Tan Jizhi proved highly efficient in his tasks, taking only a few days to secretly establish connections with many influential figures in Changqing City. Ye Li, observing the reports from Wang Manor’s spies throughout the city, couldn’t help but marvel. No wonder Tan Jizhi had managed to deceive Mo Jingli, Mo Jingqi, and the Southern Border Holy Woman Shu Manlin for all these years—his abilities were truly remarkable. Unfortunately, time wasn’t on his side. With Shu Manlin and Mo Jingqi’s deaths, and Mo Jingli’s suspicions turning him into a discarded pawn, all his schemes and calculations had crumbled to nothing.
Though aware of Ye Li’s capabilities, Mo Xiuyao remained deeply concerned for her safety. Before departing, he not only left her usual guards Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and Lin Han, but also transferred He Su, who had been stationed in Chu Capital. Ye Li’s judgment hadn’t been wrong years ago—compared to Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Wei Lin, He Su was better suited for military command. In just ten short years, He Su had earned his place among Chu’s military leaders through his merit. He had particularly seized the opportunity during Mo Jingli’s southward capital relocation to expand his influence significantly, which was why he had been able to lead twenty thousand troops to rescue the besieged Chu Capital. Over these ten years, He Su had reached his current position entirely through his abilities. Given another decade, he would surely become another Zhang Qilan or Lu Jinxian.
With these four capable individuals, each exceptional in both martial arts and strategy, Mo Xiuyao felt somewhat more at ease about Ye Li’s safety.
“Wang Fei,” He Su stood respectfully before the desk in the study, awaiting Ye Li’s orders. After observing him for a while, Ye Li smiled and said, “He Su, you’re already a general commanding thousands of troops. Do you have any thoughts about returning to serve under me?”
He Su bowed respectfully to Ye Li and replied earnestly, “This servant’s current achievements are all thanks to Wang Fei’s grace. However, unlike my second, third, and fourth brothers, I failed to serve directly by Wang Fei’s side, which was a dereliction of duty. Now being able to serve Wang Fei again and reunite with my three brothers is this servant’s fortune.”
Though He Su’s achievements in recent years were indeed impressive, rising from an ordinary background to become an army commander in just ten years, these changes paled in comparison to the earth-shattering transformations within Wang Manor during these years. He Su naturally harbored no ill feelings about being reassigned to Ye Li’s side by Mo Xiuyao. After all, compared to others, those who had served as Wang Fei’s secret guards better understood both her capabilities and her position in Wang Ye’s heart. Being able to serve by Wang Fei’s side was indeed a blessing others could only dream of.
Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “That’s good. The reason Wang Ye reassigned you to my side is that I currently need someone skilled in military command, not because we wish to diminish your military authority. When I initially sent you to the army, it was because I believed you were truly suited for military service, and you haven’t disappointed me these years. After this matter is concluded, you’ll return to your military command. I hope you understand this.”
Ye Li didn’t believe everyone should serve her with unconditional loyalty and devotion. As the saying goes, a wise bird chooses its perch carefully—it would be wasteful to have a capable general serve as a mere guard, and expecting them to do so without complaint would be presumptuous. Even if He Su himself didn’t feel wrong, Ye Li felt she should clarify things to avoid any misunderstandings that might cause mutual discomfort.
“This servant understands and thanks Wang Fei,” He Su was truly grateful to Ye Li from the bottom of his heart. He had originally been Wang Manor’s secret guard, and without Ye Li, even a trusted guard couldn’t have become a general. Moreover, he had discovered that Wang Fei’s initial assessment was correct—he preferred battlefield combat to guard duty.
Ye Li nodded and said, “Take my token to Queen Helan. She will arrange for you to enter the Northern Border’s army. You know what to do then?” He Su pondered briefly before understanding Ye Li’s intentions, frowning slightly as he asked, “Does Wang Fei intend to turn the Central Plains troops within the Northern Border army?”
Ye Li nodded with a smile, “Correct, and we have at most a month and a half. So your task is indeed challenging. Any concerns?”
