacted to this powder. “Why do you have Five Poisons Powder!” Ying Chu spoke his first words, his voice hoarse as a wild beast’s questioning, concealing a difficult-to-hide sense of fear.

Guo Dao couldn’t help laughing heartily: “Wasn’t this thing originally a gift Empress Pei gave me? Now I’m using it to gift Lord Ying—that’s also returning the favor. How can you not recognize it?”

Li Weiyang looked at Guo Dao, her expression showing slight surprise. Wang Zijin even widened her eyes. She suddenly recalled rumors that Guo family’s Fifth Young Master had once spent a period in terrible decline, apparently related to Five Poisons Powder. But how had Guo Dao escaped Five Poisons Powder’s influence to stand here perfectly fine? Didn’t they say no one could quit Five Poisons Powder’s addiction, ultimately only dying in painful struggle…

At this moment, Guo Dao’s peach blossom eyes had already narrowed. His originally very handsome face carried three parts threat like a jade-faced asura, murderous intent faintly appearing in the depths of his eyes. But then he smiled again, this time smiling slightly, as if thinking of something interesting, or looking at some interesting person. His tone carried irrepressible mockery: “I truly pity you. Clearly knowing she doesn’t care about you at all, yet you’d rather die than betray her!”

Ying Chu’s body convulsed, forcibly restraining himself from looking at that powder, his voice slightly hoarse: “I don’t know what you’re saying.”

Guo Dao smiled faintly: “You truly don’t know. Like you, a fool whose eyes have been blinded by love—besides that Empress Pei who treats you like a dog, what else can you see? In others’ eyes, she’s a bitch who kills without blinking. But in your eyes, she’s rare in this world, the only one you must protect. This isn’t wrong. What’s wrong is you trusted the wrong person! She’s always been wary of you. Even though you’ve followed by her side for many years, tirelessly devoted and utterly loyal, to cut off unfavorable news about herself, she abandons you like discarding a chess piece!”

Hearing this, Ying Chu gritted his teeth tightly without saying a word, adopting an uncooperative attitude.

Guo Dao’s mood appeared quite good. The corners of his mouth rose slightly, his tone carrying some malice: “Clearly knowing long ago she drugged you, yet still pretending ignorance, desperately concealing it before us—such deep feelings like the ocean are merely a joke.”

Guo Dao lifted his foot. His sapphire-colored boot stepped on that powder, letting it grind into mud beneath his foot. His smile gradually became even colder: “Five Poisons Powder—such a nice-sounding name, yet it’s the best tool for controlling a person. Once you eat too much, you become addicted. If Empress Pei had even the slightest trust in you, she wouldn’t use this drug to control you.”

Ying Chu seemed to finally reach his limit of endurance and said coldly: “Stop your nonsense!”

Li Weiyang keenly discovered Ying Chu’s pupils had dilated by three degrees compared to before. His expression had also become more ferocious, the muscles at the corners of his mouth faintly twitching. Clearly Guo Dao’s words had indeed stimulated him. Though iron chains bound his hands and feet preventing him from leaving, Li Weiyang clearly saw his wrists had already worn bloody marks.

Guo Dao knew he’d taken the bait and was just waiting to deliver the fatal blow. He couldn’t help laughing loudly: “Pitiful, you’re truly pitiful! Clearly being driven like a dog, yet still willing to sacrifice everything for her. If you die, will she shed even one tear for you? No, she won’t! She’ll only be glad she rid herself of a useless waste!”

Ying Chu suddenly stood up, struggling frantically, directly pressing close to Guo Dao. But when only about an inch from Guo Dao’s nose, the iron chains had stretched to their limit, tightly restraining him. This made him unable to advance another step, making Ying Chu appear even more furious. That half eerily handsome face twisted up extremely frightening: “Don’t slander her! I absolutely won’t believe your divisive words!”

Guo Dao laughed coldly. Looking at Ying Chu’s gaze was like looking at waste, at an abandoned chess piece. His voice said coldly: “Only someone mentally unclear like you would believe Empress Pei. You can’t see facts right before your eyes. Better to just die.”

Ying Chu seemed to want to squeeze Guo Dao’s neck, but regrettably he had no way to accomplish this. Because forcibly suppressed fury finally broke through his limits. He suddenly curled into a ball. His just extremely agitated expression became crazed. His entire person crouched and twisted on the ground, desperately struggling with some soul inside his body. Even so, he didn’t touch that powder on the ground. He seemed to deeply detest that substance…

Guo Dao drew a step nearer, smiling slightly: “Ying Chu, Five Poisons Powder attacks once every five days. Each attack brings unbearable suffering, making you wish for death. So I think your current feeling must be wishing you’d never existed in this world. And the person who pushed you into this hell is precisely the Empress Pei you’ve always loved. Now are you still so devoted to her, willing to die rather than betray her?”

Hearing Guo Dao’s words, Ying Chu suddenly raised his eyes. Blood-red pupils stared at Guo Dao, his expression extremely ferocious.

Wang Zijin was startled by that horrifying expression and instinctively retreated a step. But seeing Guo Dao so vigorously stimulating Ying Chu, she faintly felt he was about to succeed. So she stepped forward, forcibly suppressing her inner fear: “Lord Ying, do you know Empress Pei already has a new favorite by her side?”

Ying Chu’s pupils instantly turned toward Wang Zijin, and his body convulsed even more severely.

Watched by those cold eyes, Wang Zijin forced her tone to remain calm: “I’m not speaking carelessly. Now by Empress Pei’s side there’s a handsome youth called Chang De, serving at her side daily. This Chang De has beautiful features and is a newly entered palace servant, always accompanying Empress Pei, very clever and smart, greatly winning her favor. He’s already replaced Lord Ying’s position. Even if you return to Empress Pei’s side, she won’t look at you even once more now.”

Guo Dao and Wang Zijin sang in harmony, step by step forcing Ying Chu to submit. Li Weiyang coldly watched Ying Chu but maintained a normal expression, saying nothing.

Ying Chu struggled as if wanting to say something, but that intense hatred burst forth in an instant, making everyone present feel his despair.

Just then, Guo Dao suddenly stepped forward and said sternly: “Not good! He’s about to bite his tongue—quickly stop him!”