Chapter 63: Carrying Five Heads to Pledge Allegiance to His Majesty, I Confess Everything!

"Fairy... I... I..." Qi Zhan's lips trembled, barely holding back as he prepared to confess.

Ning Jingli thought he didn't believe, so she said sternly, "I didn't lie to you; in any case, remember, in the future Xiao Qidi will unify the world and establish the Daxuan Dynasty!"

Hearing that, Qi Zhan was greatly startled.

Could Xiao Qidi really have such a monumental destiny?

Through his observations these past days, he felt Xiao Qidi could become a good ruler.

But he didn't expect the Fairy to say he could unify the world!

One must know that in the Zhong Yuan's seven‑state power struggle, Xuan Guo is not the strongest, and foreign tribes are eyeing it...

However, the Jinli Fairy spoke so confidently, leaving little room for doubt.

"Yes, I've remembered it," Qi Zhan said, clasping his fists.

Ning Jingli winked at him, "Make sure you perform well, okay?"

Her sincere smile, brighter than sunshine, moved Qi Zhan's heart once more.

Without waiting for his reply, Ning Jingli rushed toward Xiao Qidi.

Qi Zhan stood rooted for a long while, watching Ning Jingli and Xiao Qidi walk side by side across the fields; his eyes, filled with complex emotions, gradually steadied.

At that moment, he made a crucial decision, bowed his fists toward their distant silhouettes, then strode away with resolute steps.

Ning Jingli walked with Xiao Qidi through the fields; beyond the newly cultivated plots sprouted green, while the surrounding land remained a barren expanse, yellow sand stretching to the horizon.

The idea of planting trees and creating a forest sprang to mind.

"Little brother, besides growing crops here, we must also start planting trees," she suggested.

Xiao Qidi replied, "I was just thinking that; we can bring some seedlings from the southwestern border."

"Yaowang Gu?" Ning Jingli shook her head, "No, no, that's too troublesome, and that area is also suffering from drought."

"Do you have a better method?" Xiao Qidi asked.

Ning Jingli wore a proud smile, "Of course. Let me tell you, in my era our nation has the best afforestation technology worldwide; many Gobi deserts have become oases now."

Xiao Qidi's eyes lit up, "How can we achieve that?"

"We must use drought‑tolerant, fast‑growing plants," Ning Jingli counted on her fingers, "like saxaul, desert jujube, drought willow—these can prevent wind and fix sand. Once they spread, they'll create a healthy natural water‑soil cycle, and this place will surely become a land of favorable winds and rain."

"Good, then we have Lady Ning to rely on!" Xiao Qidi exclaimed, clasping his fists in delight.

Ning Jingli said, "If it's to be done, do it," and immediately returned to the factory, contacting producers of drought‑resistant plants for purchase negotiations.

In Lin Xian Village, Qi Zhan summoned five Patrol Guard Captains to a secluded corner.

"Brother, have you decided to act?" someone asked, rubbing their fists.

Qi Zhan looked around at them, "Though the six of us aren't blood brothers, we've all served under the Lord for years. Since you call me 'big brother,' I will consider your interests as well."

"What... big brother, why are you saying this all of a sudden?"

The five patrol guards looked puzzled.

Qi Zhan continued, "I want to persuade you to pledge allegiance to His Majesty."

"What?!" the five shouted in shock.

Someone instantly retorted angrily, "What do you mean?! We finally managed to infiltrate the patrol guard ranks after endless delays. Though it's still not easy to get close to Xiao Qidi, there is a chance, and you actually want to pledge to him?"

Qi Zhan said sincerely, "Brothers, listen to me first. Surely during this time you've seen His Majesty's abilities and character; if we assassinate him, Daxuan would lose a great leader."

"And what if we lose him?" the guard retorted immediately, "Our mission is simply to eliminate him! Without him, another ruler will arise! The Lord has his own plans!"

Qi Zhan kept persuading, "We don't know the Lord's plans. Moreover, even with the Empress Dowager's backing, the Lord doesn't dominate the court entirely. Are you so sure the Lord can eventually defeat the Prime Minister?"

"Enough idle talk!" a guard snapped impatiently, drawing his sword, "The Lord promised us lifelong wealth and honor once this succeeds. If we later help him fully control Xuan Guo, we'll all be promoted! Qi Zhan, don't spoil our brothers' good cause, or don't blame us if we turn hostile!"

The other four guards also wore grim looks, slowly drawing the daggers at their waists.

Qi Zhan raised his hands, "Brothers, I don't wish to clash swords with you. Hear me out: it's still not too late to follow His Majesty. The Jinli Fairy has already told me that in the future—"

Swish!

Before he could finish, a long sword was already pressed against his throat.

"Qi Zhan! Are you betraying the Lord?" murderous intent flashed in the guard's eyes, "Do you know the fate of a traitor!"

Qi Zhan replied calmly, "If we speak of betrayal, it was the Lord who first betrayed His Majesty of Daxuan. My decision is merely a shift from darkness to light for us brothers."