He Su thought for a moment before responding, “The Northern Border army has only occupied these Great Chu territories for two years, yet they’ve conscripted so many troops that the common people can barely survive. I believe the middle and lower-ranking officers among the Central Plains troops likely harbor no loyalty to the Northern Border. With Wang Manor’s reputation, it shouldn’t be difficult to persuade them.”
Hearing this, Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. She picked up a document from beside her and said, “This is a list of Northern Border commanders who didn’t join Ren Qining’s campaign, along with their backgrounds. Handle it as you see fit. There are several truly capable individuals among them—you can tell them that as long as they submit to Wang Manor, this consort won’t hold their previous involvement in Ren Qining’s attack on Chu Capital against them. Their military ranks and positions will remain unchanged, and if they achieve merit, Wang Manor won’t be stingy with rewards.”
He Su was delighted—it would be laughable to suggest these Central Plains troops were truly loyal to Ren Qining. Their greatest concern was that they had followed Ren Qining in attacking Great Chu and feared retribution from Mo’s army afterward. Now, with Wang Fei’s promise, they could proceed without worry. After all, compared to Ren Qining, anyone would find Wang Manor a more reliable choice.
Putting away the document, He Su respectfully said, “This servant understands. This servant takes leave.”
“Go then. I’ll have Lin Han and Qilin assist you secretly. Use extraordinary measures if necessary, after all… we’re pressed for time.”
“Yes.”
In Changqing City, while the surface appeared unchanged from usual days, powerful undercurrents were secretly surging in many hidden places… Yet no one knew that all these changes originated from that elegant and serene woman in an ordinary-looking courtyard in the city.
In the Chancellor’s mansion, the current Northern Border Chancellor looked somewhat puzzled at the people before him, finally fixing his gaze on the white-robed woman beside Tan Jizhi, his expression shifting uncertainly. “Master Tan, this lady is…?”
Before Tan Jizhi could speak, the white-robed woman said calmly, “Chancellor Yun, this humble one’s surname is Dongfang.”
“Dongfang? Cangmang Mountain? That’s impossible?!” The Chancellor stood up in shock, staring at the white-robed woman. Beside them, Tan Jizhi’s mouth twitched slightly, but looking at the Chancellor, he asked with a serious expression, “Why impossible?”
The Chancellor said, “Master Tan mustn’t try to fool me. Cangmang Mountain has already sided with King Li. How could this lady possibly be Cangmang Mountain’s successor? Master Tan, do you think that because the Northern Border is remote, we know nothing?”
Tan Jizhi shrugged and looked at the woman sitting opposite him. The white-robed woman gave a cold laugh and said indifferently, “Who says Cangmang Mountain can only have one successor? Moreover… Dongfang You’s reputation in Li City has been completely ruined, how could she still be Cangmang Mountain’s successor?”
“This…” Though stationed in Changqing City, the Chancellor still knew what needed to be known, and naturally understood what the ruined reputation meant. Frowning in thought, he asked, “Could it be… Cangmang Mountain is planning to display one move while making another in secret?”
Looking at the old man before him furrowing his brows in seriousness, Tan Jizhi inwardly shook his head. Fortunately, he hadn’t planned to truly cooperate with this old man, otherwise… how could someone who let their imagination run wild with just a few words be reliable?
The Chancellor remained silent for a while before looking at the two and asking, “Young lady, what proof do you have that you’re Cangmang Mountain’s successor?” The white-robed woman calmly asked, “Cangmang Mountain’s successors have never used so-called tokens as proof. How does Chancellor Yun wish me to prove it?”
“I’ve heard that Cangmang Mountain’s successors excel in zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, dance, astrology, and medicine—mastering all without exception. Could the young lady cure my second son?” When Tan Jizhi had returned the Chancellor’s young master to the mansion, he had been unconscious. The Chancellor had summoned the city’s famous doctors but to no effect. He had suspected Tan Jizhi, but investigation revealed his son had indeed been harmed by Northern Border barbarians, and the poison was reportedly a nearly lost Northern Border secret drug.
The white-robed woman said calmly, “I know the poison your son has been afflicted with. To be honest, I cannot cure it now, however… Cangmang Mountain possesses a thousand-year blood lingzhi that can counteract this poison. After Tan Gongzi informed me, I’ve already sent someone to retrieve it.”
