Chapter 122. 2: Continuation

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaoshi looked at her with a firm expression and determined gaze, knowing she was not speaking lightly.

Suddenly, a rush of immense joy surged in his heart. Wasn’t this the opportunity he had long dreamed of to achieve great things?

Compared to Li Hao’s vague words and false kindness, this young princess before him seemed much more reliable.

To be able to win over such a loyal and skilled warrior, she surely had her exceptional qualities. And after a few days, the princess’s performance had been commendable.

She was calm and composed in handling matters, had a grand vision, and was full of resolve.

If not seizing the opportunity now, then when?

Without any more hesitation, he immediately knelt and pledged, “I, your humble servant, accept the command!”

Dong Yun personally helped him up and said, “With General Zhang’s help, Mingyue will no longer worry about being forced to flee.”

At this moment, Zhang Xiaoshi had set his goal and was filled with excitement. He responded resolutely, “Princess, do not worry. As long as I, Zhang Xiaoshi, am here, I will never let the princess suffer from being displaced again.”

The other woman, Liu Ji, was left stunned, her eyes wide. What had just happened? How had her man become the princess’s person? But at this moment, she had no chance to speak and could only silently stand at the back as a mere bystander.

Dong Yun then asked, “You went to Daliushu Village under the orders of Li’s father and daughter, but why is there such a discrepancy between you and Bai Choushen?”

Bai Choushen longed to claim Dong Yun for himself, yet Zhang Xiaoshi had not yet made any excessive moves.

Zhang Xiaoshi hurriedly explained, “Princess may have heard that there are currently two major factions in Xisai: one is the imperial army stationed there, led by Li Hao. Though they are under the court’s control, the emperor’s power is weakening, and most of them have aligned themselves with the Li family, already becoming Li Hao’s people.”

“The other faction is the Xisai army led by the Eldest Princess, which only takes orders from the King of Xisai. These two forces balance each other out, but because of the… relationship between Li Yue’e and the Eldest Princess…”

Upon hearing the word “relationship,” Dong Yun frowned.

Zhang Xiaoshi cleared his throat and continued, “Because of this, these two armies are likely to merge. Once they do, they will be able to target the Beijing.”

“But the issue of who will lead after the merger is a major one. Although Li Hao is the leader of the stationed army, he is ambitious and secretly colludes with various forces in the Central Plains, trying to stir up chaos to fish in troubled waters. I am part of a group secretly contacted by him. Li Hao has promised that once this succeeds, titles and official positions will be granted.”

“But the Eldest Princess is not someone who can be easily manipulated. Over the years, she has maintained a delicate relationship with the stationed army, seemingly open to merging, but whenever it comes to military power, things always fall through.”

“Because of Li Yue’e, both sides have maintained peace over the years. However, there have been conflicts between Li’s father and daughter. Li Yue’e is close to the Eldest Princess, and if the Eldest Princess gains power, her son will naturally benefit.”

Dong Yun laughed coldly upon hearing this. “Li Yue’e wants to become the Empress Dowager! But Li Hao still has a son. In his eyes, no matter how close a grandson is, he cannot compare to his own son. How could he possibly give the kingdom he fought hard for to a grandson with a different surname? If such a day ever comes, with the Eldest Princess’s strong hand, she will undoubtedly become the regent, and Li Hao will have nothing to do with it. Of course, he wouldn’t want to do such a thankless task!”

Zhang Xiaoshi nodded in agreement. “What the princess says is absolutely right.”

Dong Yun said, “There isn’t even a plan yet, but some shameless people are already striving to be the Empress Dowager and the regent. But what does that have to do with me? Why did Li’s father and daughter send you to capture me?”

Zhang Xiaoshi replied, “It is naturally because of the position of heir.”

Dong Yun raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Perhaps the princess has forgotten your relationship with the Eldest Princess?”

Dong Yun sneered and did not answer.

“Now in Xisai, the Eldest Princess’s power is gradually surpassing the others. Li Yue’e is happy to see this, as she can share the fruits of that power. But although the Eldest Princess has no sons or daughters, she has you, her niece. You are of royal blood, and if the Eldest Princess ascends, you would rightfully become the crown princess. Now that Yuwen Jing is causing chaos in the world, everyone is against him, and rumors are spreading that his position is illegitimate. There are even prophecies from the Holy Monk stating that you, Princess, are the true destined ruler. How can Li Yue’e not be anxious?”

