Watching the fight continue, Chu Chen felt a pang of regret. These fighters were all quite capable, and it was a shame to see them waste away in internal conflict.
He wished he could capture them all and use them for external conquests.
With that thought, Chu Chen chuckled, then his expression shifted. His idea seemed a bit too naive just now.
For starters, he wasn't sure if Li Mengdie would agree.
However, no matter what, he couldn't let these people be killed here.
He pressed Li Mengdie's acupoint to silence her and said, "Have your subordinates retreat. Don't make any more pointless sacrifices. Surrendering is also an option."
"As long as you have them surrender, I can guarantee they'll reappear on the battlefield, not die in infighting."
Li Mengdie's eyes, sharp and bright, fixed on Chu Chen. After a deep look, she finally followed his instruction, letting out a peculiar whistle.
Upon hearing the whistle, both sides engaged in combat paused for a moment, then resumed fighting.
The锦衣卫 (Jinyiwei) didn't understand the meaning of the whistle, but the rebels did. They fought and retreated, gathering together and charging outwards.
However, there were obstacles outside, and it wouldn't be easy for them to break through.
Li Xin Yue, who had been staying in the warm pavilion, couldn't help but emerge at this moment.
Seeing the battle still raging, she felt a sense of helplessness. She wanted to find Li Mengdie but realized she was nowhere to be seen.
Li Xin Yue decided to personally lead her men out to search for her second sister.
This was the closest she had ever been to her second sister. If she could capture her, their mother would not be so heartbroken.
With this thought, Li Xin Yue led her troops, crushing the rebels like a tide.
However, these rebels seemed cunning. Despite the unfavorable situation, they didn't suffer any significant setbacks.
They didn't know where Li Xin Yue had gone, but they knew she must be on an important mission. Their job was to buy time for Li Mengdie.
As long as Li Mengdie won in the end, everything would be over.
Li Xin Yue, however, didn't want to get entangled with them further. She bypassed them and headed into the city to search for Li Mengdie.
At the same time, she dispatched men to guard the two city gates, replacing those who had been bribed earlier.
With the army still present, Li Mengdie certainly hadn't left Shuangyue City. Otherwise, it would be difficult for her to re-enter.
Therefore, Li Xin Yue was confident she would find her.
Meanwhile, after Li Mengdie blew the whistle, Chu Chen immediately sealed her acupoint and brought her into the warm pavilion.
He tossed Li Mengdie onto the bed, released her acupoint, and sat beside her, sneering, "Weren't you quite formidable before? Why are you so dejected now?"
Li Mengdie looked at Chu Chen and shook her head, "Do you dare to release my acupoint now?"
Chu Chen let out a soft snort, "What is there to fear? Your enemies are all around. Do you think you can get out of here?"
Li Mengdie's expression shifted slightly, but she remained calm.
"You don't need to worry about that. As long as you release my acupoint, I have my own way to leave."
Chu Chen scoffed, "Do you really think I would let you go? To rebel again?"
"As the saying goes, 'three strikes and you're out.' We've already shown you great sincerity. Even if you rebel again this time, I doubt Li Xin Yue would make things difficult for you. Think about it."
Li Mengdie rolled her eyes at Chu Chen, "Do you think I'll believe you just because you say that?"
"I am the biggest threat to her becoming the next Empress. She probably wants me gone more than anything."
"How could she possibly forgive me? This is the perfect opportunity for her to deal with me."
Chu Chen sighed, "You and Li Xin Yue are sisters. Don't you know her personality and temper?"
Li Mengdie sneered, "Of course, I know. She appears weak on the surface, but in reality, she's very cunning."
"If that weren't the case, why would Mother choose her as her successor, and why would you, Chu Chen, choose to serve under her?"
Chu Chen was somewhat speechless. His decision to follow Li Xin Yue wasn't his own choice. If he hadn't been struggling to survive at the time, why would he have chosen Li Xin Yue?
He could only blame Li Xin Yue. Back then, with her princess's temper, he had accidentally become someone who assisted Li Xin Yue.
However, he couldn't tell Li Mengdie this. Even if he did, Li Mengdie probably wouldn't believe him.
After all, who would believe in a system?
Chu Chen thought for a moment and said, "His Majesty chose Li Xin Yue precisely for the harmony and stability of the Yun Yue Kingdom's royal family."
"Each of your five sisters is very capable, but your strengths lie in different areas."
"If you could unite, you might truly achieve great things."
"Then you could go out to conquer, and Li Xin Yue could oversee from the center. The other princesses could also utilize their respective talents."
"With your unity, the entire Yun Yue Kingdom would become increasingly powerful and prosperous."
Li Mengdie's eyes grew slightly distant upon hearing this, but she quickly regained her clarity.
"Well said, Chu Chen. You're quite eloquent. I was almost fooled by you."
"I've already rebelled twice. How could Li Xin Yue possibly allow me to lead troops again?"
"Everything you've said is just an illusion, offering me no benefit."
"Things have reached this point, and I have no way back. Chu Chen, betray them and join me."
"The two of us can surely find our own path, without caring about anyone else's opinion."
"I will be the Emperor, and you will be the Great General and Grand Chancellor."
"I will trust you implicitly, and in terms of military strategy, we can communicate better."
"You can fully utilize your talents. Don't you want to unify the world? I can help you."
Li Mengdie's words were seductive, painting a beautiful picture for Chu Chen.
Chu Chen almost fell for it.
When Chu Chen snapped back to his senses, he smiled, "Your Highness, your words are so convincing that I almost believed you. Please don't think about me switching allegiances."
"However, if Your Highness wishes to lead troops, you can serve under me then."
"I will arrange an army for you to command."
"As long as you don't rebel internally, this army will always be yours."
Hearing this, Li Mengdie looked puzzled, "You'll really let me command? But would Li Xin Yue agree to something like this?"
Chu Chen smiled and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured. I have already made plans for this."
"In short, you will absolutely not be at a disadvantage. I will cautiously sound out Princess Xin Yue about you commanding an army."