Chapter 226: Beauty Scheme

Whenever he thought of this, Xiao Yichen didn't feel his wounds were that bad.

He has only himself to blame for today.

If he had not grown distant and resentful with her from the start, had not misunderstood and rejected her, she would have married him; they would now be a loving couple, and she would not be following the rebel Gu Rongjin in rebellion.

With the court's tens of thousands of troops, these rebels of Gu Rongjin could not hold out long; once war broke out, they would be swiftly defeated.

Xiao Yichen clenched his palm.

Then, how could he possibly protect her?

Xiao Yichen and Pei Shangling sat silently opposite each other, each lost in thought; at that moment they heard an unexpected battle report——

Prince Jia's army reclaimed the two lost cities in one fell swoop, capturing ten thousand enemy troops including Prince Chun and General Ximo and his wife!

"Is what you're saying really true?!" Pei Shangling jumped up, as if her injuries had instantly stopped hurting.

The jailer glanced at Pei Shangling and proudly said, "Of course it's true; our Prince Jia has triumphantly returned and will arrive soon!"

Another jailer grinned ear to ear: "I knew Prince Jia would surely succeed! When we followed General Qi, he never lost a battle; anyone he favors is surely outstanding!"

"Exactly, let's go drink and celebrate!"

Pei Shangling stared blankly at the equally stunned Xiao Yichen, "……I still don't really believe it……"

How many troops could this Prince Jia possibly have? We saw them that day!

How could that be possible?

"No, it's definitely possible; didn't the late Grand General once lead ten thousand elite troops to sweep the four northern border states?"

"Those were just small states!"

"They also have A Zhi's improved weapons now."

Pei Shangling fell silent; if that were true, it would be terrifying, the situation would completely reverse, and Prince Jia would become the people's choice.

One who leads troops to crush the enemy alliance, another who avoids battle and only seeks peace— the superiority is obvious.

As soon as that phrase entered her mind, Pei Shangling instantly felt she was committing a grave injustice!

No matter what, rebels are rebels!

At the same time, Mu Yuanzhi and her companions had already received the good news, happily gathering together to chat.

Mu Yuanzhi: "I never expected Prince Jia to actually follow through; General Qi's foresight is divine."

"As General, I've always been sharp at judging people; Prince Jia is no ordinary figure. As a long‑term hostage prince living under others' roofs, he managed to spread his agents throughout the capital while the emperor remained unaware—his courage, judgment, and wisdom are top‑notch." Qi Shihuai smirked.

Gu Rongjin admired: "You're impressive; I had reservations about him at first."

"You're hesitant, I know."

"This is called not striking without preparation!"

After the joy, Mu Yuanzhi worried again: "We'll eventually have to clash with the imperial army, and then the people will suffer."

Qi Shihuai: "I've always wanted to avoid bloodshed as much as possible."

Mu Yuanzhi: "Is that realistic? Even if many flock to us and we truly have the people's support, the court won't easily let the throne change hands."

"In ancient times they held the emperor to command the princes; why not follow that example now?" Yun Jinglou walked in, smiling.

Gu Rongjin confused: "What do you mean? Where would a power‑subject‑to‑none, authority‑over‑all minister fly in to hold the emperor hostage?"

"Why not use a beauty scheme?" Yun Jinglou raised an eyebrow.

Mu Yuanzhi: "Say something plain and simple, stop being cryptic."

"Never mind that; when the time comes, with favorable timing, terrain, and people's hearts, and the army in hand, if I succeed I can make the emperor relinquish power without losing a single soldier; if I fail, well, we'll just have to fight." Yun Jinglou said.

"So your beauty scheme is an extra, not affecting our overall progress?" Gu Rongjin asked.

"Mm‑hmm, if it succeeds just treat it as a pleasant surprise."

Qi Shihuai nodded: "Okay, but what kind of beauty do you need? It's hard to train one quickly; why not pick one from the Frost Descent?"

He said this while looking at Gu Rongjin.

Gu Rongjin was about to speak when Yun Jinglou politely declined: "No need, the beauty is far away yet right before us, no training required—she can take position immediately!"

"Who is it?" Mu Yuanzhi eyed Yun Jinglou suspiciously, posing the soul‑searching question: "You're not talking about yourself, are you?"

"Smart!" Yun Jinglou praised.

Everyone: ……

"Older brother, even if you're decent‑looking, you could never disguise yourself as a woman perfectly; besides, the emperor isn't a fool and the palace gates aren't mere decoration." Gu Rongjin felt a headache coming on.

Yun Jinglou didn't explain, he swallowed something like a blade, cleared his throat, and spoke in a voice alluring and bewitching: "Sir, how do you find my voice?"

Everyone present shivered; the Qilin raised a finger: "Impressive, what kind of illusion is this? Did you really swallow a large piece?!"

The monk said: "This is the long‑lost secret art of the Hidden Moon Sect, the Voice‑Changing Technique?"

"Or perhaps the master is smart." Yun Jinglou gave a meaningful glance.

The monk stepped aside, asking: "And then? Do you also know the Bone‑Shrinking Technique, benefactor?"

"Of course, otherwise no one would believe this body belongs to a woman." Yun Jinglou said sweetly.

"But how could a woman of unknown origin sneak into the palace? It's not the time for selecting palace ladies." Mu Yuanzhi asked.

"Your National Teacher is deeply trusted by the emperor, isn't he? Have him help—it's a piece of cake." Yun Jinglou said, "We can't delay; I'll send word while I rush off—see you at the peak."

No matter what, Yun Jinglou's swaying departure was still a bit eyesore.

Everyone stared at each other.

This method looks unreliable at first glance, but since it doesn't affect the overall plan, we'll just go with it; as Yun Jinglou said, winning would be a pleasant surprise.

"Senior sister, brother‑in‑law, what about those two in the cell? Keep the door shut?"

Qi Shihuai: "Shut, and when Prince Jia returns we'll let them out for a walk."

"General Qi!" a scout reported: "General Qi, news says the Crown Prince has set out from the capital; he's likely to personally command the imperial army!"

Mu Yuanzhi: "How could Pei Shangyan possibly lead troops?"

「Done holding the fort. 」Gu Rongjin said.

Qilin: 「Could it be that they already know the news of Prince Jia's triumphant return? 」

Qi Shihuai shook his head: 「If they knew, they wouldn't have just sent an heir over; the news wouldn't travel that fast。」

Gu Rongjin smirked: 「Then why not, we could take the opportunity to capture all the heirs。」

Mu Yuanzhi: 「What's the use of capturing him? Prince Jia this time has the people's hearts; a mere useless heir is utterly no obstacle, and the emperor would abandon him if necessary。」

He is such a heartless person.

「You really speak without holding back, Little Yuanzhi。」