The Chancellor wasn’t easily fooled, being the type who wouldn’t believe without seeing proof. “I have indeed heard of Cangmang Mountain’s treasured thousand-year blood lingzhi. If that’s the case, I’ll await the young lady’s medicine.” The implication was clear—he would believe her identity after seeing the thousand-year blood lingzhi.
The white-robed woman remained unperturbed, nodding, “That’s fine. The round trip to Cangmang Mountain takes at most a month and a half. I hope Chancellor Yun will keep his word. Otherwise… the price for trifling with Cangmang Mountain…” With a crack, the teacup in her jade-like slender hand shattered. The white-robed woman stood and said to Tan Jizhi, “Master Tan, since Chancellor Yun doesn’t wish to discuss now, let’s return. We can talk again when the thousand-year blood lingzhi arrives. The young master has waited so many years, a little longer won’t matter.”
Tan Jizhi smiled, “The young lady speaks truly. After you.”
The Chancellor, noting the hint of respect and caution in Tan Jizhi’s smile, gained more confidence in the white-robed woman’s identity. Thinking further, he realized Tan Jizhi had no reason to deceive him—even before this Lady Dongfang appeared, he had already intended to cooperate with Tan Jizhi, so whether Cangmang Mountain was involved wasn’t crucial. Realizing this, the Chancellor quickly said, “Master Tan, Lady Dongfang, please stay. We should discuss matters properly.”
The two turned back, unsurprised at the old man’s reaction.
The Chancellor sighed and said, “Master Tan, Lady Dongfang, please sit. Let’s talk properly.” It wasn’t that he didn’t want to keep Tan Jizhi in suspense to negotiate better terms, but they truly couldn’t afford to wait. Ren Qining’s indecisiveness in dealing with the Northern Border people to restore Central Plains orthodoxy, while the Northern Border people pressured them relentlessly, had created a difficult situation. These old ministers who had diligently served the Lin family for generations naturally didn’t want to share their hard-earned achievements with those barbarians. And Ren Qining had gradually begun to resent their constant constraints. It was precisely for this reason that the Chancellor had been tempted when Tan Jizhi appeared.
Tan Jizhi was different from Ren Qining—Ren Qining had been taught by them since childhood and already controlled most of the Lin family’s power. But Tan Jizhi was a complete outsider; even if they helped him to power, he couldn’t possibly gain control in a short time and would still need these old ministers’ assistance. More importantly, Tan Jizhi had no connection to the Northern Border people, no so-called debt of gratitude, so he naturally wouldn’t hesitate to deal with them.
The two sat down again, and Ye Li smiled faintly, saying, “Since the Chancellor wishes to talk, we’ll naturally oblige. What would the Chancellor like to discuss?”
The Chancellor frowned slightly, looking at the two of them, “If we agree to support Master Tan’s ascension to the throne, what can Master Tan promise us old ministers? Know that even if we do nothing now, we can still enjoy wealth and prosperity.”
“Wealth and prosperity?” The white-robed woman gave a cold laugh, her beautiful face showing a trace of disdain, “In all territories under Northern Border control, the people can barely survive. This so-called Northern Border royal city, in terms of prosperity, doesn’t match even a third of the war-torn Chu Capital. Such wealth and prosperity… does the Chancellor truly find it satisfactory? It seems the previous dynasty has indeed fallen for too long, to the point where its nobles have forgotten their former glory. They only wish to occupy a small place and live in passive security. If that’s the case, Master Tan and I have perhaps come to the wrong place.”
“Lady Dongfang!” Stung by the white-robed woman’s merciless mockery, Chancellor Yun’s expression darkened. Yet he had to admit the truth in her words. Changqing City couldn’t compare not only to Chu Capital, Xilin Imperial City, and Li City but even fell short of some moderately sized Central Plains cities.
The white-robed woman looked at Chancellor Yun, speaking somewhat proudly, “As long as Chancellor Yun fulfills his promise, Cangmang Mountain will naturally assist the Northern Border in restoring people’s livelihood and economy. Furthermore, Cangmang Mountain can secretly persuade Mo Jingli and the Garrison South King to join forces against Wang Manor. Then… Wang Manor won’t be a problem. Taking Chu Capital will be just a matter of time.”
