Jiang Luoxi knew Zhan Tianyu’s methods well, her delicate face turning ashen.
Her red lips also lost their color.
After leaving his side for years, she had almost forgotten how truly terrifying the Ning King, so gentle and courteous in the eyes of others, actually was.
Only those who had survived by his side knew for sure.
“This concubine admits she had improper thoughts about the Night King before. However, I have pulled back from the brink and realized clearly that the Night King can only remain a cripple forever, unable to stand. No matter how captivating his appearance, one cannot ignore that he is a cripple. Therefore, those uncontrolled thoughts from before have vanished completely,” Jiang Luoxi calmly defended herself.
She knew all too well that he was not someone easily deceived.
Everything she possessed was given by him.
Zhan Tianyu was satisfied with Jiang Luoxi’s tact and intelligence. “When you served by my side before, I knew you would never settle for mediocrity. As long as you do not betray me, I will ensure you keep what you have now.”
Jiang Luoxi’s back stiffened. How could she forget that the assassins she controlled were all bestowed upon her by him?
For years, he had been secretly playing a grand game.
Perhaps, even now, no one could imagine that many of the events that had unfolded in the capital were orchestrated by him.
The Regent’s rapid demise, the chronic ailments that had tormented him for years – all stemmed from Zhan Tianyu’s machinations. He had long since filled the capital with his spies.
If the situation in the capital hadn’t shifted, why would he have arrived so quickly?
This game could have continued for several more years, and he would have returned as emperor. However, recently, many things seemed to be spiraling out of his control.
“Your Highness, please rest assured,” Jiang Luoxi replied in a low voice, lowering her head.
Zhan Tianyu released his hand, then stood with his hands behind his back, gazing up at the sky. “Find an opportunity to conceive a child with the Night King.”
“Who? The Night King?” Jiang Luoxi sounded as if she had heard something unbelievable.
“I suspect he also intends to leave the capital. If he does, my next steps will lack legitimacy. If you can conceive his son, the Emperor will be forced to break ties with him, and scandals will spread throughout the land. Then, whatever I do will be seen as heeding the will of the people,” Zhan Tianyu calculated shrewdly.
Every pawn on his board was utilized to its fullest extent.
Jiang Luoxi’s face turned ghastly pale. “The Night King is extremely wary of me, and even Yun Shu guards against me. I fear I may not even be able to enter the Night King’s chambers.”
Besides, how could the Night King possibly allow her to succeed?
Zhan Tianyu’s smile faded, but his voice remained gentle. “Nothing is absolute. You took the wrong path before. Leave this matter to me to handle.”
“Your Highness! There must be other ways!” Jiang Luoxi was frantic.
Zhan Tianyu lost his patience, his gaze deepening. “Have you become disobedient after being away from my side for so long?”
Jiang Luoxi had not feared anyone in years, yet this was the first time in a long while she felt apprehension. “The Night King will not fall for such a ploy easily. Over the years, countless women must have tried to drug him, yet besides Yun Shu, none have succeeded.”
“Yun Shu…” Zhan Tianyu murmured the name softly.
“She is likely not the true Yun Shu. Once my people arrive, her true identity will be revealed.” He had already made his plans.
Nothing in the capital escaped his grasp.
Jiang Luoxi bit her lip tightly. He had not relented, and it seemed he was determined to send her into a tiger’s den!
To conceive the Night King’s child as the Emperor’s favored concubine – how was that different from the recently deceased Empress Dowager?
The Night King was far more terrifying than the Regent!
She doubted she could complete this task.
“Relax, this is a plan orchestrated by myself. Focus on completing the mission; nothing else is important,” Zhan Tianyu said, noticing Jiang Luoxi’s daze and paling face. He set aside his thoughts and cautioned her with a smile.
Jiang Luoxi lowered her head and agreed.
…
General’s Estate.
Yun Changfeng sighed deeply, a hint of anger in his voice. “The Emperor actually believes I desire rewards.”
“Resigning from office will not be easy. Father, please do not be angry about this,” Yun Shu gently persuaded, hoping Yun Changfeng would understand.
Yun Changfeng, having lived to his age, understood matters clearly, but the Emperor’s attitude had undoubtedly chilled him. “Father knows. Alas!”
Looking at the three little ones playing nearby, he became even more determined. “No matter how difficult this is, Father will give it his all. We must leave the capital.”
Yun Shu also looked at her three sons, her thoughts in a whirlwind. “Perhaps someone will help Father resign. Ning King has been making many moves these past two days.”
Upon hearing Ning King’s name, Yun Changfeng keenly sensed something and sneered, “When the jackal is gone, the leopard appears.”
“Ning King hides deeper than the Regent,” Yun Shu said, a slight curl to her lips.
If it weren’t for Xie Jin uncovering some information about Zhan Tianyu and Jiang Luoxi, they would never have imagined these two were still entangled.
Furthermore, Bai Chun had secretly met with Zhan Tianyu. Even though Zhan Tianyu hadn't worn a mask and hadn't deliberately lowered his voice, Bai Chun had recognized him by his build.
For years, Zhan Tianyu was the one who had secretly incited Bai Chun to believe the Night King was his enemy.
Yun Changfeng frowned. “If Ning King is truly backed by Xixia, then the Emperor is inviting a tiger into his mountain.”
Yun Shu’s eyes flickered, but she said nothing.
Yun Changfeng sighed again. The Emperor believed he had grown strong enough to manipulate anyone and control the situation, but he didn't realize that one wrong step would lead to a cascade of errors! He had served the Eastern Ning Kingdom for many years and did not wish to see it suffer.
But now, his words would not be heeded by the Emperor.
In the dead of night.
Zhan Tianye arrived on the wind.
In the capital, apart from Yun Shu and Yun Changfeng’s household, no one knew he could stand again.
The guards and spies surrounding the Night King’s estate were unable to stop him from leaving, nor could they track his movements.
He arrived at the General’s Estate silently.
Yun Shu’s eyes suddenly snapped open.
The next moment, the figure that had suddenly appeared was by her bedside and leaning down, pressing his lips to hers.
Yun Shu raised her hand to retaliate but caught the scent of the person.
Her cheeks flushed.
“Why have you come so suddenly?” she asked, her breath unsteady, after he finally released her lips.
Hearing her alluring voice, Zhan Tianye’s heart grew warm. The faint fragrance of her soft hair filled his nose, making him somewhat flustered. His self-control had been deteriorating recently.
When it was late and quiet, and he was about to sleep, her image would appear in his mind, causing a heat to surge through him.
He longed to hold her.
This thought had become increasingly frequent in the past few days.