Zuo Siyan controlled part of the former royal army and the original garrison camp of Xirong royal city, totaling about fifty thousand men. Except for ten thousand who permanently guarded the royal city and his own soldiers, the rest were stationed thirty li outside the city. Like Namutu’s forces also stationed outside the city, they took turns entering the city for defense changes.

This was because the Crown Prince wanted to show trust to gain their loyalty, while also fearing that their control over the royal city’s defenses would place him in danger. So the palace city was guarded by the Crown Prince’s own people, while the inner and outer royal city were guarded by alternating forces from Namutu and Zuo Siyan, with defense changes every month.

After obtaining the command token, Rong Pu disguised himself and personally went out, forging Zuo Siyan’s handwriting to draw up orders to mobilize troops.

Zuo Siyan’s handwriting was also obtained by Xiao Wu through the favored concubine.

Qi Yuansi and Da Wu remained at Hanli Han Desert, working day and night on surveying, deducing how to channel water to irrigate the plains. Tie Ci had brought only a few students into the royal city, but this didn’t prevent her from casting a wide net and playing a game that would trap all three power holders of the royal city.

Tie Ci stayed here, waiting for the drama to unfold.

Sure enough, before long, the Crown Prince’s soldiers arrived and immediately moved to arrest this group of Da Qian merchants without a word.

The charges were destroying the palace and spreading heretical rumors to confuse the people.

The common people still feared the army. When troops arrived, most of those watching the excitement dispersed, though many remained, whispering to later arrivals about the lightning strikes that had just occurred at the palace.

Namutu had just spoken of becoming good brothers and encountered this situation, so naturally he couldn’t ignore it. He immediately stepped forward to inquire what was happening.

The outer guard commander was very respectful upon seeing him and explained the situation before attempting to take the people away.

Namutu waved his hand to stop them: “Wait!”

The outer guard commander frowned, thinking that the Chief Minister hadn’t been like this before – he was indeed becoming arrogant now.

“You say these merchants are playing supernatural tricks and destroying the palace?” Namutu was genuinely astonished. “How is that possible? These people have been at the auction all day, not one missing, and none went out midway.”

The bold citizens around chimed in: “That’s right, aren’t all the people here?”

The outer guard commander brought the guard who had seen Tie Ci’s figure. Pointing at Tie Ci, Rong Pu and the others standing in a row, his finger wavered several times before hesitantly stopping in front of Tie Ci.

Tie Ci raised her eyebrows with a look of surprise.

The citizens were even more astonished.

“The merchant leader has been here all along too. Oh my, I haven’t stopped tearing up from being dazzled by the sunlight reflecting off those big flower rings of his.”

“Exactly. We haven’t left this door – wouldn’t we know if someone had left?”

The more Namutu heard, the more ridiculous it seemed, and he began to feel some dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince.

Could this be because he heard about his uncle’s presence at this auction and deliberately came to embarrass him?

This throne was still helped onto by me, and his ass isn’t even warm yet, but he’s already putting on airs.

Feeling uncomfortable, he coldly waved his hand and said: “I can vouch for this group of merchants. They indeed haven’t had anyone leave. His Majesty has probably misunderstood. Arbitrarily arresting Da Qian people is detrimental to relations between our two nations – you should withdraw. If you feel unable to report back, I’ll personally accompany you into the palace to explain.”

Tie Ci immediately bowed deeply to him in gratitude, satisfying the old man’s pride. Now completely ignoring the outer guard commander’s ugly expression, he forcefully called his own guard troops to separate the two groups.

The outer guard commander was angry but didn’t dare confront Namutu directly, so he could only say: “Since the Chief Minister wishes to vouch for the suspects, this subordinate cannot make decisions. Please have the Chief Minister personally enter the palace to explain to His Majesty.”

Namutu agreed and was about to leave when suddenly someone quietly walked out from under the eaves and stood beside Tie Ci.