Hearing this, the Chancellor couldn’t help but be moved. He looked deeply at the white-robed woman, then turned to Tan Jizhi and said, “According to my knowledge, throughout history, Cangmang Mountain’s successors would marry those they assisted. If so, in the future…”
Tan Jizhi’s expression changed slightly, and he quickly said, “Chancellor need not worry. If we succeed, the future queen will certainly be from the Yun family.”
“Oh?” The Chancellor didn’t believe it. After all, they were well aware of Cangmang Mountain’s reputation and customs. The white-robed woman smiled charmingly and said, “Chancellor need not doubt. Actually… Cangmang Mountain initially had no intention of involving itself in these matters. It’s just that… Wang Manor’s humiliation of Cangmang Mountain in Li City was too severe. If we cannot return the favor, people will look down on Cangmang Mountain. Once successful, I will return to the mountain and withdraw from worldly affairs.”
“I see.” The Chancellor relaxed slightly and smiled.
The white-robed woman nodded and smiled, “Since both parties are satisfied with their conditions, I ask Chancellor Yun to put in more effort. Of course, Cangmang Mountain and Master Tan will also assist secretly. Presumably, the day when Chancellor Yun becomes the legitimate Imperial Father-in-law is also not far off?”
These words struck right at the Chancellor’s heart, and he smiled broadly, “Thank you for your kind words, young lady. Seeing how you conduct yourself, I now truly believe you are Cangmang Mountain’s successor. Such an outstanding woman as yourself, perhaps only that Wang Fei of Wang Manor could match.”
The white-robed woman smiled faintly before rising with Tan Jizhi to take their leave.
After leaving the Chancellor’s mansion, Tan Jizhi’s expression immediately turned sour, “Wang Fei, isn’t this pretense a bit too grand?”
The white-robed woman’s face was beautiful and elegant, her eyes containing a smile—wasn’t this Ye Li after her disguise? The Chancellor had just compared her to Wang Fei, yet how could he imagine that the Wang Fei he spoke of was right before him?
Ye Li smiled gracefully and said, “What’s wrong with putting on an act? As long as people believe it, it’s fine. Deception costs nothing, so naturally, the more the better.” The thousand-year blood lingzhi, Cangmang Mountain’s assistance in restoring people’s livelihood, uniting Great Chu and Xilin against Wang Manor, and the illusory position of Queen—Ye Li had indeed spun quite a tale. But what mattered was that people believed it.
Tan Jizhi said, “Where will we find Cangmang Mountain’s assistance when the time comes? Right now, Cangmang Mountain probably wants to tear you and Wang apart, don’t they?”
Ye Li smiled and said, “Does Master Tan think they can wait until a month later? By then… will they have time to think about these things?” By that time, those so-called former dynasty ministers would only be thinking about how to save themselves. Ye Li had no real intention of putting Tan Jizhi on the throne, whether it was for a few days or not. Let the Northern Border rise and fall with Ren Qining.
After a long silence, Tan Jizhi finally sighed and said, “Wang Fei’s methods are impressive. I suppose by now, Wang Manor’s people have already infiltrated the Northern Border army? Otherwise, Wang Fei wouldn’t have gone to meet that Northern Border Chancellor.”
Ye Li smiled lightly and said, “Master Tan flatters me. I had no choice. We need to quickly dissolve Ren Qining’s power, or there will be trouble.” Even if the Northern Border was weak, it was still a country, and they only had these few people here. If they couldn’t deliver a fatal blow quickly, once Ren Qining realized what was happening, they would be in serious trouble.
Elsewhere, in a large camp not far from Changqing City, He Su, dressed as a Northern Border commander, was smilingly pouring wine for several officers. After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the large tent gradually became lively.
One of them grabbed He Su’s arm and asked in a low voice, “Brother, was what you said last time true?” At these words, not just He Su, but others also stopped and stared at him. They shared the same thoughts as the speaker.
He Su laughed heartily and said, “Though I’m new here, I’ve received such care from all of you brothers. How could I possibly harm you?”
