Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Yang Si rode forward to ask, “Does the lord already know who the mastermind is? What is the reason behind his actions? Why did he want to assassinate the lord?”
What was the reason?
Jiang Pengji smirked coldly and said, “This assassination attempt was neither against Xu Bei nor Xu Fei, it was directed at your lord. The target was me, not anyone else, it was never meant for anyone else. Xu Bei and Xu Fei were innocent bystanders who suffered misfortune for naught. Who would have expected them to be so unlucky that they would be around when it happened? Speaking of which, that assassin’s martial arts skills were such a shame, his ability unimpressive… He only possessed basic skills, yet he dared to assassinate me? That was a complete waste of my time.”
It had never crossed Yang Si’s mind that the assassin had truly been after his lord’s life.
Could it be the lord’s enemy?
At this thought, he felt anxious in his heart. “Regarding this matter… should we report it to the Old Master?”
“There is no need, I can handle it. If we report it to my father, it will only unnecessarily cause another person to worry on my behalf.”
He sighed and uncontrollably reminded her, “Please don’t be stubborn, my lord, your safety is of the utmost importance.”
“I know.”
Yang Si was deeply aware that he couldn’t convince her. Thus, he temporarily put this matter aside to be discussed at another time.
He changed his perspective and pitied the Xu brothers somewhat; they’d suffered an unexpected misfortune.
…I suddenly thought of something… The Xu brothers are indeed quite pitiful. They might break their bonds over this matter…”
When Yang Si uttered these words, he did some degree of rejoicing over their misfortune. His facial expression was full of the desire to witness the show unfold.
Don’t deem him as heartless. After all, one is loyal to his own master. It wasn’t going overboard no matter what he did.
As for the strategist, weren’t they in a position to exploit the misfortune of others for their own benefit?
“The Xu brothers appear to be harmonious outwardly, but their infighting is getting increasingly aggressive. Even without this matter, it’s only a matter of time before Xu Bei and Xu Fei’s fight gets out of hand. As for whether their relationship will be irreconcilable or not, kekeke, the clan leader of the Xu family is aged. How many more years does he have to live? If he remains alive, Xu Bei and Xu Fei’s fight will stay under control. However, if he dies and the Xu family has yet to choose a successor who can earn the respect of everyone, this pair of cousins will surely engage in a deadly fight.” Jiang Pengji calmly analyzed the situation, then added, “The Xu family has a rich heritage, they could become our biggest enemy in the future. Now that we have a chance to step on their foot, it’d be a pity if we missed it. I separate my personal and official affairs well. Our private relationship may be close, but official relations cannot be neglected.”
She and Xu Bei shared a close “private relationship,” but in official matters, she still had to take it seriously.
Yang Si was moved and asked her, “Then how about the alliance meeting? Will you support Xu Bei?”
Jiang Pengji laughed as she shook her head. “Of course I will support him. Your lord is trustworthy and keeps her words, I will not go back on my words.”
As for that laid back, unambitious gang, the same would be true no matter who they supported.
If supporting Xu Bei could magnify her gains, why wouldn’t she support him?
The campsite of the alliance army extended more than 330,000 feet. Their fame and power were vast, causing them to surge with great momentum.
The chilly wind blew the banner continually. Jiang Pengji returned to her campsite discreetly, her mind filled with many thoughts.
“I just heard that my lord was almost assassinated last night! Were you injured?”
Having heard of Jiang Pengji’s return, Feng Zhen rushed over hastily. When he saw that she was fine, his worried expression calmed somewhat.
Jiang Pengji got off her horse, passing the reins to her guard as she turned to face Feng Zhen.
“I forgot to bring you wine, please don’t be angry.”
Feng Zhen was stunned. Shortly after when he understood her underlying meaning, he was almost melancholic.
In times like this, who cared about wine?
“Relax, I didn’t sustain any injuries. We gained a lot from this trip; I will tell you about it all in detail when we return to the tent.” As she spoke, she walked in the direction of her tent. She thought of something half-way and turned to ask Feng Zhen, “You mentioned just now… that you just heard that I was almost assassinated last night, yes?”
Feng Zhen replied, “Exactly, I was about to rush over to Xu Bei’s camp. I didn’t realize you were already back…”
She thought it over and realized that it was Xu Bei who had suppressed the news.
If the matter was not settled and the news was leaked, it would attract the attention of the big boss, Liu She. Xu Bei would have no ability to withstand his presence.
“Send someone to pass a letter to my father to inform him that I have returned safely. The assassin last night did not injure me. Please tell him not to worry.”
Feng Zhen bowed respectfully, summoning a soldier to send news to the neighboring camp where Liu She resided.
When Liu She received the news from the solider, his nervous heart was finally eased. He relaxed his brows.
He signaled to the soldier who’d delivered the letter and said, “Go and receive your reward.”
His daughter had overcome the disaster and she was now safe. Indeed, he should reward the news bearer with a handsome reward.
Liu She cast his sight towards the sky outside his tent. His brows were so knitted that they nearly formed a knot.
He knew the insider information better than Yang Si. Naturally, he knew the assassination attempt hadn’t been directed against the Xu brothers. The true target had obviously been Jiang Pengji.
“It is good that she is safe. Ah Min, if your spirit hears this, you must protect her well…”
Liu She rubbed his palms together to generate heat, then heaved a huge sigh of relief. The air that proceeded from his mouth coalesced to form a white fog that ascended into the air.
In this world, there was only one woman who hated this pair of “father and son” to the core. He could think of no one else.
“Unless that foolish woman came to her senses and let it go, she has finally discovered Empress Chen’s identity! She only figured it out after so many years… Ha!”
Liu She mocked her softly, then spoke to himself. His voice was so soft that it couldn’t be heard.
“What a pity, she was one step behind in her assassination attempt. At present, Lanting isn’t a puppet that can be manipulated by anyone.”
A faint smile appeared as he curled his lips. Even his eyes became tender and deep as he envisioned another world.
“Ah Min, wait a while more. When Lanting ascends to that position, your husband’s wish will be fulfilled. Our family will be reunited…”
It was unknown who these words were directed at, or if they were meant for someone who had passed on.
The story has unfolded into two paths. Let’s unveil them one by one.
Xu Bei volunteered himself for the assignment. He contacted a large proportion of the powers gathered among the alliance army. This move angered his all-time enemy and caused unrest in Xu Fei’s heart.
What caused his anxiety levels to increase came thereafter. He received reports from an informer that Liu She’s son, Liu Xi, had met with an assassin at Xu Bei’s camp last night.
When this news reached him, his first reaction was to rejoice. Xu Bei was in big trouble now!
However, after hearing the analysis by his strategist in his tent, Xu Fei trembled with fear. His state of mind was chaotic, causing him to feel momentarily lost about what should be done.
Liu Xi had met with an assassin. That would be fine if she was already dead.
Unfortunately, the assassination attempt had failed. Who would be the biggest suspect?
Needless to say, this flying pot from the heavens was directly tagged onto Xu Fei. Even if he made a hundred excuses, he would not be able to explain himself.
If Xu Bei fell, he would benefit from it the most. As such, he had a motive and was a suspect. He had no choice but to bear this burden.
The same problem emerged again. From Xu Fei’s perspective, this must be an act directed by his elder cousin, Xu Bei.
“Xu Bei, that hypocrite, is truly hateful. He has framed me and shifted the blame to me for no reason. What a great act! The true thief shouting about catching another thief!”
When Xu Fei received this news, he was raging mad.
He stayed in his tent and paced back and forth, the friction creating a hole in the ground.