"Heh heh!" the guard sneered, "Even if Xiao Qidi rightfully ascends, even if he wins a battle at Xi Tun Guan with a Fairy's aid and pacifies the frontier, what then? He can never gain power in the court! We must continue to follow the Lord; that's the righteous path!"

Another guard also placed his blade on Qi Zhan's throat, threatening, "Since you've already entertained the thought of pledging to Xiao Qidi, we have no choice but to silence you."

Qi Zhan slowly closed his eyes, "Are you truly so obstinate..."

"The obstinate one is you. Take your time on the road to the Yellow Springs; recalling how you once cared for your brothers, we'll burn a few incense sticks for you when we look back!"

Yet in that instant, Qi Zhan thrust his arms, violently knocking the two swords aside, stepped back half a pace, and snarled, "Don't force me to fight you."

The five guards, fully focused, surrounded him with their blades.

"Qi Zhan, although your martial skill is the best among us, we are each a once‑in‑ten‑thousand master!"

"One of you against five of us has no chance of victory!"

"Stop your futile resistance! Meet a swift death!"

As the final word fell, the five guards simultaneously launched their killing strikes at him!

About half a incense stick's worth of time later, Xiao Qidi had just returned to the camp tent in Lin Xian Village, intending to have the army medic change the medicine on his back; he hadn't even removed his coat when a guard reported.

"His Majesty, the Patrol Guard Captain is carrying five heads... and requests an audience with you!"

"Hmm?"

Xiao Qidi's eyes flashed with an unusual hue.

After a brief thought, he immediately stepped out of the tent.

In the distance he saw Qi Zhan kneeling at the camp entrance, drenched in blood, five heads laid on the ground, and a dozen soldiers surrounding him, weapons drawn.

Xiao Qidi approached, "Qi Zhan, what does this mean? If I recall correctly, those five were selected alongside you as patrol guards, and now you've killed them?"

"Report to His Majesty!" Qi Zhan bowed his head, "The matter has its cause; please grant His Majesty permission for a private discussion."

Xiao Qidi gave a slight nod to the camp guards as a signal.

Immediately, Qi Zhan was stripped of his weapons, left only in his underpants, then his hands were bound and he was pushed into the camp tent.

Qi Zhan offered no resistance.

Inside the tent, Xiao Qidi glanced at him casually and said coolly, "Your skill is impressive; you beheaded five guards and emerged unscathed. Speak—how do you explain your actions?"

Qi Zhan looked around and said, "Please have His Majesty dismiss those on the left and right."

Xiao Qidi waved his hand, signaling the soldiers to withdraw.

"His Majesty, forgive me!" Qi Zhan bowed low and got straight to the point: "When you left the Royal City, I and those five, under Lord Le An's orders, were tracking you!"

Upon hearing the name Lord Le An, a chill flashed in Xiao Qidi's eyes, though he was not particularly surprised.

"Tracking me?" Xiao Qidi said coldly, "You intend to kill me, right?"

Qi Zhan gritted his teeth, "Exactly."

Xiao Qidi's cheeks tightened as he silently clenched his molars.

Qi Zhan then recounted in detail how the six of them pursued the trail, later disguised themselves as famine refugees to infiltrate Lin Xian Village, passed the selection, and became patrol guards, among other matters.

Inside the tent, the atmosphere was oppressive.

Despite the scorching heat, the air seemed to have solidified into ice.

Qi Zhan felt an invisible, pressing aura tightly envelop him.

After detailing those events, he also fully disclosed his genuine intention to pledge allegiance to His Majesty.

Since he could not convince those five and they were to be silenced, he could only bring their heads to present before His Majesty.

Having spoken all that needed confession and explanation, Xiao Qidi remained silent.

Qi Zhan pressed his face to the ground, daring not to lift his head, even holding his breath.

After a long while, a low, icy voice sounded from above, "Does the Empress Dowager know?"

Qi Zhan whispered, "I do not know whether the Empress Dowager knows…"

"Is it that you don't know, or that you dare not say?"

As the words fell, the sound of a blade being drawn rang out, and a long sword flashing with cold light pressed against the back of Qi Zhan's neck.

Qi Zhan gritted his teeth, "Report to His Majesty, I truly do not know! If His Majesty doubts, then kill me!"

Another stretch of silence followed.

The pressing pressure grew ever more evident.

Qi Zhan silently closed his eyes.

Suddenly, with a swish!

Qi Zhan suddenly felt his hands freed from the bonds.

"Get up." Xiao Qidi sheathed his long sword, expressionless, said.

Qi Zhan exhaled, bowed his head and rose slowly, "Thank you, His Majesty, for the mercy of not killing me."

"His Majesty, I think… the Empress Dowager certainly does not know. If she learns that Lord Le An intends to assassinate you, she will intervene; she is your birth mother and would never stand by and watch—"

"If you wish to live, stop mentioning her!" Xiao Qidi's forehead suddenly bulged with a blue vein.

Qi Zhan's heart trembled, "Yes, His Majesty."

Xiao Qidi exhaled a puff of foul breath, clutched his chest, and asked, "Who else knows of the plot to assassinate me?"

