Having received Li Zhi’s promise, Su Xi had no worries about her actions.
Furthermore, in order to escalate the situation, she had no intention of keeping a low profile.
After bidding farewell to Li Zhi, she quickly found Pang Dahai.
Upon seeing Su Xi appear before him, Pang Dahai felt a surge of annoyance.
It was because of Su Xi’s insidious words that he suffered a setback, and now she dared to show up in front of him. Was she here to flaunt?
Don't assume that just because Li Zhi valued her, he wouldn't dare to act.
“Why have you come to find me today?” Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi with displeasure, his tone laced with jealousy and dissatisfaction. If he didn't know Su Xi was still useful, he wouldn't have shown her any pleasantries.
Su Xi noticed Pang Dahai’s unhappiness, smiled, and said, “Steward, there’s no need to rush. I’ve come today to tell you something.”
“Tell me something?” Pang Dahai cast a cold glance at Su Xi and said unhappily, “But I don’t recall having anything worth discussing with you.”
“If I recall correctly, we don’t have any acquaintance between us.”
Su Xi was unfazed by Pang Dahai’s cold attitude, maintaining her smile.
For her, as long as her objective was achieved, she didn't need to care about anything else.
Therefore, she maintained a good demeanor and began to create suspense, saying, “This matter concerns your future development. Tell me, should I or should I not tell you?”
“???”
Pang Dahai stared at Su Xi, veins bulging on his forehead.
She had said so much, and now she was asking if he wanted to hear it? Was she trying to infuriate him?
Either don’t say anything, or say it properly.
Half-telling things was simply exasperating.
“Go on,” Pang Dahai suppressed his inner anger, preparing to listen to what Su Xi had to say.
Su Xi smiled, moved closer to Pang Dahai, and said, “Don’t be angry. You know that the reason you were ostracized is mainly because you lost the Third Prince’s trust.”
???
Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi, his face filled with exasperation.
Didn’t he know his current predicament?
Did he need Su Xi to deliberately remind him?
Was this woman out of her mind to say such a thing?
Seeing Pang Dahai’s displeased expression, Su Xi smiled and continued, “Don’t get agitated. I know you're aware the Third Prince is unhappy with you, but you don't know why he's unhappy.”
“Why?” Pang Dahai was now quite shocked, not knowing what had happened.
Everything had been normal before Su Xi’s arrival, but after she came, everything had changed.
He had considered many possibilities but couldn’t figure out the reason. He had followed Li Zhi for so long; how could he change after just a few words from Su Xi?
What had Su Xi said to capture Li Zhi’s heart so quickly?
Su Xi smiled and explained, “Don’t think it’s because of me. It’s actually because of you; it has little to do with me. After all, I’m not the one who generated the information; I’m just the messenger.”
“Because of me?” Pang Dahai repeated the words, then suddenly laughed and said, “You’re talking nonsense.”
He hadn’t done anything; how could it be because of him?
Su Xi was completely spewing falsehoods.
If he hadn't been quick-witted, he would have truly been fooled by Su Xi.
Seeing Pang Dahai suddenly agitated, Su Xi smiled and said, “Yes. Did you know that your dealings with the Eighth Prince have been discovered? That’s why the Third Prince no longer trusts you as he used to.”
Upon hearing Su Xi’s words, Pang Dahai immediately retorted, “How is that possible? The Eighth Prince and I have no issues; how could we have been discovered?”
Pang Dahai was extremely agitated, completely unable to fathom that it was due to such a preposterous reason.
Even if Li Zhi wasn't intelligent, he wouldn't believe such an absurd idea, would he?
Indeed, their animosity was hindering his future.
Seeing the agitated Pang Dahai, Su Xi patted his shoulder and said, “It’s no use telling me now; the Third Prince needs to believe you.”
“I have little influence and am useless.”
Pang Dahai nodded and prepared to head towards Li Zhi’s room. “You’re right. I’ll go and explain things clearly to the Eighth Prince now.”
He knew he couldn't let Li Zhi develop any doubts about him. Otherwise, he might face a life-threatening danger. Li Zhi would never allow anyone to betray him. Anyone who dared to betray him would have to pay the price.
Therefore, for his own safety, he absolutely could not let these matters continue.
Seeing Pang Dahai’s action, Su Xi quickly stopped him and said, “Wait a moment.”
“What?” Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi with displeasure.
Was Su Xi trying to delay him at this critical juncture? Was she trying to compete for favor?
Sensing Pang Dahai’s dissatisfaction, Su Xi said, “You’ve followed the Eighth Prince for a long time. Don’t you know he doesn’t listen to explanations? Going to explain will be useless and might even cause bigger problems.”
Hearing Su Xi’s reminder, Pang Dahai felt a chill run down his spine.
Indeed, in his haste, he had forgotten this crucial point.
