Chapter 621 The Princess's Plot
Chapter 621 The Princess's Plot
At first, although some people secretly speculated that the mysterious woman in white 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 in amazement at the empress drawing her sword. She released her spiritual thoughts like water, trying to see through the fox face but failed.
She had a vague guess in her mind, but she was too absurd to be sure, so she just murmured softly:
"Half-step heavenly being."
Yes!
Being able to create such a powerful strike with one sword, regardless of the specific realm of this mysterious female worshipper, after all, cultivators of lower realms can use secret techniques to generate power that exceeds their rank.
But judging from the grade of this sword alone, it is undoubtedly at the level of a half-step celestial being.
It was for this reason that Zuo Tang had no intention of fighting and fled without any dignity.
Because I know that if I continue to fight, I might even lose my life here.
Jin Jian and Ji Yue were both confused, and the money-grubber and the social-phobic person both widened their eyes at the same time:
"You are so awesome."
Xu Zhenguan was stunned for a moment, and was left in tears and amused 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's a half-step celestial being.
"What is your name, senior?"
Young Master Tang Ping was dumbfounded and completely shocked, and then admiration and awe appeared in his eyes.
In his opinion, someone with such sword skills must be a senior, and maybe her real age can 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 exclamations, 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 trump card?"
Aunt Gu dived into the water, only to regret that her heavy chest provided too much resistance.
The man with two swords on his back and the skinny man were also terrified and wished their parents had not given them two more legs. They quickly fled on 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. For a moment, many people in the martial arts world were covered, 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 the group of people.
After confirming that the enemy had gone far away, he returned to the cabin on the pretext of recuperating, and Xu Zhenguan followed him alone.
……
In the cabin.
When the two of them sat down by the porthole again, Zhao Duan asked curiously:
"Your Majesty, don't you plan to keep these people from the Jianghu?"
With the Empress's means, 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. In Zhao Duan's opinion, Zhenbao could have 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 detect it.
As for the spread of relevant news after today's battle...she is even less worried.
"It will take a long 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 Xuwen. What's more, if I show my skills, Xuwen will dispel his doubts." The empress explained calmly.
Zhao Duan smiled and said:
“Your Majesty means that Prince Jing, Prince Chen and others must be keeping an eye on me. If I go to Binhai this time without any powerful helpers around me, and only have Yuxiu and a few others, they will become suspicious and think there is 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...
It is reasonable for me to have a helper who can burst out a combat power comparable to that of a half-step heavenly being. It will make people more convinced that I do have the confidence to come to Binhai, and it will also make them feel at ease and feel that they have seen through my trump card...
And a suspected half-step celestial being is not enough to scare 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 it. Your Majesty's every move is indeed full of profound intentions. I am not as good as you."
Although the empress knew that he was lying to flatter the emperor, she still felt much more relieved. After thinking for a while, 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 intensifying 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.
Moreover, this group of people are clearly using the name of King Chen, and they also intend to stir up a conflict between you and King Chen."
Zhao Duan suddenly realized:
"Your Majesty, are you saying that if this is really Xu Wen's doing, then we are too harsh and will force Prince Chen to rebel completely? Instead of doing that, why not just give him a small punishment for the time being? Your Majesty is wise!"
Well, a smart subordinate should know not to appear too smart.
It is not a good thing to completely guess your boss's thoughts. Yang Xiu in the Three Kingdoms is an example... Therefore, after showing his intelligence, Zhao Duan habitually leaves some things that he has not "understood" for his leader to play.
The empress really enjoyed it, and looked at him with more favor. After thinking for a while, 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 new and old grudges together."
The empress also laughed.
In the past at Luoshan, she was defeated by Wu Xiankui, but now she has been promoted to a celestial being and obtained Taizu's practice notes. During this period, her practice has advanced by leaps and bounds.
She calculated the days and said softly:
"According to calculation, this spring and summer is the day when the once-in-a-century battle will truly begin."
After a pause, she cut off the topic and said:
"Forget it, where is the next stop?"
Zhao Duan said:
"Yutou Mountain. As expected, King Chen should be there too. King Huai'an has property here and has sent someone to pass on the message in advance that he will receive us."
Xu Zhenguan said "hmm" softly, his eyes drifting out the porthole, wondering what he was thinking about.
……
……
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 replenish their supplies. Over time, a prosperous trade has developed here.
