Gao Dazhuang strongly felt that sending Mei Shisi, who was lacking in all aspects except appearance, on this mission was like sending a lamb into a tiger’s den.

Zhao Ling said, “Xiao Cheng has a particular fondness for women from Jiangnan. This one is petite with delicate features, making her most suitable.”

Gao Dazhuang replied, “Forgive my directness…”

“Hmph,” Zhao Ling snorted inwardly, thinking, “When are you ever not direct?”

“We were sent here to assist in battle. Planting a spy in Xiao Cheng’s household won’t have any immediate effect on the war. Therefore, I refuse to accept your order,” Gao Dazhuang stated bluntly.

An Jiu and the others couldn’t help but glance at him. It seemed Gao Dazhuang had become bolder since arriving in Hejian Prefecture, his effeminate mannerisms now barely noticeable.

“You dare refuse an order!” Zhao Ling, frustrated once again, glared at him with a livid face. “I’ll report this to His Majesty!”

“Heh, go ahead and try,” Gao Dazhuang smirked, a hint of bloodlust gleaming in his eyes. “I can also report to His Majesty that you harbor treasonous thoughts. Want to bet on who he’ll believe?”

“You!” Zhao Ling’s hair stood on end.

The current emperor was notoriously paranoid, even wary of loyal officials like Ling Ziyue who showed no signs of rebellion. If a shadow guard were to make accusations before the emperor, what fate would await him? Zhao Ling shuddered at the thought.

If Zhao Ling were an upright person like Ling Ziyue, with a clear conscience, he could stand firm. But Zhao Ling had engaged in many underhanded actions to climb the ranks. Though these had nothing to do with treason, having a guilty conscience made him inherently weaker in confrontations.

In truth, Gao Dazhuang was bluffing. Zhao Ling didn’t know that the emperor had already begun purging the Crane-Controlling Army, nor did he understand its internal structure. Someone of Gao Dazhuang’s current rank couldn’t even petition the emperor, let alone meet him face-to-face.

“If the general has any legitimate orders, summon us again,” Gao Dazhuang said, sauntering out with a swaying gait.

An Jiu followed behind, raising an eyebrow at his exaggerated feminine walk, more pronounced than that of the three women.

Lou Mingyue, who always appreciated straightforward people, had no objections to Gao Dazhuang’s actions.

Sun Dixian, the most rational among them, softly said once they were outside, “The general is playing with fire.”

A shadow guard’s duty was to obey orders unconditionally. Gao Dazhuang not only refused to carry out the mission but also disrespected his superior. This was only because Zhao Ling didn’t understand the situation. If he realized his overwhelming advantage, Gao Dazhuang would be in danger.

“I used to rank in the top ten of the Crane-Controlling Army,” Gao Dazhuang said, delicately stroking his eyebrows. “Do you know why I was kicked out?”

Everyone was surprised, hearing this for the first time.

“Because I crippled the Dark City Commandant,” Gao Dazhuang snorted. “Know why I wasn’t executed for such a capital offense?”

The Dark City Commandant! He was the third-in-command of the Crane-Controlling Army…

An Jiu suddenly said, “The saying ‘A pest lives a thousand years’ rings true. The more detestable a species, the more tenacious its life force.”

Like cockroaches and flies, for instance.

Gao Dazhuang glared at her.

The others struggled to contain their laughter, especially upon seeing An Jiu’s serious expression.

Sun Dixian adjusted her attitude and flattered him, “General, you’re truly formidable. Please teach us your ways.”

Gao Dazhuang gave her a look that said “This one can be taught,” and while massaging his waist, drawled, “Because I’m loyal to His Majesty. If he says the sky is red, I’d never say it’s blue. If he ordered me castrated, I’d wield the knife myself, no need for anyone else to do it.”

Previously, Gao Dazhuang had been one of the top assassins with direct access to the emperor. He was kicked out of the Crane-Controlling Army for his transgression. However, instead of being reassigned elsewhere, he was transferred to the Crane-Controlling Institute, which trained personal shadow guards for the emperor. This showed that the emperor still trusted him greatly.

“Who’d have thought I’d end up back here, and in such a state,” Gao Dazhuang continued, pointing at each of them. “The key to survival in the Crane-Controlling Army is absolute loyalty. Beyond that, it’s all about your abilities.”

An Jiu’s impression of Gao Dazhuang kept evolving, and she found herself developing a slight fondness for this “dead eunuch.”

“General, you initially agreed with the supervisor’s plan. Why did you change your mind?” Sun Dixian’s gaze flitted briefly over An Jiu.

It was clear that Gao Dazhuang had only rejected the plan after Zhao Ling pointed at An Jiu. Sun Dixian hadn’t seen An Jiu do anything to curry favor, yet strangely, everyone seemed to protect her.

Gao Dazhuang giggled coquettishly and waved his hand. “At first, I only thought of Mei Shisi as useless—throw her in the river and she couldn’t even stop the water, let alone form a dam. Then I realized you’re not much better! The only one who fits the bill has her mind full of vengeance. Sent to Liao, she might be even worse than you two incompetents! It’d be a waste to die like that. Better to throw her on the battlefield to kill some Liao soldiers.”

The three women’s fleeting sense of being protected instantly vanished.

“Besides, for schemes involving seduction, there’s no need to use people who’ve trained in martial arts for over a decade. Dangerous Moon is full of cunning beauties who could stir up trouble anywhere you put them.” Gao Dazhuang pointed at An Jiu and Lou Mingyue. “With faces like you’re owed money, you’re not cut out for it. Sun Dixian’s personality might be suitable…”

Sun Dixian felt a bit proud at this evaluation, but Gao Dazhuang quickly added, “But being ugly is a fatal flaw.”

Sun Dixian’s face froze. She thought her earlier flattery had been wasted and lightly snorted, “The general speaks just like Mei Shisi.”

Though she might not be at the level to execute a seduction plan, and indeed couldn’t compare to Lou Mingyue and An Jiu in looks, she considered herself at least pretty.

An Jiu, surprisingly, didn’t retaliate against the criticism. Gao Dazhuang looked at her curiously.

Noticing his gaze, An Jiu said flatly, “I only state facts. I don’t take pleasure in mocking others.”

Despite her usual caustic remarks that could “poison a village,” her expression now seemed to distance herself from him. Gao Dazhuang’s face darkened, thinking, “Who wants to be associated with a short stack like you anyway!”

Sui Yunzhu, Li Qingzhi, and Qiu Yunran, who were nearby and overheard the conversation, secretly grinned. After their amusement faded, they found themselves respecting Gao Dazhuang even more. Back at the Crane-Controlling Institute, no one had seen the instructors in action. They never imagined that this seemingly unremarkable effeminate man was hiding such depths.