Chapter 621 The Princess's Plot
At first, although some people secretly guessed that the mysterious woman in white clothes and red silk on the warship might be a master, no one could see clearly how tall she was.
It was not until the Queen of Yu State casually handed out this mighty iron sword that a white dent suddenly appeared on the surface of the river, followed by a loud explosion.
Zuo Tang was so shocked by the mighty sword intent that his drunkenness instantly disappeared and his eyes became clear again.
At the critical moment, the martial arts leader who had dominated the world decades ago used the broken sword in his hand to create an air shield to block 90% of the sword energy.
Even so, he was still frightened and retreated violently.
He no longer cared about the demeanor of his predecessors and almost fled in panic.
…
On the warship.
The female Taoist nun who came from the Tianshi Mansion stared blankly at the empress drawing her sword. She released her spiritual thoughts like water, trying to see through the fox face but failed.
A vague guess arose in her mind, but she was too absurd to be sure, so she just murmured softly:
"Half-step to heaven."
Yes!
Being able to strike with such force with one sword, regardless of the specific realm of this mysterious female worshipper, after all, cultivators of lower realms can also use secret techniques to unleash power beyond their rank.
But judging only by the grade of this sword, it is undoubtedly at the level of a half-step celestial being.
It was for this reason that Zuo Tang had no desire to fight and fled without a care in the world.
Because I know that if I continue to fight, I might even lose my life here.
Jin Jian and Ji Yue were both stunned, the money-loving kid and the socially anxious kid both widened their eyes at the same time:
"You're amazing."
Xu Zhenguan was stunned for a moment, and was left in a state of confusion by the sincere praise from the two.
He threw the iron sword back into Tang Ping's scabbard, deliberately letting his aura drop, and whispered:
"I can't use a sword like this many times."
Was it really activated by a secret technique? Yu Xiu felt relieved.
In her opinion, this makes sense.
It makes sense for the royal family to hide a worldly perfection as a trump card, but it doesn't make sense if it is a half-step celestial being.
"Senior, what is your name?"
Young Master Tang Ping was dumbfounded and completely shocked, and then his eyes showed admiration and awe.
In his opinion, someone with such sword skills was definitely a senior, and perhaps his real age could be his grandmother...
The empress was too lazy to pay attention to him and looked at Zhao Duan who climbed onto the deck:
"Are you okay?"
As long as my wife is here, I will be fine... Zhao Duan cursed in his heart, shook his head, and then said lightly:
"Keep firing, what are you standing there for?"
At this moment, the mighty sword energy on the river has dissipated.
Because of this sword, many small boats capsized. The remaining people in the martial arts world were shocked and speechless. Seeing that Zuo Tang had run away, how could they dare to stay?
Amidst the cries of surprise, everyone scattered like birds and beasts.
"Run! I told you not to come. How dare this Zhao guy come to Binhai Road? Does he not have some hidden weapon?"
Aunt Gu dived into the water, only to regret that her heavy chest was too much resistance.
The man with two swords on his back and the skinny man were also scared to death. They only wished their parents had not given them two more legs. They quickly fled in their boats.
"boom!"
At this time, the soldiers of the Shenjiying Camp on the warship became excited and fired again.
This time, without Zuo Tang to stop them, people were thrown to the ground and boats overturned where the artillery fire fell. The two warships raised their sails and accelerated. The soldiers raised their guns and fired indiscriminately. For a moment, many people in the martial arts world were covered in it, either dead or injured.
However, Zhao Duan only ordered his soldiers to chase them for a while before calling back, and he did not bring any experts to destroy this group of people.
After confirming that the enemy had gone far away, he returned to the cabin on the pretext of recuperation, and Xu Zhenguan followed him alone.
…
Inside the cabin.
After the two of them sat down by the window again, Zhao Duan asked curiously:
"Your Majesty, don't you plan to keep these people from the Jianghu?"
With the Empress's methods, if she had this intention, none of these people would be able to escape.
Xu Zhenguan put down the black scabbard, took off the fox mask, and said calmly:
"It's not necessary. If we kill them all, it will easily scare Xu Wen away."
Zhao Duan sighed softly: "Your Majesty's move just now did not mean to be low-key."
He was also surprised by the Empress's sword move. In Zhao Duan's opinion, Zhen Bao could have found a more low-key way to save him.
Xu Zhenguan shook his head and said, "As long as I can suppress my combat power below that of the gods, the Mysterious Seal will not sense it."
The realm of heaven and man, resonating with heaven and earth.
It is easy to sense the fluctuations in the same environment even though you are thousands of miles away.
When Xu Zhenguan went out, the only person he was worried about was Xuan Yin.
As long as it is not sensed from a distance, with Zhang Yan blocking the secrets and the empress's puppet in the palace, Xuan Yin will not be able to detect it.
As for the spread of relevant news after today's battle... she is even less worried.
