A scheme of seduction!
To sow discord between the Grand Princess and Her Majesty the Empress, leading to a confrontation, and ultimately, animosity.
History is replete with instances of generals turning against each other due to schemes involving beautiful women.
There are many famous examples.
Here, the Grand Princess, in her desire to keep His Royal Highness the Free-spirited Prince away from Her Majesty, has openly sent the Prince to the Prince’s Estate.
This is a clear sign of their animosity.
If, at this juncture, His Royal Highness could do something…
"Absolutely not!"
Chu Qianli immediately interrupted Wei Qiong’s train of thought: "Wuya’s health has always been poor; he cannot withstand any form of hardship."
"I believe this Free-spirited Prince doesn't need to do anything at all to captivate both the Grand Princess and Her Majesty the Empress."
Wei Qiong assumed Chu Qianli was thinking of some form of strenuous flattery.
She smiled and said, "His Royal Highness Wuya is refined and detached from worldly affairs. Rather than needing to flatter, he can naturally mesmerize women to the point of losing their senses."
Therefore, even if a scheme of seduction were employed, it would not be detrimental to Feng Wuya.
"Moreover, Miss Chu, I have heard that the Northern Underworld Kingdom is a patriarchal society where polygamy is practiced. Even if men have had dealings with women, their reputation will not be tarnished. Miss Chu…"
"I said no!" Chu Qianli rejected it without a second thought: "General Wei, I respect you as a hero, but please do not bring this matter up again. I will absolutely not permit it!"
Wei Qiong sighed softly, shook her head, and said helplessly, "Since you dislike it, I shall not mention it."
She was a schemer, and over the past decade, she had witnessed too much intrigue and deception in the imperial court.
Therefore, regardless of the means, as long as the objective could be achieved without harming a large number of innocent people, she would not find it objectionable.
Chu Qianli truly did not mention it again, not a single word.
This resolve also made Wei Qiong understand.
Wei Qiong did not force the issue.
"I have the topographical map you requested."
The precise location where her mother resided was not widely known.
Although her mother was surrounded by many skilled guards, to prevent Her Majesty the Empress from having an opportunity to harm her, the Empress was also unaware of the internal layout.
"Miss, the secrets within the topographical map can only be conveyed verbally. I cannot mark them on the map itself, as any leak would spell disaster for my mother. I hope you can understand."
If Prince Dingqin had not stated in his letter that she was absolutely trustworthy, Wei Qiong might not have been willing to tell her.
However, their current situation was indeed dire. If Prince Dingqin's condition continued to worsen, and he were no longer around, she would be alone and outnumbered, unable to stand against the tide.
Ultimately, she would not escape the Empress's deadly grasp.
The stalemate was set. Now, all they could do was hope that Chu Qianli could break this impasse.
"Chu Qianli walked over and said earnestly, "I understand. Please proceed, General."
…They chatted in the room for a long time.
When Chu Qianli left to rest, it was past midnight.
Wei Qiong also returned to her own courtyard.
However, as Chu Qianli passed by Feng Wuya's chambers, she saw Tie Xin still guarding the door.
The lights were on inside.
"It's so late, why aren't you letting His Royal Highness rest?" Staying up late is extremely detrimental to his health; she had told Tie Xin this long ago.
Tie Xin bowed and said, "His Royal Highness refuses to rest. I believe His Royal Highness is waiting for you, Miss."
Chu Qianli immediately pushed open the door.
Feng Wuya had indeed not yet retired. He was sitting in a chair, reading a book.
"A'li…"
"I told you, staying up late is bad for your health. You've been disobedient lately."
Chu Qianli was a little angry.
No matter what they needed to discuss, it could wait until the next morning.
"I was afraid you would leave tonight," Feng Wuya said softly.
Chu Qianli was slightly taken aback. She hadn't revealed that she was leaving, but he understood her.
"At the very least, I would bid you farewell," she said. She wouldn't leave so abruptly.
"Not necessarily," Feng Wuya smiled gently and poured her a cup of tea.
"Didn't I say you shouldn't… at night…"
"It's chrysanthemum tea," Feng Wuya placed the cup aside. "You also said chrysanthemum tea is fine, in moderation."
Chu Qianli was speechless. She sat down beside him and picked up the cup.
After chatting with Wei Qiong for so long, her throat was indeed a little dry.
Chrysanthemum tea, to cool the internal heat, was good.
"I'm leaving tomorrow morning," she said, putting down the cup and looking up at him. "Mount Langya isn't too far from here. If we travel at a fast pace, it would take a day and a night to reach it."
Of course, this would require someone with exceptional riding skills to achieve such speed.
She added, "Even if we encounter some delays along the way, I should be able to return within five or six days."
She said softly, "While I'm away, please do not leave the Prince's Estate. It's a good opportunity to rest after the journey. Please recuperate well in the estate; I will return soon."
"Mm."
"If anything happens, you can find the Great Hero Feng Si. He is highly skilled in martial arts and can ensure your safety," Chu Qianli added.
Finally, she still added a few more words: "I've already given the pills to Tie Xin. You must take them on time; this absolutely cannot be forgotten."
Feng Wuya still only nodded: "Alright."
"Is there anything you want to tell me?" He hadn't slept so late, waiting for her, so he must have something to say.
Unexpectedly, Feng Wuya shook his head and smiled faintly, "Nothing. I just wanted to remind you to be careful on your journey."
Chu Qianli was somewhat taken aback.
He waited for over an hour, more than two hours, just to remind her to "be careful"?
This foolish man.
"I will be careful, and I will definitely return safely to see you. I still have surgery to perform on you."
She stood up, tugged at his sleeve, and said, "As for you, hurry up and get better. Otherwise, even if I have all the necessary items, if your body collapses, the surgery cannot be performed."
"Mm," Feng Wuya was still very obedient. This time, he truly lay down on the bed and did not get up.
"A'li," he asked suddenly as she covered him with the blanket, "You are always so busy. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"As long as you obediently recuperate, that is the greatest help you can offer me," Chu Qianli said, tucking him in and walking to the side to blow out the candle.
"Sleep early."
Feng Wuya said nothing further. His gaze remained on her, watching her faint silhouette as she left.
Chu Qianli stood behind the door for a moment, clearly looking back at him.
Therefore, he had no choice but to close his eyes and pretend to be asleep.
Chu Qianli left.
The sound of her footsteps gradually faded away.
After a while, Feng Wuya opened his eyes and looked at the dark room, his gaze filled with a hint of loss.
"Is she truly… Long Xiyue's daughter?"
Originally, he had considered it.
Originally, he had always refused to face it.
But now, they had already arrived in the Longteng Kingdom.
They had no choice but to face it.
From behind the screen, a figure slowly emerged.
He leaned by the window, gazing out at the deep night sky: "It seems there is no longer any doubt."