Tie Ci’s heart jumped with shock upon seeing her, silently crying out that this was bad.

It was actually Wuliang Yunzhu.

She should have been knocked unconscious long ago, and after everything was concluded, they would find an excuse to explain and send her back. Knowing their identities, Tie Ci didn’t want complications.

Her appearance here now meant something unexpected had happened.

She turned her head. Wuliang Yunzhu was also looking at her sideways. Their gazes met, and she curved her lips into a sinister smile, whispering: “Promise to sleep with me, and I won’t say you weren’t here just now.”

Tie Ci only paused briefly before she called out: “Great-uncle…”

Hearing this, Namutu turned around and said in surprise: “Yunzhu, you’re here too.”

Tie Ci whispered: “Fine.”

Wuliang Yunzhu grinned, her small canine teeth flashing briefly, and said softly: “Now, tell my great-uncle that you want to marry me.”

Tie Ci frowned.

Saying this to Namutu at this time would be asking for trouble.

She hesitated only slightly before Wuliang Yunzhu said: “Great-uncle, let me tell you…”

Suddenly a female voice said: “Sister, don’t make trouble.”

Wuliang Yunzhu turned around to see Wuliang Muzhen had also come, with Rong Pu standing beside her. Having pursued Rong Pu so many times, this was the first time he had stood so close to her. Her expression was somewhat dazed yet showed uncontrollable joy.

Wuliang Yunzhu sneered: “How’s that? Still confused after being drugged, not knowing this is a black shop?”

Namutu: “Why are both you sisters here? Yunzhu, what were you about to say?”

Wuliang Yunzhu said: “I was saying these merchants have problems! Great-uncle, don’t vouch for them! They drugged me! I also saw him go out!” She pointed viciously at Tie Ci.

Tie Ci’s expression didn’t change as she smiled helplessly.

Wuliang Muzhen glanced at Rong Pu, who was smiling encouragingly at her. Wuliang Muzhen’s face reddened as she said: “Great-uncle, it’s nothing. We came here to watch the auction. Sister didn’t have enough money to buy jewelry she liked and is angry with people.”

Hearing this explanation, Namutu immediately understood.

The little princess was always hot-tempered and willful, while the older princess was gentle and modest. Namutu naturally trusted Wuliang Muzhen more. Seeing Tie Ci’s tolerant and helpless expression, he felt certain that Wuliang Yunzhu was opposing people again over some disagreement.

Tie Ci smiled: “So it’s the two princesses. Your Highnesses needn’t be angry – whatever you want, this humble one will present as gifts.”

Namutu was satisfied hearing this and nodded: “Yunzhu, stop being willful. Otherwise, you’ll damage your father’s reputation too.” With that, he left with the outer guard commander. Wuliang Yunzhu stamped her foot in anger: “I’m telling the truth! Sister has been confused! These people are no good!”

Unfortunately, Namutu had already gone far.

As Wuliang Yunzhu was about to speak again, Tie Ci had already smilingly grasped her hand and said warmly: “Princess, come, let’s go inside to select jewelry you like.” With a gentle pull, Wuliang Yunzhu could no longer speak and was easily dragged into the building.

Tie Ci pulled her all the way inside while walking and thinking about how to pacify this willful Xirong princess who had no bottom line. But she saw the Eagle Master sitting in a chair, his doll mask carelessly askew, his slender fingers playing with something, his posture casual, but his glancing eyes sharp as blades.

Seeing the two enter, he stood and reached out to greet them. Tie Ci was wondering why he was being so proactive when the tall Eagle Master was already in front of them. A cold light flashed in his hand as a small knife fiercely stabbed into Wuliang Yunzhu’s heart.

When he pulled it out, blood sprayed across half of Tie Ci’s face.

This was so utterly unexpected that Tie Ci’s heart stopped.