"It will take quite some time to send a letter from Binhai to the Western Regions, no matter how fast we go. This is enough time for us to find Xu Wen. What's more, if I show my cultivation, it will help Xu Wen dispel his doubts." The empress explained calmly.
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
"Your Majesty means that Prince Jing, Prince Chen and the others are definitely keeping an eye on me. If I were to charge into Binhai this time without any powerful helpers by my side, and only have Yuxiu and the others, they would become suspicious and think there's a conspiracy.
On the contrary, if Your Majesty reveals this move today, those hiding in the dark will think that Zuo Tang forced me to reveal my trump card...
On the other hand, it's reasonable for me to have a helper who can burst out with combat power comparable to that of a Half-Step Heavenly Man Realm. This will make people more convinced that I do have the confidence to come to Binhai, and it will also make them feel at ease, as if they have seen through my trump card...
And a suspected half-step celestial being is not enough to frighten Prince Jing and others into fleeing."
The empress was stunned for a moment, looked at him strangely, and said unhappily:
"Did you guess what I was thinking?"
No, this is just a mutual understanding between husband and wife... Zhao Duan said modestly:
"I just thought of this. Your Majesty's every move is indeed full of profound meaning, and I am inferior to you."
Although the Empress knew that he was lying to flatter the Emperor, she still felt relieved. After thinking for a moment, she said:
"Besides, is there another reason why I didn't kill him?"
"oh?"
The Empress asked, "Do you think Zuo Tang and his group were really sent by Prince Chen?"
Zhao Duan blinked: "Your Majesty, do you think so?"
The Empress shook her head and said:
“It’s hard to say, but based on my understanding of Uncle Chen’s character, it’s not something he would do.
Besides, what's the point?
King Chen would never be so naive as to think that he could persuade you to go back with just a bunch of gangsters. What's the point of making a fuss here other than exacerbating the conflict?
On the contrary, if this person was sent by Qingshan, or if Xu Wen secretly instructed Qingshan to send someone to test you, it would make sense.
Furthermore, this group of people are clearly using the name of King Chen, and they also intend to stir up conflict between you and King Chen."
Zhao Duan suddenly realized:
"Your Majesty, are you saying that if this is truly Xu Wen's doing, then if we act too harshly, we'll only drive Prince Chen into a complete rebellion? Instead of that, why not just give him a minor punishment? Your Majesty is wise!"
Well, a smart subordinate should know not to appear too smart.
It's not a good idea to completely guess your boss's thoughts. Yang Xiu in the Three Kingdoms is an example...
Therefore, after demonstrating his intelligence, Zhao Duan would leave some things that he had not "understood" for his leader to display. This was his habitual practice.
The Empress was indeed greatly pleased with him. She looked at him with more favor. After thinking for a moment, she said:
"However, after such a commotion, I'm afraid Wu Xiankui is more likely to join the war."
Zhao Duan said calmly, "It's a good opportunity to settle all the old and new grudges together."
The empress also laughed.
In the past at Luoshan, she was defeated by Wu Xiankui, but now she has been promoted to the level of a celestial being and obtained Taizu's cultivation notes. Her cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent days.
She calculated the days and said softly:
"According to calculations, this spring and summer will be the day when the once-in-a-century battle will truly begin."
After a pause, she cut off the topic and said:
"Well, where's the next stop?"
Zhao Duan said:
"Yutou Mountain. As expected, King Chen should be there too. King Huai'an has property there and has sent word in advance that he will receive us."
Xu Zhenguan said "hmm" softly, his eyes drifting out the porthole, wondering what he was thinking.
…
…
Yutou Mountain is not an official place name, but a common name among the people.
In fact, the area where Yutou Mountain is located is a huge island called "Daluo Island".
Because the island is located in a key river system, it is a place where passing merchant ships resupply. Over time, it has developed a prosperous trade.
On this huge island, with Yutou Mountain as its main pillar, there are houses and shops scattered around it, which together form a big town.
At this moment, on Daluo Island, in the courtyard of a mansion.
A middle-aged couple, who looked very noble, sat facing each other in the pavilion in the courtyard, playing chess to relieve their boredom.
The man was dressed in fine clothes and had an elegant appearance, but his brow was full of sorrow. He was none other than King Chen of Binhai.
Opposite the man was a beautiful woman with graceful manners, wearing a silk dress, with black hair and a beautiful face. In her arms, she was holding a raccoon.
"Alas, I'm afraid I'm going to lose this game. Madam is a superb chess player, no less skilled than the imperial attendants in the palace. Playing against me is truly a bully."
King Chen considered for a long time, reluctantly placed a chess piece, and exclaimed in admiration.
Princess Chen is indeed not a simple person.
Among the many princesses of the Yu Kingdom, she is also the best.
She was born into a prominent family and had been proficient in playing the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting since she was a child. She was quite famous for her virtue.
