Chapter 269: Before the Storm

Before the Storm

The room fell silent. The dim candlelight fell on Xiao Lanshu's beautiful face, tracing out an enchanting play of light and shadow.

Ha Duo, standing before her, knew that such beauty was merely a facade, for whenever Xiao Lanshu fell silent, that was when she was scheming against someone!

Even though Ha Duo understood this clearly in his heart, he remained intoxicated by it. The feeling was like a youth enamored of the bewitching red spider lily, who, even knowing the road ahead led to the underworld, could not tear himself away!

So Ha Duo chose to guard in silence. At this moment, after a brief contemplation, Xiao Lanshu suddenly laughed, then lifted her head to look at Ha Duo and said,

"Ha Duo, send someone down to investigate that woman surnamed Nie thoroughly. Remember, don't let even the slightest detail slip!"

"Yes! But, Princess, I don't know what comes after..."

"As for what comes after, I have my own plans! You just need to do as I say!"

"...... Yes!"

Although he still wanted to advise Xiao Lanshu a few words, Ha Duo knew that at this moment, no matter what he said, she wouldn't listen. So after a slight hesitation, he respectfully answered and then turned and walked out.

And as Ha Duo left, Xiao Lanshu, seated in her place, couldn't help but slightly lift her chin.

"Hmph, Nie Jinxuan, right... You'd better wait for me, Princess! I'm already going to settle this score with you! And furthermore..."

Xiao Lanshu was muttering to herself, but as she spoke, she couldn't help but think of Yin Fengzhan—his awe-inspiring aura, his peerlessly handsome features, his bearing that ruled the world... Unconsciously, a faint smile appeared on Xiao Lanshu's face, and after a moment, it turned into a smile of certain victory!

Western Di sent Princess Lanshu to Eastern Mausoleum—could it be that they truly sought a marriage alliance? In fact, probably not!

After all, if Western Di truly had sincere intentions for a marriage alliance with Eastern Mausoleum, they wouldn't have deliberately stationed troops on the border beforehand. And now, at the critical moment when Eastern Mausoleum is launching a strong northern offensive, Western Di has sent their most cherished* royal princess, Lanshu, to Eastern Mausoleum—clearly, this is merely a show of friendliness on the surface, intended to deceive Eastern Mausoleum.

At the same time, in sending envoys to attend Eastern Mausoleum's state banquet, ostensibly to communicate relations between the two countries, but in reality, it was mostly to gather intelligence on Eastern Mausoleum's movements and to shift with the wind at crucial moments!

Therefore, one cannot deny that Western Di's calculations are indeed shrewd. But whether the outcome will truly be as they imagine remains unknown!

And from that night onward, the next morning Xiao Lanshu directly revealed her true identity and then immediately demanded to enter the palace to see the emperor!

Xiao Lanshu wanted to see Yin Fengzhan, but it was obvious he had no intention of meeting her. Consequently, for several times in a row, Yin Fengzhan used the excuse of being busy with state affairs, not even allowing Xiao Lanshu to enter the palace!

Xiao Lanshu was furious but couldn't lash out. Moreover, due to her exposed identity, the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion could no longer accommodate her; soon, officials from the Ministry of Rites arrived and made alternative arrangements for her entourage. Normally, when foreign nobles visit Eastern Mausoleum, they are lodged in the city's designated inns, but this time Xiao Lanshu and her party were not placed there—instead, they were directly assigned to a villa outside the city.

Naturally, Xiao Lanshu was dissatisfied with this arrangement, but since Yin Fengzhan's word was final, she had no choice but to accept it!

Thus, after a few more days, envoys from the surrounding countries flocked to Eastern Mausoleum's imperial city, and the day of the state banquet finally arrived!

Late at night, in a side room of the royal villa outside the city, an elderly official was paying his respects to Xiao Lanshu.

"Your servant pays his respects, Princess Lanshu!"

That old man was about fifty, tall and thin, appearing somewhat frail, but his eyes were full of spirit. Upon hearing this, Xiao Lanshu, seated in her place, narrowed her eyes, glanced at him, then raised her eyebrows and responded nonchalantly.

"No need for formalities, National Preceptor."

As it turned out, that old man was none other than the National Preceptor of Western Di, Ba*Hejie!

Speaking of Ba*Hejie, he is a figure known to everyone in Western Di. Born in Western Di, but from the age of five he began traveling with his father to various countries; through this constant exposure, Ba*Hejie differed from the ordinary Western Di person, his thoughts leaning more toward the Central Plains, giving him a deep understanding of all the Central Plains states!