Dong Yun understood immediately. She laughed coldly. “So they’re afraid that I will compete with her son for the throne!”

This old witch had already framed Fifth Aunt several times, and now her claws were reaching for her.

“So Li Hao doesn’t want me dead. He wants to use me to threaten the Eldest Princess and help him seize control of the Xisai army?”

Zhang Xiaoshi nodded. “Yes, and even if that doesn’t work out, he could use you to make a deal with Yuwen Jing. After all, Yuwen Jing has been restless because of those prophecies for years!”

Dong Yun smiled. “This old thief is playing a good game, but what they don’t know is that my eldest aunt isn’t as concerned about my life as they think. So, does this mean you were originally acting under Li Hao’s orders?”

“Yes!”

Dong Yun nodded, now understanding most of the information. Everything had become clear. She turned to Zhang Xiaoshi and said, “You can see for yourself that I have no support and no power. I don’t want to rely on my Aunt, the Eldest Princess. The road ahead is uncertain. Will you still follow me?”

Pear Blossomimmediately disagreed: “What do you mean ‘no support’? Am I not a person? I have power! My Army may only have two hundred men now, but it will grow quickly. Of course, you have support!”

Dong Yun smiled.

Zhang Xiaoshi quickly knelt again: “The princess is a true destined goddess. For a time, the pearl was covered in dust, but now the situation is gradually becoming clear, and the dust is lifting. There will surely be many who will come to support, and I am one of them. In the future, there will be a time for great brilliance. Now that I have recognized my master, I will never waver.”

Dong Yun said, “Get up. I know you wish to achieve great things. Your time to contribute will come.”

Zhang Xiaoshi stood up.

Dong Yun continued, “In that case, I will return with Pear Blossom first. We will part here. If you need anything in the future, you can send someone to Jinyang City to contact Murong Jiutian, and you will find me.”

Zhang Xiaoshi quickly said, “This road is fraught with danger. Does the princess not need me to escort you?”

Dong Yun shook her head. “By now, news of you coming to fetch me has likely spread, and people from Yuwen Jing’s side must have heard. The more people there are, the bigger the target. It’s better to break up into smaller groups. Besides, Pear Blossom is with me.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaoshi laughed. “I was overconfident. Since that’s the case, the princess should go ahead. Once my subordinates wake up, we will set out.”

Dong Yun nodded, and she and Pear Blossom mounted their horses and headed back the way they came.

---

Xisai Palace.

Li Yue’e led a seven or eight-year-old child toward the princess’s study, with a maid behind her carrying a delicate food box.

The guards at the door immediately lowered their heads and respectfully greeted her, calling out “Lady Li.”

Li Yue’e smiled and nodded, asking, “Is the princess busy at the moment?”

“Lord Zhang just left. The princess should be free now.”

Li Yue’e understood, took the food box from the maid’s hands, told her son to wait outside, and entered the study alone.

On a blood-red sandalwood chair sat a dignified, beautiful woman, her age hard to tell. Her face had a faint tiredness, and she leaned back against the chair with her eyes closed, resting.

Upon hearing soft footsteps, she did not open her eyes but spoke instead: “You’re here.”

Li Yue’e gently placed the food box on the table, walked behind her, and put her hands on the princess’s shoulders, gently massaging them. “You stayed up late again last night, didn’t you? You look like you haven’t woken up.”

The princess raised a hand and pressed her temple. “It’s still because of the situation in the north. These barbarians are so greedy, constantly pushing their luck.”

Li Yue’e patted her shoulder. “Alright, eat something first. Look, I brought you something. Crab roe wontons, your favorite. Lin’er personally made some.”

The princess chuckled lightly. “How old is he? How could he make wontons?”

“You still look down on him. I offered to teach him, but you refused, and now you don’t believe me,” Li Yue’e said, signaling to the maid at the door. “Let Lin’er in. He should eat wontons with his royal aunt.”

Upon hearing the word “royal aunt,” the princess closed her eyes again and sighed, “It’s just a child. Why are you bothering him? It’s a hot day, and you’re making him run back and forth to the palace. Don’t you think it’s tiring for him?”

