Just as Qian Qiu was stunned and didn't know how to react, the handsome man smiled and spoke.
"Commander Qian's ability to get here truly does not disappoint me."
“Gu Yan…” Qian Qiu gripped the knife tightly in his hand, “These prison guards… did you kill them?”
"As the jailers in charge of the imperial prison, their abilities have truly disappointed me," Gu Yan said with a smile. "But considering they are Commander Qian's men, it's not surprising at all."
Qian Qiu ignored his taunts and slowly moved backward. "You couldn't have killed them. Your swordsmanship is injured, and the wounds from when you stabbed yourself haven't healed yet. These jailers are all skilled fighters from the military camp. How could you possibly kill them all?!"
"I don't need to lift a finger."
"If you didn't do it, did they kill each other?"
"Commander Qian's guess is correct."
Chief Qian was startled. "What did you say?"
Gu Yan put down his teacup, his index finger lightly touching the rim, and said with a gentle smile, "Commander Qian, do you know who is the easiest to control?"
Qian Qiu remained silent.
“They are people with relatives and friends,” Gu Yan said. “My people know exactly where these people were born and who their families are. If they don’t die, their families will. Perhaps some people are afraid of death, but there are quite a few people in this world who are willing to sacrifice themselves for their loved ones, aren’t there?”
Qian Qiu felt a sudden, inexplicable fear. "You mean... they killed each other to prevent you from harming their families?"
"Commander Qian also thinks that family ties are quite foolish, but sometimes they are surprisingly useful. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Commander Qian." Gu Yan smiled slightly, "I know very well who is around Commander Qian and who they can't let go of."
"What...do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is, if it weren't for Commander Qian still being useful to me, you would have already become fertilizer in my backyard." Gu Yan kindly reminded him, "Commander Qian, you can't back down any further. If you do, the people behind you will probably cut off your legs."
Qian Qiu subconsciously turned around and saw that the four palace maids of the Empress, who should have been locked up, were standing behind him. Unlike their usual submissive or lively demeanor, they were all very indifferent at this moment, as if they regarded him as a dead man.
With Gu Yan in front and the four of them behind him, Qian Qiu knew he had nowhere to retreat. But at this moment, he calmed down considerably and stopped thinking about finding a way to escape. He faced Gu Yan and said, "Prince Qian said I am still useful. I wonder what my use is?"
"Leading troops in rebellion and imprisoning His Majesty—isn't that exactly what Commander Qian is good for?"
Qian Qiu suddenly relaxed, "If Your Highness also aspires to the throne, then I can now guarantee that I will not only not be an obstacle to Your Highness, but also an aid to Your Highness."
"The throne?" Gu Yan's lips curled slightly. "Commander Qian is mistaken. I have no interest in the throne."
Chief Qian's heart tightened again. "What exactly does His Highness mean?"
“Didn’t I tell you? You led troops in rebellion and imprisoned His Majesty, which is why I kept you here.” Gu Yan stood up and slowly walked to Qian Qiu. His phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed, exuding an indescribable charm. He said in an appreciative tone, “If it weren’t for Commander Qian, how could His Majesty have witnessed me willingly harming myself to protect her?”
The tenderness in his eyes was so extreme it was almost unsettling.
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