Wuliang Muzhen, following behind, saw only their backs. Seeing her sister’s steps suddenly halt, she instinctively wanted to ask, but Rong Pu, already smelling blood, frowned and quickly swept his sleeve across her face.

Wuliang Muzhen softly collapsed again.

Rong Pu didn’t support her. All his previous gentleness had vanished. Only when she fell did he disdainfully grab her collar, then finding her too heavy, pushed her to Tian Wu who had caught up from behind.

Yang Yixiu at the very back simply didn’t enter, slamming the door shut with a bang.

Tie Ci checked Wuliang Yunzhu’s breathing and silently laid the body down.

“Why?”

The Eagle Master took out white cloth and slowly wiped his knife: “Speaking nonsense to you – shouldn’t she die for that?”

Tie Ci stared at him: “If you’re so bloodthirsty and treat human life so carelessly, I’ll consider whether I should support you.”

Da Qian didn’t need a warlike and cruel neighboring sovereign.

The Eagle Master paused before saying: “I understand this child. She’s got a demon’s nature. Since she saw, not killing her would leave endless trouble.”

Tie Ci was silent.

The Eagle Master sneered again: “Don’t think I’m afraid you won’t help me. I’m doing this for your good – don’t you understand?”

“Don’t interfere, control, and make arbitrary decisions under the banner of doing good for me,” Tie Ci said. “This is the last time.”

The Eagle Master laughed again, stood up and left without even glancing at the corpse on the ground.

Tie Ci sighed: “This bastard, how did he become like this? Playing at being cool, domineering and aloof – I really want to slap all the water out of his brain.”

Rong Pu said: “His nature was already somewhat extreme. Suddenly encountering family tragedy, going astray and losing control is understandable. You… be careful.”

Tie Ci was lost in thought and didn’t hear clearly what he said: “Anyway, this matter will be concluded within two days. Just keep Wuliang Muzhen safe. In the future, send her far from the royal city to live under an assumed name – don’t let her get involved in royal power struggles.”

Having been involved in imperial power struggles since childhood and suffered enough, she instinctively wanted to help these innocent women avoid it.

Rong Pu looked at her: “Your Highness is merciful.”

“Is there no news from Huyin’s side?”

“None these past two days.”

Tie Ci had been maintaining contact with Huyin and had taken part of her army, hidden in deep mountains a hundred li from the royal city. Once things started here, they would rush to coordinate.

The Crown Prince still had an army at Black River outside the royal city, facing off against Qiu Wujiu’s allied forces. Both sides had fought several battles with victories and losses on both sides. Both had constraints and concerns and weren’t very aggressive, so they remained in stalemate.

Precisely because there were armies both inside and outside the city, leaving them little time, Tie Ci chose to simultaneously target the three highest-ranking people in the city.

Once the royal city was taken, Huyin’s main forces staying put to contain Qiu Wujiu’s other military strength could break camp at night and attack the Crown Prince and Qiu Wujiu’s armies from both sides, taking all territory and forces around the royal city.

Yesterday they had just received news that Liang Shiyi of Liaodong had rebelled, even killing the Crown Prince of Liaodong. The rebellion was earlier than expected and more ruthless than Tie Ci had imagined.

But the King of Liaodong seemed prepared early. Though Liang Shiyi came with great momentum, he gained no advantage. The King of Liaodong had apparently mobilized troops very early, surrounding, dividing and scattering Liang Shiyi’s forces. Currently he was struggling desperately around Zuotun.

This news came from the Eagle Master’s former subordinates remaining in the royal city, delivered as secret military intelligence to the palace. Now deep in a foreign nation’s heart with poor communications, they received scattered news without knowing how old it was.

Tie Ci was somewhat disappointed. The desired Liaodong internal chaos hadn’t occurred. The King of Liaodong, worthy of his battlefield origins, had keen senses and had apparently detected Liang Shiyi’s movements early.

She suddenly thought of Feiyu, her heart jumping.