Qi Zhan replied, "It is a top‑secret matter; aside from Lord Le An, only the six of us who carried out the deed know."

"Regarding the situation at Xi Tun Guan, have you secretly reported back to the capital?"

"Report to His Majesty, not yet."

"Good. From now on, I confer upon you the title of Patrol Guard General; you shall have full command over all patrol guards. No one in Xi Tun Guan or Lin Xian Village may depart without my permission! If even one escapes, I will hold you accountable!"

"At your command!"

Qi Zhan answered loudly.

It needs no asking; this is also to prevent the ruling powers in the capital from learning about Xi Tun Guan, allowing His Majesty to gain more time to develop strength.

Otherwise, His Majesty would have already sent the triumphant news of crushing the Yu Guo Army and capturing the Yu Guo Crown Prince.

When Qi Zhan thought of this young sovereign who had achieved the great feat of pacifying the frontier yet had not proclaimed it to the world, and could remain so composed, his heart grew steadier, and he could not help but look forward to the day when the king would lead his forces back to the Royal City.

He truly wanted to see how those powerful ministers who disregard His Majesty would react then.

……

At this very moment, at the factory, Ning Jinli had already contacted a merchant and arranged the purchase of drought‑resistant plants.

The goods will be delivered in a few days.

Taking advantage of the early hour, she drove the Mercedes G‑Class to the dealership where she bought it for a quick service and maintenance.

"My goodness!" the attendant exclaimed, eyeing the car whose paint was peeled and covered in dust and mud, "Miss Ning, where have you taken the car?"

Ning Jinli replied, "I went on a mountain road."

The attendant winced, "It's a new car, you… sigh, at least you brought it in for service; if you keep this up, it won't be drivable."

"How long will the repairs take?" Ning Jinli asked.

The attendant replied gravely, "I can't say; we'll notify you when it's done. We have an idle commuter car you can use if you need it, Miss Ning."

"Alright, thank you."

"You're welcome, you're welcome; as long as you don't mind it."

The attendant led her to the garage, where there were only a few ordinary second‑hand cars priced at tens of thousands.

Ning Jinli didn't mind; she took a set of keys and drove one away.

Leaving the car shop, she planned to bring Su Yi to the villa at Lanyue Villa.

After Zhao Bin was taken away, once the lease ended, she had already hired people to clean and redecorate the villa inside and out once more.

"Su Yi, are you at home?" Ning Jinli called and asked.

"I'm at work," Su Yi replied on the other end of the phone.

Ning Jinli was startled. "At work?! We're not short of money now; didn't I tell you to rest at home? Where did you go to work?"

"Ah, I just can't find any free time," Su Yi said with a smile. "Xiao Li, don't worry; I only took a light cleaning job, not tiring. The company is called... oh, it's called Baoyun Hall."

Ning Jinli frowned.

Baoyun Hall?

Isn't that the same name as Wu Sanye's antique shop?

"Su Yi, I'm heading over to you right now," Ning Jinli said, hung up, and immediately called Wu Sanye.

After asking Wu Sanye, she learned that the antique shop she had previously visited was merely a branch of the company.

The company also had a proper office building in the city center, with over a thousand employees.

"Miss Ning... you... want to go to Baoyun... Hall... company... huh?" on the other end, Wu Sanye's voice was choppy.

Ning Jinli asked, "Where are you? The signal is so bad?"

After a lot of effort communicating, she finally understood that Wu Sanye had gone out of town on business and ended up in a remote mountain gorge.

Wu Sanye also said that he himself was unable to leave and had rushed back, but would inform the company's president, so that side could prepare to receive this big boss.

After hanging up the choppy call, Ning Jinli drove straight to Baoyun Hall company.

Wu Sanye immediately called the company's president.

However, as the signal grew worse, he could only tell the president that the company's new big boss would arrive soon; before he could describe the boss in detail, the call dropped.

He couldn't reach him again, not even send a message.

At Baoyun Hall, the president had already issued orders to all departments, demanding rapid preparation to ensure the new boss left a good impression, with absolutely no slip‑ups.

As the orders cascaded down, the cleaning staff responsible for hygiene throughout the company also became swamped with work.

"Su Qinglan, clear the drainage ditches on both sides of the entrance! Quickly!" the cleaning supervisor said as he passed the doorway, seeing a cleaner there, and assigned the task on the spot.

"Alright, alright." Su Qinglan put on rubber gloves and crawled into the ditch.

She was adept at this dirty, tiring work, and quickly scooped out a huge clump of sludge and trash, placing it beside the ditch.

"Whoa!" suddenly, a shout rang out.

Su Qinglan looked up quickly and saw a young man in a suit, slicked hair and powdered face, swearing, "Who the hell made this pile of trash?! It's gotten my shoes dirty!"

"You are..." Su Qinglan said, finding him increasingly familiar as she looked.

After examining him, she finally recognized him.

Isn't this Xiao Li's ex‑boyfriend Zhao Bin?

Su Qinglan wiped the sweat from her forehead with her arm, smiled with surprise, and greeted, "Xiao Bin! Are you working here now?"