“Take him back.”

The maid outside was momentarily unsure whom to listen to.

Li Yue’e’s smile faded, and she lowered her gaze. “Are you unwilling to even look at him?”

The princess furrowed her brow. “What are you talking about? When have I not seen him? Do I need to see him every day?”

Li Yue’e finally couldn’t hold her frustration anymore. “Yuwen Ying, what do you mean by this?”

“What do I mean? I’m just being considerate. I don’t want you running him around in the heat. Is that wrong?” the princess replied coldly.

“You—” Li Yue’e’s face turned red with anger, her eyes glistening with tears. “You’re still thinking about her.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Because Yuwen Hui loves your niece the most, you’re protecting her, not allowing anyone to touch her. I see you can’t forget her!”

“Enough! Why bring Mingyue into this?”

But Li Yue’e seemed to ignore her, pressing on, “Why won’t you let me touch you? All these years, why won’t you let me touch you?”

The princess looked at her, sneering. “Wasn’t it you who said I was dirty and didn’t want to touch me? Now it’s my fault?”

Tears fell from Li Yue’e’s eyes. “I understand now. But why won’t you give it to me?”

The princess turned away, slightly saying, “I’m older now, I don’t have such needs anymore.”

Li Yue’e snorted. “Women are like wolves at thirty and tigers at forty. You don’t keep a lover or concubines, you’re clearly pretending to be pure, but you’re thinking about that little slut!”

Unable to suppress her jealousy any longer, she spoke with hatred, “Yuwen Ying, tell me, that night, were you really drunk? You willingly gave yourself to her! You knew it was her, but you didn’t refuse. You two sisters did that thing, and you still have the face to act like this? You heartless woman, after all these years of my devotion to you…”

“I’ve already explained what happened back then. I don’t want to keep bringing it up. If you’re looking for an excuse to go mad, you’d better find a more solid one!” The Princess’s face also grew cold.

“Heh, have you really explained it? Everything is just your one-sided story. How do I know which parts are true and which parts are false?”

The Princess’s patience seemed to have been completely worn down. With a serious face, she said, “You keep claiming to have feelings for me, but before that, you accepted someone else’s betrothal gifts and set a wedding date. Is that what you call affection?”

“What else could I do? It was my parents’ orders, the matchmaker’s decision. I’m not like you, a grand princess with your own domain, who can choose not to marry. Besides, I’ve already killed him. Now no one can force me. I’ve even brought Lin’er with me. From now on, he’ll be our child. He’ll take care of you in your old age. We three will live well together. Isn’t that good?”

However, the Princess mercilessly shattered her fantasy: “Lin’er is your child, not mine.”

This sentence seemed to touch the most sensitive nerve in Li Yue’e. She instantly broke down, crying and laughing, “Now I understand. You treated Yuwen Mingyue so well, but you turned a blind eye to my Lin’er. We were the ones who were meant to be together! We promised when we were young, but you changed your heart. You fell for that little bitch! Whatever that bitch cherished, you loved by extension! Don’t think I don’t know. You clearly treat Yuwen Mingyue as the daughter of you and that little bitch, don’t you? You’re a pervert!”

The Princess’s face immediately turned ashen. She stood up abruptly and slapped Li Yue’e across the face.

Li Yue’e covered her cheek, staring at her in disbelief, tears falling through her fingers, dropping one by one onto the ground. “I was right, wasn’t I? We loved each other first. That little bitch had no right to interfere. And you, pretending to be deaf and mute, always protecting her. Not only did you give your body to her, but you also bore that illicit crime for her. If it weren’t for the pity of the palace maids in your court who revealed the truth to me, I would’ve been completely deceived by you! And now, look at me, I’m left with no place to belong…”

The more she scolded, the more miserable she became, eventually sobbing aloud.

But after scolding, she regretted it. Yuwen Mingyue was the bottom line in their quarrel. Once that person was mentioned, the other would definitely get angry.

She looked up at the Princess with tearful eyes, kneeling before her and holding her knees. “Aying, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have spoken carelessly. Don’t blame me. I just care about you too much…”

The Princess’s face was cold, with no expression. “I have things to do. You should go back now.”