“R-rebellion?” Wanyan Yuan shuddered. Though he harbored deep resentment toward his elder brother, he had never once considered rebellion. After all, his branch of the family was already sparse in numbers, and with the Prince Wei dead, he was the sole remaining heir to the throne. Because of this, he still clung to a sliver of hope.

Though not truly husband and wife, Daiqisi understood her “husband’s” temperament well. She knew that unless he was pushed to the brink, he would never make a decisive move.

“If you’re too afraid, then forget it. I’ll just serve the Emperor dutifully from now on—at least I can ensure your safety.” Her tone was indifferent.

Her reason for pushing Wanyan Yuan toward rebellion was the increasingly dire situation of the Persian Ming Cult. She needed to seize control of the Jin Dynasty as quickly as possible. Compared to Emperor Xizong, Wanyan Yuan was far easier to manipulate. Moreover, if Wanyan Yuan became Emperor, she could rightfully claim the title of Empress, allowing her to influence the Jin Dynasty’s policies toward Mongolia with just a few whispered words. On the other hand, relying on Emperor Xizong directly was problematic—their relationship was seen as improper by outsiders, forcing her to remain in the shadows, which severely limited her influence.

Provoked by his wife’s words, Wanyan Yuan’s face alternated between pale and flushed, his breathing growing ragged. Daiqisi watched him silently, giving him time to think. After a long pause, he took a deep breath and declared, “Emperor Xizong has gone too far. Since he shows no mercy, I won’t either.”

A smile curled on Daiqisi’s lips. “I knew I married the right man.” Her praise invigorated him. “Your Highness must quickly rally your trusted subordinates and gather enough forces to control the capital. Meanwhile, I’ll act as your inside agent in the palace—we’ll strike from within and without.”

Wanyan Yuan frowned. “You’re still going back to the palace?”

Daiqisi moved behind him, massaging his shoulders gently. “What we need most now is time. By staying close to Emperor Xizong, I can lull him into complacency while keeping an eye on his movements…”

Seeing his expression darken further, she sighed. “Those who achieve great things cannot be shackled by trivial concerns. Even Emperor Gaozu of Han did not waver when his wife and father fell into Xiang Yu’s hands—and in the end, he secured his empire. As long as Your Highness does not despise me for my… impurity after ascending the throne, I will be content.”

Wanyan Yuan quickly protested, “How could you say such a thing, my lady? Everything you do is for my sake! If not for you, I would have already been executed by that beast Emperor Xizong. If I were to scorn you afterward, I’d be worse than an animal!”

“Hearing these words puts my heart at ease.” Daiqisi feigned emotion, though inwardly she remained detached. Years of deception had rendered her emotions still as an ancient well.

“But there’s another problem,” Wanyan Yuan suddenly frowned. “Emperor Xizong’s bodyguard, Da Xingguo, is unfathomably skilled. Even if we catch them off guard, he could still protect Emperor Xizong and ensure his escape. If Emperor Xizong regroups and counterattacks, all our efforts will be for nothing.”

“Your Highness need not worry. I have a way to deal with Da Xingguo.” Daiqisi clapped her hands, and three figures slipped into the room, startling Wanyan Yuan.

Upon closer inspection, he saw two men and a woman—all with distinctly foreign features. The tallest had a thick beard and green eyes, the second had a yellow beard and a hooked nose, while the woman had jet-black hair like a Han woman, but her eyes were eerily pale, almost colorless. Her face was delicately shaped, and though her appearance was unsettling, she was undeniably beautiful.

“These three are friends I met in the wulin—the Three Envoys of Wind, Cloud, and Moon. This is the Cloud Envoy, this is the Wind Envoy, and this is the Moon Envoy. Together, they will ensure Da Xingguo’s demise.” When Daiqisi had returned to the Central Plains, her daughter Xiao Zhao, fearing for her mother’s safety, had sent the Three Persian Envoys to accompany her.

Their martial arts, derived from the bizarre techniques recorded on the Holy Flame Tablets, were vastly different from Central Plains martial arts. Back on Spirit Snake Island, even Zhang Wuji—who had mastered the Nine Yang Scripture, Heaven and Earth Great Shift, and Taiji Fist and Sword—had been overwhelmed by them, forcing Zhao Min to resort to a suicidal attack…

Daiqisi reasoned that no matter how skilled Da Xingguo was, he couldn’t surpass Zhang Wuji at his peak. With the Three Envoys and herself launching a surprise attack, eliminating him would be no difficult task.

Hearing her explanation, Wanyan Yuan was overjoyed. “This increases our chances of success!” When he had first met “Taoyao,” he knew she and Han Qianye were martial artists, so he had no reason to doubt her judgment now.

Daiqisi smiled sweetly, though inwardly she was preoccupied with the mysterious man she had encountered in the palace. From now on, she would keep the Three Envoys close to avoid falling into his schemes again.

*****

Meanwhile, in Prince Hailing’s residence, Wanyan Liang and Xiao Yu were also discussing Song Qingshu.

“You’re suggesting we hand over the trial of this treason case to Tang Kuo Bian?” Wanyan Liang eyed Xiao Yu skeptically.

“Exactly!” Xiao Yu nodded. “This case is too sensitive. Any discerning person can see that Prince Changsheng was framed. If Your Highness’ own men preside over it, it will invite criticism. But Tang Kuo Bian is different—outsiders don’t know he’s pledged loyalty to you, and as the current Imperial Son-in-Law, any verdict he passes will be seen as the Emperor’s will.”

“Brilliant!” Wanyan Liang slapped his thigh. “This ‘killing with a borrowed knife’ strategy is perfect! It absolves me of any blame. Very well, it’s settled—I’ll arrange for Tang Kuo Bian to lead the trial immediately!”

*****

Unbeknownst to Song Qingshu, two factions were already plotting against him. At the moment, he was heading to the secret chamber to check on a certain “prisoner.”

Zhao Min sat on the bed, hugging her knees in thought, when she suddenly heard movement at the entrance. She sprang up like a startled rabbit, glaring at the smirking man who entered. “You utter scoundrel, Song Qingshu!”

Song Qingshu’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained unreadable. “Song Qingshu? Have you lost your wits after being locked up for so long, Miss Zhao?”

Zhao Min sneered. “Don’t play dumb with me.”

He slapped his forehead in mock realization. “Ah, you must mean the Golden Serpent King, Song Qingshu, whom you mentioned during your interrogation of Chongjie. You keep bringing him up—did he owe you a fortune?”

Her eyes flickered with doubt, but she replied coldly, “What he owes me can never be repaid in this lifetime.”

Truthfully, she wasn’t entirely sure if this man was Song Qingshu. But given how “Tang Kuo Bian” had suddenly gained extraordinary martial skills and was now entangled with two peerless beauties—Chongjie and Gebi—it aligned too well with her earlier suspicions. She had hoped to trick him into revealing himself, but he showed no cracks in his facade, leaving her uncertain. 

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read