Li Zhi never liked listening to explanations. If he went to explain now, his head might be separated from his body in the next moment.
“What’s your plan?” Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi instinctively.
Since Su Xi had spoken so much nonsense, she must have a solution.
He would listen to Su Xi’s plan to resolve the current issue. If her plan wasn’t good, he wouldn’t follow it.
Su Xi said, “If you want to regain the Third Prince’s trust now, you must have a pledge of allegiance. Otherwise, why would the Third Prince believe you again?”
“Think about it, even you wouldn’t believe it, would you?”
“A pledge of allegiance?” Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi in confusion and asked, “What kind of pledge do I need to give?”
At this moment, he was completely clueless about what kind of pledge would earn him trust.
Everything seemed so normal, and he didn't know how far he needed to go for a pledge of allegiance.
Su Xi smiled and said, “Doing anything else is useless now. It can only be done through the Eighth Prince.”
“The Eighth Prince?” Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi, completely bewildered.
What exactly was Su Xi trying to convey? Could she speak more directly? He was anxious and didn’t want to waste time.
He was on the Third Prince’s side. How could he get what he wanted through the Eighth Prince?
Seeing Pang Dahai’s anxiety, Su Xi stopped playing coy and said, “The only way you can gain the Eighth Prince’s trust is by assassinating him.”
“???”
Pang Dahai’s eyes widened in shock as he looked at Su Xi.
Was she joking?
Was she really asking him to assassinate the Eighth Prince? Was this a dream?
If it were that easy, why would they be scheming here? Wouldn’t it be simpler to just kill the Eighth Prince?
The Eighth Prince was surrounded by countless experts. Whether he succeeded or not, he would surely perish.
Su Xi’s suggestion was essentially sending him to his death. Although he wasn’t the brightest, he wouldn’t seek death. Why wouldn’t he want to live a good life?
Su Xi knew this was unrealistic and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to truly court death, but to stage a play.”
“A play?” Pang Dahai frowned, clearly struggling to suppress his anger.
Su Xi smiled and said, “You just need to pretend to assassinate the Eighth Prince and put on an act. Then, the Third Prince will surely believe you.”
“After all, if you were truly the Eighth Prince’s subordinate, you wouldn’t do this.”
“I’ve received news that the Eighth Prince will be hunting in the eastern suburbs tomorrow, and his entire mansion will be empty. If you go to assassinate him then, you’ll be in no danger and will achieve the desired effect. It’s a matter of timing and location.”
Hearing Su Xi’s words, Pang Dahai felt a flicker of interest.
If the situation was as Su Xi described, then the problem could indeed be resolved.
In this world, there seemed to be no better pledge of allegiance.
Suddenly, Pang Dahai’s smile vanished, and a glint of shrewdness appeared in his eyes as he looked at Su Xi. “Why are you helping me?”
If he remembered correctly, he and Su Xi had no significant intersection. Su Xi’s assistance now must have ulterior motives.
He wasn’t foolish and knew that manna doesn’t fall from the sky, nor did he believe in the existence of light.
Su Xi helping him for no reason must mean she had ill intentions.
Su Xi knew Pang Dahai wouldn’t be easily convinced and said, “Of course, I’m not helping you out of goodwill, but because you still have an important role to play.”
“Currently, Jin Dong is gradually gaining the Third Prince’s trust. Therefore, I need allies, which is why I’m helping you.”
“Once you regain trust, I’ll need you to join me in dealing with that person.”
Su Xi spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, without any hint of deception.
Hearing Su Xi’s words, Pang Dahai immediately relaxed.
He was afraid Su Xi had hidden motives, but now that he understood her objective, he could rest easy.
He also disliked having his position usurped, so he readily agreed to Su Xi’s proposal.
Without Su Xi, he would have done it anyway.
“If that’s the case, then I’ll trust you for now,” Pang Dahai patted Su Xi’s shoulder, indicating his agreement to Su Xi’s request.
Su Xi’s proposed plan was indeed the most beneficial for him.
He had to act quickly and decisively.
“Are you sure he’s really gone?” Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi and asked again.
Su Xi replied with certainty, “Don’t worry, I’ve confirmed these details. Don’t you trust my reconnaissance abilities?”
Pang Dahai looked at Su Xi and nodded, “Then I’ll trust you. I’m going now.”
He could no longer bear such a situation and decided to cut the Gordian knot.
Hearing Pang Dahai’s words, Su Xi took out a map from her person and handed it to him. “This is a map of the Eighth Prince’s mansion. With this, you can find him more quickly.”
“Thank you.”
Pang Dahai nodded and quickly departed.
Familiarizing himself with the map would increase his chances of success.
Su Xi watched Pang Dahai’s retreating figure and smiled helplessly.
Her part was done. Now, it was up to Ouyang Chu Ge to see how well he was doing.