Though Feiyu had left suddenly with vague destination, her intuition told her his actions were related to Liaodong.

Had he gone to muddy those waters, or to assassinate someone?

Kill Liang Shiyi, or… kill the King of Liaodong?

But now both Liang Shiyi and the King of Liaodong were safe, so was Feiyu…

Her heart pounded as she looked toward Liaodong, wishing she could immediately resolve matters at hand and rush to Liaodong to see.

Rong Pu had been crouched examining Wuliang Yunzhu’s corpse when he suddenly said: “Why was she able to wake up suddenly?”

Tie Ci was startled. She had originally thought Wuliang Yunzhu must not have eaten enough drugged snacks, so woke early and saw her. But she immediately remembered that Wuliang Yunzhu was very greedy for snacks here and wouldn’t stop until eating the last piece. She would have taken more drugs than Wuliang Muzhen.

“With my drugs, once she made contact, regardless of amount, she wouldn’t wake early,” Rong Pu was confident about his medicines. “She must have taken some kind of antidote.”

Rong Pu examined her carefully and pulled out a bag from her waist – usually for storing dried meat and snacks. From inside he found some black, fruit-like objects.

He pried open Wuliang Yunzhu’s mouth. Sure enough, there were black traces between her teeth.

Rong Pu broke open the preserved fruit to smell it, his expression grave.

But Tie Ci had turned over the bag and smelled the inside.

A very rich ginseng scent.

The finest old ginseng sent as annual tribute from Liaodong had exactly this smell.

Ginseng from elsewhere was far inferior to Liaodong’s.

“Qiu Wujiu?”

Simultaneously, Rong Pu said: “This medicine seems to have addictive components that control the mind.”

The two looked at each other.

Most likely it was Qiu Wujiu. Qiu Wujiu was using drugs to control Wuliang Yunzhu?

What did he want to do?

While leaving the royal city to show disinterest in the throne, he was secretly using drugs to control the Crown Prince’s younger daughter.

Was this drug controlling only Wuliang Yunzhu, or targeting the entire palace?

Though not in the royal city, he was still controlling things – he still planned to return to the royal city.

When would he return?

Tie Ci vaguely felt that Qiu Wujiu was deep and unfathomable – a variable.

Rong Pu crouched before Wuliang Yunzhu’s corpse, seemingly deep in thought.

Outside came knocking – long and short – indicating movement from Zuo Siyan’s side.

Tie Ci had to get up and go to the back courtyard.

After she left, Rong Pu had Tian Wu help move Wuliang Yunzhu’s body to a platform, then ordered him to prepare knives and other implements. Closing doors and windows and drawing curtains, he had Tian Wu assist.

From the room came Tian Wu’s somewhat surprised voice: “What are you doing?”

“Ugh…”

“Supervisor, aren’t you disgusted? I remember you don’t even touch others’ wounds – you always have your servant do it…”

After a long while, Rong Pu’s faint voice emerged from inside.

“As long as it’s useful to her, I wouldn’t fear even death – what’s disgusting about this?”

…

This was the royal city’s largest restaurant. Tie Ci had rented it for the entire day, setting up guest rest areas in the back courtyard, but only Zuo Siyan and his favored concubine had used it.

After soaking in the hot spring, the concubine used all her seductive skills. Zuo Siyan, his depression completely dispelled, laughed heartily and swept up the concubine, entering the guest room.

The room was arranged with warm curtains and rich fragrance, golden hooks on gauze, thick long-pile carpets that silenced footsteps.

The concubine laughed seductively on Zuo Siyan’s shoulder, her teeth gently nibbling the muscles of his shoulder.

Earlier in the hot spring pool, she had already used the medicine – half taken internally, half applied externally. The internal dose made her feel completely comfortable, while the external application was smooth and pleasant. She became even more convinced of the medicine’s advertised effects.

Zuo Siyan’s hands roamed her body a few times before he laughed with satisfaction: “Wanton woman, so eager.” He pushed the giggling concubine onto the bed.