“That’s true, but we’re now in the Northern Border army… being forced to fight our people. It was different before, Mo Jingqi wasn’t a good person either, if he hadn’t driven out Wang, we wouldn’t have fallen to become these barbarians’ troops. But now we have to face Mo’s army, how can we not be afraid…” At the mention of Mo’s army, the others’ expressions changed. They had all participated in the attack on Chu Capital last year. If not for Mo’s army’s reinforcement, Chu Capital would probably belong to Ren by now.
He Su smiled and said, “Isn’t that so? Brothers probably don’t know. Back then, Mo’s army fought their way from Feilong Pass to Chu Capital to break the siege. They inflicted heavy casualties on the Northern Border army along the way, yet still maintained such momentum when they reached Chu Capital. Now… Mo’s army is waiting at Zijing Pass. It’s already good enough that they haven’t attacked, yet the king still wants to provoke them. Isn’t this seeking death, sending innocent soldiers to their doom?”
The others deeply agreed. He Su noted everyone’s expressions and said, “To be honest with you brothers, I’ve already decided to switch sides and join Wang Manor. We’re all Central Plains people, why should we serve the Northern Border? Moreover, Wang Manor is known for benevolence and righteousness, they will surely understand our difficulties and not make things difficult for us.”
The others looked at each other, saying somewhat hesitantly, “That’s true, but we don’t have a way. Mo’s army is far inside Zijing Pass, if we try to defect, we’ll probably be destroyed by the army at Zijing Pass first.”
He Su laughed softly and took out a token from his chest, “Brothers, look at what this is?”
Everyone looked closely at a black jade token with the character “Wang” carved on it, and all were shocked. He Su smiled somewhat proudly and said, “This is Wang Fei’s token. Wang Fei has promised that as long as I defect, there will certainly be promotions and boundless prospects in the future.” Those present couldn’t help but feel both envious and jealous—to receive Wang Fei’s jade token and promise, this He Su was truly fortunate.
“Brother, we…” The others stared at He Su, hesitating to speak.
He Su laughed generously and said, “Don’t worry, brothers. If I have meat to eat, I naturally won’t let you just drink soup. We brothers will share both fortune and hardship.”
“Brother He speaks truly.” Everyone praised in unison, their gazes towards He Su becoming increasingly friendly and warm.
He Su had infiltrated the Northern Border army camp for less than a month, and it shouldn’t have been this smooth. But with Queen Helan and other Northern Border nobles, along with former dynasty ministers led by Chancellor Yun either actively or unknowingly protecting him, his identity was watertight, and he mixed in the army like a fish in water. With the various information Ye Li had given him, plus Qin Feng and Lin Han’s constant secret assistance, and his years of military experience making him naturally compatible with these mid-level commanders, it didn’t take long to identify who could be befriended, recruited, or turned. After several intentional and unintentional probes, sure enough, some couldn’t resist coming to drink with him, and he took the opportunity to bring up these matters, which proved very successful.
In the night, a black figure stealthily slipped out of the military camp. Just as he was sighing in relief after looking back at the quiet camp in the darkness, a low, smiling voice came from behind, “Brother Huang, where are you going?”
The black-clad man turned sharply, his pupils contracting. A person slowly walked out from the shadow under a tree—it was He Su, who had been drinking and plotting with him not long ago. Seeing nowhere to hide, the black-clad man had to pull down his black cloth mask and smile, “He Yan, why aren’t you resting at such a late hour?”
He Su smiled and said, “How dare I rest when Brother Huang hasn’t? I fear waking up tomorrow morning only to be executed for treason.”
The black-clad man’s expression changed, and he said harshly, “If that’s the case, why do you dare to conspire with others to commit treason? If you stop now, considering our friendship, I can still let you go.”
He Su looked up at the sky and smiled faintly, “Brother Huang, now… shouldn’t I be the one letting you go? Also, my name isn’t He Yan, I am Wang Fei’s Great General—He Su.”
The black-clad man’s expression grew uglier, and after glancing to the side, he leaped to flee in another direction. But how could he be a match for He Su, who came from Wang Manor’s secret guards? He Su’s figure flashed several times, and in the moonlight, a streak of blood rose—the black-clad man had fallen and was breathing his last, “You…”
“We each serve our masters… die without regret…” He Su sighed softly.