But if that were all, Ba*Hejie would not be particularly remarkable. The key is that, besides these, Ba*Hejie also has considerable study of military strategy and mechanisms, and what made him famous back then was his active lobbying of the old ruler of Western Di to send troops during Eastern Mausoleum's internal turmoil, thereby causing the two cities of Rongjin to fall into Western Di's hands!

Thus, one can say that Ba*Hejie is the chief culprit behind Eastern Mausoleum's loss of the border cities of Rongjin! And at that time, Ba*Hejie was only just twenty years old!

For this, Ba*Hejie's fame spread throughout Western Di. He was subsequently promoted by the old ruler of Western Di all the way up, eventually taking the seat of National Preceptor! One could even say that even the newly crowned third prince of Western Di must show him three parts of respect!

Nevertheless, Ba*Hejie is very adept at interpersonal relations, treating everyone with courtesy, which is why the Western Di royal family relies on and trusts him all the more!

As for Ba*Hejie himself, Xiao Lanshu inexplicably dislikes him! However, Xiao Lanshu knows in her heart that opposing Ba*Hejie would bring her no benefit. Therefore, on the surface, she cannot help but give Ba*Hejie some face.

Unfortunately, Xiao Lanshu's acting skills are not impressive. But Ba*Hejie merely smiled, responded respectfully, and then took a seat beside her.

As soon as Ba*Hejie sat down, Xiao Lanshu immediately glanced at him.

"National Preceptor, you really know how to time things! The Eastern Mausoleum state banquet is tomorrow, and you only arrived tonight—you really rushed here!"

"Uh... hehe~, something came up on the road, so I wasted some time; please forgive me, Princess."

"Hmph! Forget it, there's no need for forgiveness or not—I was just speaking casually!"

"Hehe, that's good then..."

After responding with a laugh, Ba*Hejie then said nothing more, and for a moment the room fell silent again. But seeing Ba*Hejie remain silent, Xiao Lanshu couldn't help but frown, then lightly coughed and said,

"National Preceptor, I've heard that Eastern Mausoleum has already dispatched troops northward, apparently intending to engage us Western Di in a hard fight! So regarding this matter, I don't know what your thoughts are, National Preceptor?"

"Hmm, Princess, your concern for state affairs is deeply admirable. However, in my view, although Eastern Mausoleum has mobilized a hundred thousand troops to the border, whether this war will be fought or not remains uncertain at present!"

"What do you mean by that, National Preceptor?"

"I merely feel that Eastern Mausoleum's mobilization this time is likely due to Western Di's troop buildup on the border. So ultimately, if our king had no intention of moving troops, then presumably the new emperor of Eastern Mausoleum would not suddenly launch an attack first!"

Influenced by Confucian thought, the people of the Central Plains often value harmony above all! And Ba*Hejie is quite aware of this. Upon hearing him say that, Xiao Lanshu couldn't help but raise her eyebrows.

"What if Eastern Mausoleum really does strike first?"

"Hehe~, things won't be like that~!"

Ba*Hejie's smile remained as easygoing as ever. But hearing those words, Xiao Lanshu was momentarily stunned, then she leaned back and raised her eyebrows, saying,

"It seems the National Preceptor knows Eastern Mausoleum quite well, but have you heard anything about the newly enthroned emperor of Eastern Mausoleum?"

"Yes, I know a little."

"Hmph, really? Since you know something, you should understand that Eastern Mausoleum is no longer what it used to be! I have seen the new emperor of Eastern Mausoleum—he is extremely domineering. And although Western Di once occupied Eastern Mausoleum's two cities of Rongjin, now that Eastern Mausoleum has mobilized troops, even if Western Di does not strike first, Eastern Mausoleum might very well launch a preemptive attack! National Preceptor, do you think what I say makes sense?"

Although Xiao Lanshu's acting needs improvement, her mind is certainly not foolish! And it is precisely for this reason that she initially gained the deep affection of the old ruler of Western Di*!

Although Xiao Lanshu has only seen Yin Fengzhan once, she knows full well that he is no mere ornamental pillow. Moreover, back then Western Di invaded and occupied Eastern Mausoleum's two cities of Rongjin; now, taking advantage of this opportunity, Yin Fengzhan is very likely to retake those two cities!

Xiao Lanshu's words were quite reasonable, but as soon as she finished speaking, Ba*Hejie laughed.

"Hehe, Princess, your great wisdom impresses this humble servant, but rest assured, our emperor has sent me here precisely for this matter! As for how to resolve this crisis, I'm sure, given your talents, you already have some idea."

Ba*Hejie's words carried a hint. Upon hearing them, Xiao Lanshu's eyes lit up, and she immediately raised her eyebrows and laughed.