Pink gauze curtains fell in layers.

Lamplight slanted across overlapping human shadows, rising and falling like beasts.

…

Across the snowy plains rode orderly military columns without banners, their bright armor reflecting the cold night light after snow.

The army advanced quickly toward the royal city.

A fast horse caught up: “Report—”

The fur-robed elder surrounded by several riders at the front turned back, gesturing for the scout to approach.

The scout said breathlessly: “Marshal, Mote Hulan has gathered her remaining forces and has been following behind us!”

Hearing this, the surrounding generals immediately cursed. Some demanded returning immediately to deal with this woman who didn’t know death from life, others mocked her for seeking death, while still others puzzledly asked the fur-robed elder why, having already turned back to find Mote Hulan’s main camp and achieved great victory, he didn’t pursue the victory but instead turned toward the royal city.

Qiu Wujiu smiled slightly.

“How to pursue victory? Mote Hulan has been camped in that valley for half a year and knows the surrounding terrain very well. If you pursue, either they’ll scatter into the surrounding mountains where we can’t find them and waste effort, or they’ll use local terrain to turn back and dig us a trap. Unfamiliar with the terrain and with scattered forces due to pursuit, we’d very likely fall into their trap. Victory turned to defeat – how stupid would that be!”

Everyone suddenly understood.

“Then let’s turn back now and finish them off!”

“Why waste strength on the road?” Qiu Wujiu said. “The royal city is about to have major changes. Whoever catches the timing will be Xirong’s future king. Once king of Xirong, these are just scattered soldiers. Everyone’s racing against time – let’s not delay over these small cats and dogs.”

Everyone had always trusted him and raised no more objections. Only one deputy asked: “Marshal, what changes will occur in the royal city? After taking the royal city, do we still plan to ally with Liang Shiyi?”

“Cooperate with that stray dog for what?” Qiu Wujiu said leisurely. “What I want isn’t Liaodong.”

Everyone was surprised, thinking then why had he maintained contact with Liang Shiyi all along, acting like he wanted to collude?

“Xirong thinks I want to collude with Liaodong to take Xirong. Da Qian thinks I want to collude with Xirong to seize Liaodong. But Xirong should have been mine all along, and what I truly want, they don’t understand.”

Everyone was confused but knew Qiu Wujiu’s nature – he wouldn’t say until the time came.

Qiu Wujiu seemed to remember something and said with interest: “Actually, all the reasons I gave above are nonsense.”

Everyone was astonished.

Qiu Wujiu said irrelevantly: “My spy I left with Prince Da’an recently gave me very interesting news.”

“His Little Eighteen, with a mind deeper than the sea and thoughts more vicious than wolves, killed several of his most beloved sons, killing whoever he favored, even the eldest. Yet Prince Da’an still couldn’t bear to kill him and gave him a task to assassinate the Crown Princess.”

“This is interesting.”

“If the Crown Princess were far away in Shengdu, how could Murong Yi in his current state accomplish traveling thousands of li across borders to assassinate the Crown Princess?”

Remembering a speculation from spies left in Da Qian, his smile deepened.

“Unless the Crown Princess is nearby.”

“So here’s the question – if the Crown Princess is nearby, she should be at Yong Ping. But with such a big incident happening to Di Yiwei at Yong Ping and her not appearing, clearly she’s already left Yong Ping.”

“So where would she be?”

“The King of Liaodong might think the Crown Princess is hiding near Yong Ping, but only we in Xirong can guess a certain possibility from Xirong’s constantly changing situation – think about Xirong’s suddenly transformed war situation recently. Wuliang Shuoye suddenly emerging from the great desert and Mote Hulan growing wings like a tiger.”

The scholarly Qiu Wujiu smiled slightly.

“A distinguished guest has arrived at Xirong’s royal city – how can you and I not personally welcome her?”

…