Including marrying King Chen, it is said that it was not her parents' order but her own decision.
After entering the Chen Wang Mansion, within a year, this princess who was as shrewd as Wang Xifeng in the Dream of Red Mansions completely controlled all the affairs in the palace, and everyone in the mansion was convinced of her.
Even King Chen was impressed:
With the lady's talent, there is nothing wrong with governing a region or serving as a provincial governor. It's a pity that she can only manage a small palace, which is a waste of her talent.
Princess Chen, however, was devoted to her husband and children, strictly observing the rules. Perhaps Prince Chen was a soft and indecisive man to begin with, and after having a strong and capable wife, he took the initiative to delegate much of his authority to the princess.
Within three to five years, the princess was in charge of all matters, big or small, in the Chen Wang Mansion, and the Chen Wang was given the elegant title of "the leisurely prince".
At this time, some people realized it later and suddenly woke up:
When Princess Chen was still waiting to be married, she chose Prince Chen, probably because she was attracted by his personality.
"My husband, you're joking. He's just worried about the affairs of the world and has no time to be distracted by this chess game..."
Princess Chen said with a smile, secretly pinching the curled-up sleeping cat slave.
The raccoon cat meowed, jumped up, jumped onto the chessboard, and swept the black and white chess pieces all over the floor.
"Ah," Princess Chen pretended to be regretful and hit the cat on the head in a scolding manner, sighing:
"I wanted to defeat my husband once, but it didn't work."
"You..." King Chen laughed dumbly, shook his head, and sighed again.
The princess blinked and asked, "Your Highness, are you still worried about Zhao Duan?"
King Chen frowned:
"When Xu Wen returned from Qingshan and wanted to see me, I hid as soon as possible.
As a result, Zhao Duan led his troops to attack again. Although my Chen Wangfu has an army that is good at water warfare and can defend this coastal area, we are not afraid.
But there are few masters of cultivation. I have spent a lot of effort to win over many people from the martial arts world, but how can these martial artists obey me?
Lately, they've even ignored the palace's summons. I wonder what they're gathering for. Da Qingshan is on Xu Wen's side, and Zhao Duan has a plethora of experts under his command... We're caught in the middle, so how can we not be worried?
Princess Chen casually picked up the chess piece, a shrewd look in her eyes:
"Why should your Highness be anxious? My Binhai has no foundation for conquering the world. Now that two dragons have come together, we can just play along and let them fight it out. At worst, after the winner is decided, we can follow the example of the Prince of Huai'an and submit to his service.
The Western Regions are now unstable. Whether the imperial court wins or Prince Jing wins, they will have to face the troubles in the Western Regions.
At this time, everyone will tend to take over the Coastal Road in a smooth manner and will not insist on a life-and-death struggle."
King Chen nodded, took the woman's hand, and said with emotion:
"Madam, you're right. But how do we get these two dragons to fight each other? Instead of both putting pressure on us at the same time? I've been thinking about this for several days, but I still have no idea."
Princess Chen smiled but said nothing.
At this moment, suddenly, footsteps were heard outside the yard, followed by the voices of subordinates outside the gate:
"Your Majesty, urgent news from the front!"
"Come in!" King Chen stood up suddenly with a serious expression.
The gate opened and an official walked in, looking hurried and panicked.
"Your Highness, I just received news that the Drunken Sword Immortal Zuo Tang has brought over a hundred people from the Jianghu to intercept Zhao Duan. They claim that they have received instructions from Your Highness and are demanding that Zhao Duan lead his troops away from Binhai Road."
"What?!" King Chen was shocked, with an annoyed look on his face:
"How dare Zuo Tang falsely convey my order? Why did I ask them to intercept Zhao Duan? Isn't this..."
Then he hurriedly said:
"Quick! Send someone to the front line to intercept Zuo Tang and inform Zhao Duan..."
The official took a breath and said:
"It's too late! By the time we got the news, the fighting had already ended."
"..." King Chen was stunned for a moment, and asked blankly: "Who won?"
Officials said:
"Zuo Tang was badly defeated and left with serious injuries. The remaining hundreds of warriors were either killed or wounded, nearly a third of them. The rest fled back and are now scattered and hiding. No trace has been found."
Prince Chen was confused again. He sat down on the stool, looking at the beautiful princess holding the raccoon beside him subconsciously, and smiled sadly:
"Madam...what you fear will come true. That Zhao man is vindictive and will probably cause trouble for me first."
However, Princess Chen remained calm, still picking up the chess pieces calmly, holding the cat and smiling, saying:
"Your Highness, why are you so anxious? With Zhao Duan's intelligence, I'm afraid he'll think Xu Wen instructed Qingshan to forge the order."
King Chen was stunned for a moment, then suddenly seemed to understand something and took a deep breath:
"Madam, Zuo Tang and the others..."
Princess Chen said "yes" politely, smiling gently, "I instructed them to go."
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