"Of course I understand, after all I am of royal lineage—this is something I ought to know!"

Whether Eastern Mausoleum and Western Di will clash in battle, Xiao Lanshu actually doesn't care! And the reason she has said all this to Ba*Hejie is ultimately to hint that she intends to pursue a marriage alliance with Eastern Mausoleum. Therefore, for Xiao Lanshu, she naturally does not wish to see the two nations really go to war!

After all, once the war breaks out, then as a West Di princess she wants to marry into East Mausoleum again, but that would hardly be possible! Therefore, no matter what, Xiao Lanshu must make Ba*Hejie support her!

As for her thoughts, how could the deep‑thinking Ba*Hejie not understand?! But exactly what to do, only Ba*Hejie himself knows.

So afterwards he simply said a few words to Xiao Lanshu, then Ba*Hejie left. And as soon as Ba*Hejie departed, Xiao Lanshu, sitting in her place, suddenly burst out laughing.

Hahaha……

Xiao Lanshu was truly delighted. But then her smile faded, and after quietly gazing at the firelight not far away for a moment, she suddenly spoke to Ha Duo, who had remained silent beside her.

"Ha Duo, tomorrow is the state banquet; do you think I should give that woman surnamed Nie a little gift?"

Xiao Lanshu spoke softly, her half‑lidded eyes radiating an indescribable beauty. Upon hearing this, Ha Duo couldn't help but frown.

"Princess, you……"

"What? Do you have any objections?"

Saying this, Xiao Lanshu glanced at Ha Duo, then lifted her hand and lightly hooked it, summoning him over, and then whispered a few words in his ear.

Xiao Lanshu's voice was very low, and no one knew what she said, but seeing Ha Duo's eyes widen upon hearing it, he then voiced his disagreement in a low tone.

"Princess, this isn't right! That previous matter……"

"Shut up!"

Instantly her face darkened, Xiao Lanshu sharply cut off Ha Duo's words, then her expression grew stern.

Hmph! Isn't that woman surnamed Nie always full of righteous indignation, hateful of evil? Fine, then I'll have her see for herself—I'd like to see just how angry she can get; ideally she'd be so enraged she miscarries, losing the East Mausoleum emperor's *love…… Then that empress's position will be mine!

Xiao Lanshu muttered to herself, and upon reaching this point she gave a proud, brow‑raising smile, then once again turned her gaze to Ha Duo.

"So Ha Duo, just do as I say! Did you hear me?"

At this moment Xiao Lanshu's eyes held a determined resolve to succeed. Seeing her thus, Ha Duo knew further words were useless, so he pressed his lips together and then nodded at Xiao Lanshu.

"Yes, subordinate understands!"

A simple sentence, it conveyed Ha Duo's loyalty to Xiao Lanshu. As the words fell, Ha Duo leapt forward and instantly flashed out of the room……

Watching Ha Duo leave, Xiao Lanshu curled her lips in a smile, but in the end she couldn't help laughing out loud……

……

Xiao Lanshu felt smug in her own chambers. Meanwhile, Ba*Hejie, who had left earlier, upon exiting the room simply returned to his own quarters.

The chamber was dark, but just as Ba*Hejie entered and closed the door, a voice suddenly came from the corner of the room.

"Princess Lanshu, did you just hint to the State Preceptor that he should spare no effort to secure the marriage alliance?"

The voice was not loud, carrying a hint of age. Upon hearing it, Ba*Hejie, who had just entered the room, first startled, then laughed, and walked to the nearby table, where he promptly lit the candle.

Instantly the dim yellow firelight dispelled the darkness, and only then did they realize that an old man was actually sitting at the far side of the table.

By the dim yellow light, they suddenly discovered that the old man was none other than Nie Wenhao, the East Mausoleum's First Rank Minister who had fled during the palace coup and whose whereabouts had been unknown.

However, Nie Wenhao now appeared somewhat older than before, the wrinkles between his brows deeper, yet his eyes still conveyed a profundity that forbade contempt.

Thus, upon hearing Nie Wenhao's words, Ba*Hejie laughed, sat sideways beside him, and then lifted his gaze to Nie Wenhao.

"Heh, I never expected Minister Nie to be not only resourceful, but even to guess the princess's little maiden thoughts so precisely—truly he divines affairs like a god!"

"State Preceptor, what do you mean by this? Even if Minister Nie doesn't say it, you surely know it in your heart, don't you?"

Saying this, Nie Wenhao's gaze dimmed, and then he shifted the topic.

"However, State Preceptor, tomorrow is the state banquet; do you have any arrangements made?"