On this huge island, with Yutou Mountain as its main pillar, there are mansions and shops scattered around it, forming a big town.
At this moment, on Daluo Island, in the courtyard of a mansion.
A middle-aged couple who looked very noble sat opposite 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 brows were full of sorrow. He was none other than King Chen of Binhai.
Opposite the man was a beautiful woman with elegant manners, wearing a silk dress, with black hair and a beautiful face. In her arms, she was holding a cat.
"Alas, I am afraid that I will lose this game. Madam is a very skilled chess player, not inferior to the imperial chess players in the palace. Playing against me is really 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 State, she is second to none.
She was born into a prominent family and had been proficient in playing the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting since she was young, and had a good reputation.
Including marrying King Chen, it is said that it was not her parents' orders but her own decision.
After entering Chen Wang Mansion, within a year, this princess who was as shrewd as Wang Xifeng in Dream of Red Mansions completely controlled all the affairs in the mansion, and everyone in the mansion was convinced.
Even King Chen was amazed:
With your talent, there is nothing wrong with you governing a region or serving as a provincial governor. It's a pity that you can only manage a small palace, which is a waste of your talent.
Princess Chen was devoted to her husband and children, and strictly followed the rules. Perhaps it was because Prince Chen was a soft and timid person, and after having a strong and talented wife, he took the initiative to share a lot of power with the princess.
Within three to five years, the princess consort 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 idle prince".
At this time, some people who were interested suddenly realized and woke up:
When Princess Chen was still waiting to be married, she chose Prince Chen, probably because she was attracted by his character.
"My husband is joking. He is 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, hit the cat on the head in a reproachful manner, and sighed:
"I wanted to defeat my husband once, but it didn't work."
"You..." King Chen laughed in silence, shook his head, and sighed again.
The princess blinked and asked, "Your Majesty, are you still worried about Zhao Duan?"
King Chen frowned:
"When Xu Wen came back from Qingshan and wanted to see me, I tried to hide from him.
As a result, Zhao Du'an led his troops to attack again with great force. Although my Chen Wang Mansion 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 be obedient?
Recently, they even ignored the summons from the palace. I don't know what they are doing together. Da Qingshan is on Xu Wen's side, and Zhao Duan has many experts under his command... We are caught in the middle, how can we not worry?"
Princess Chen picked up the chess piece nonchalantly, a shrewd look flashing across her eyes:
"Why should your Highness be anxious? Binhai does not have the foundation to dominate the world. Now that two dragons have come together, we can just pretend to be friendly and let the two sides fight. At worst, after the winner is decided, we can learn from the King of Huai'an and join the army.
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 stable manner, and will not insist on fighting to the death."
King Chen nodded, took the woman's hand, and said with emotion:
"Madam, what you said is correct. But how can we make these two dragons fight each other? Instead of both of them putting pressure on us at the same time? I have 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 Majesty, I just received news that the Drunken Sword Immortal Zuo Tang brought hundreds of people from the martial arts world to intercept Zhao Duan, and claimed that he had received instructions from your Majesty and asked Zhao Duan to lead his troops away from Binhai Road."
"What?!" King Chen was shocked, with an angry look on his face:
"How could this be possible? 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! When we got the news, the two sides had already finished fighting."
"..." King Chen was stunned and asked blankly: "Who won?"
The official said:
"Zuo Tang was badly defeated and left with serious injuries. The remaining hundreds of warriors were either dead or injured, with nearly one-third of them lost. The rest fled back and are now scattered and hiding, and have disappeared without a trace."
Prince Chen was confused again, and sat down on the stool. He looked at the beautiful princess who was holding the raccoon beside him subconsciously, and smiled miserably:
"Madam...what you fear will come true. That Zhao guy is vindictive and will probably cause trouble for me first."
However, Princess Chen looked calm, still picking up the chess pieces calmly, holding the cat and smiling:
"Your Highness, why should you be so anxious? With Zhao Duan's wisdom, I'm afraid he will think that Xu Wen instructed Qingshan to falsely pass on the order."
King Chen was stunned for a moment, and suddenly seemed to understand something. He took a deep breath:
"Madam, Zuo Tang and the others are..."
Princess Chen said "yes" obediently, smiling gently: "It was my concubine who instructed them to go."
(End of this chapter)