Yang Jiaoruo frowned.
really!
Su Jinxia and Shen Qianxue seemed to have agreed beforehand that neither of them would fight the other, and they would each expand their own territories.
Zhou Ji glanced at Yang Jiaoruo's expression and continued, "I don't necessarily want to unify the world. As long as the people can live in peace, I will be satisfied."
"However, this world is not just about our northern kingdom. There is also the covetous southern kingdom and the various border barbarians, all waiting for us to weaken so they can attack us."
"If the Northern Kingdom splits into two small countries, it will inevitably be gradually devoured by other countries and forces. What I'm worried about is the future!"
Yang Jiaoruo's expression grew increasingly grave and angry. "Does Your Highness have any plans?"
Having laid the groundwork for so long, and seeing that he had already stirred up Yang Jiaoruo's dissatisfaction, Zhou Ji took out a map of Liuli Mountain.
"Recently, I obtained a map, and after investigation, I found it to be genuine."
Yang Jiaoruo took the map and looked at it, then gasped, "This... Your Highness wouldn't be planning to attack Liuli Mountain, would he?"
Zhou Ji shook his head. "I would like to, but how can I keep this from Qianxue? If he finds out, he will definitely turn against me. If our army falls into chaos, who knows how many wolves and tigers will pounce on us and tear us apart!"
"So, what does Your Highness mean?"
Zhou Ji's expression turned serious as he slowly spoke, "I heard that Su Jinxia's parents live in Liuli Village. I was wondering if we could use them to control Su Jinxia? Of course, I'm not saying I want to take their lives, since they are innocent. I'm just wondering if we could invite them over as guests, so that we could have a chance to negotiate with Su Jinxia. If Su Jinxia is willing to cooperate with us and create a brilliant future together, that would be wonderful."
The act of kidnapping family members to blackmail the enemy was described in a very pleasing way by Zhou Ji.
But Yang Jiaoruo couldn't tell that such high-sounding words were fake; on the contrary, she thought they were extremely feasible.
The battlefield is ruthless; massacres, killings, threats, and kidnappings are all common and understandable methods.
Shen Qianxue was ultimately too kind and righteous!
The consequences of benevolence and righteousness are even more serious.
Isn't a protracted and continuous war a form of harm?
Yang Jiaoruo believed that as long as Shen Qianxue was determined to deal with Su Jinxia and recruit Zhuang Jun into her ranks, she would be able to break through the imperial city in one fell swoop!
Thinking of this, Yang Jiaoruo stood up and said righteously, "If Your Highness trusts me, please entrust this matter to me. I will definitely bring Su Jinxia's parents back!"
Zhou Ji looked at Yang Jiaoruo, but instead of being happy, his brows furrowed more and more as he said worriedly, "But Qianxue can't know about this beforehand. If he finds out, he probably won't agree!"
"Sigh, never mind. If Qianxue finds out, she might blame me, or even cause her to drift away from me. That would be too much of a loss. Never mind!"
"Give me the map, I'll think of something else."
Zhou Ji regretted his words as he spoke.
Yang Jiaoruo gripped the map tightly. To reassure Zhou Ji, she said, "Your Highness need not worry. If things are exposed, Jiaoruo is willing to take full responsibility and will absolutely not let the commander blame you."
Zhou Ji looked at Yang Jiaoruo with emotion, "You are a good child. How can Qianxue not see your good qualities? Don't worry, if anything happens, I will protect you. Once we have achieved our great cause, I will definitely persuade Qianxue to cherish you!"
Yang Jiaoruo's gaze softened for a moment. If that day ever came, she would die without regret.
The following day, Yang Jiaoruo made arrangements and left the Jicheng camp.
...
Qilin Pass.
Shen Qianxue led her troops to Er County, a small county town, where the large contingent camped outside the town.
Ten miles ahead, we will enter Qilin Pass.
The secret guards left in Jicheng sent a message, which Qu Yi immediately delivered to Shen Qianxue.
The message stated that Yang Jiaoruo left the camp and headed south, without reporting where she was going.
"Could it be that she went back to Phoenix Pavilion to see Miss Zizi?" Qu Yi guessed.
Shen Qianxue was puzzled. He had left, so Yang Jiaoruo should have stayed behind to protect Jicheng. Her relationship with Zizi hadn't reached the point where she was eager to visit her.
That's strange!
Shen Qianxue instructed Qu Yi to send someone to follow Yang Jiaoruo and find out her purpose.
Qu Yi accepted the order and was about to carry it out when Shen Qianxue stopped him again.
"Send people to keep a close eye on the situation at Qilin Pass. If there is no unusual activity at Qilin Pass, we will not move either!"
"And you are, young master?"
"I'm leaving for two days!"
Qu Yi seemed to be deep in thought, but did not press the matter, only saying, "Young master, please go ahead. I will guard the camp well!"
Shen Qianxue nodded. Qilin Pass was easy to defend and difficult to attack, and the enemy would not come out easily, so it would not matter if he left for a few days.
As night deepened, Shen Qianxue left Er County alone on horseback.
A day later, Shen Qianxue arrived at Lishui City, where Su Jinxia was located. He secretly sneaked into the camp and approached the other party's council tent.
"Breaking news: the Hebei army has reached Qilin Pass and may attack it soon," Zhang Qi said.
"This is a good time to fight for Qilin Pass, but it's a pity that Ajin isn't here," Han Qing sighed.
"How about I take a squad of soldiers to see if we can find an opportunity to attack?" Zhang Qi was full of confidence; he had long wanted to attack Qilin Pass.
Han Qing shook his head. "When A Jin left, she said we shouldn't act rashly, especially against Qilin Pass. Qilin Pass is easy to defend and difficult to attack, so let's not get involved for now."
Zhang Qi's arrogance was suppressed. "Alright, what did Master go back to Liuli Mountain for?"
"I don't know, she didn't tell me either, maybe it's related to 'him'!" Han Qing guessed vaguely.
Outside the tent, Shen Qianxue's brows furrowed. Who was he?
However, the discussions inside the tent had ceased.
Shen Qianxue didn't dare to stay in the enemy camp any longer and quietly retreated.
After leaving Lishui, Shen Qianxue's horse wandered aimlessly.
Shen Qianxue's original intention was to use Su Jinxia's help in treating Mai Zizi as an opportunity to meet Su Jinxia, apologize, and thank her.
But why did Su Jinxia also go back?
Yang Jiaoruo and Su Jinxia both headed south... Shen Qianxue felt increasingly uneasy as she thought about it.
Shen Qianxue looked up at a spot in the nearby woods, where a black figure suddenly flew out, landed, and bent down to ask, "What are your orders, Master?"
"Go back and tell Qu Yi that I will be away for a while longer, and tell him to guard Er County and wait for my return!"
"yes!"
The shadowy figure vanished in an instant, and Shen Qianxue flicked her whip and headed south.
At the same time, one person rode at full speed into Lishui.
This man was the one who went to the camp that day to ask Su Jin for the Glazed Blood.
However, this time he wasn't there to collect blood; he was there to deliver a message.
One letter came from Chenxi, and another from Maizizi.
Unfortunately, Su Jin could not receive it.
Ten days later, Shen Qianxue rode back to the foot of Phoenix Pavilion. He planned to go back to the pavilion first, visit Mai Zizi, and then find a way to see Su Jinxia.
Unexpectedly, I received a message from Yang Jiaoruo as soon as I reached the foot of the mountain.
A day ago, Yang Jiaoruo actually entered Liuli Mountain.
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