In the capital of Nanzhao, Meng Xizhao was still at the Western Palace.
Luosahua had many attendants, but she didn’t summon all of them to the palace. Although Meng Xizhao could enter daily, his actual time to meet Luosahua was no more than half an hour each day.
The rest of the time, Luosahua would see others.
This was a princess who had mastered the art of time management.
…
Today, once again, he had waited a long time before finally meeting her.
Luosahua’s brow was tightly furrowed, clearly troubled by a difficult matter.
As a dutiful guest, Meng Xizhao naturally asked what had happened. She explained that her brother was causing trouble again. He had been extremely upset about the loss of Jizhou before and now refused to yield, holding the belief that if all the people resisted, they could force the Qi army to retreat. Their father shared a similar mindset—they both harbored illusions that sheer stubbornness could turn the tide.
Luosahua asked Meng Xizhao if he had any solution to this problem.
It was clear she was truly at a loss, hence her sincere appeal to him.
Meng Xizhao blinked and spoke: “Princess, you understand the crown prince better than I do. Do you think anyone can persuade him to change his mind?”
Certainly not.
Luosahua: “…Still, we must try. Either persuade him to retreat to the Ningren Residence or figure out a way to turn defeat into victory.”
Meng Xizhao thought for a moment, opened his mouth, then abruptly shut it again.
Luosahua’s eyes lit up. “Sir, do you have a solution?”
Meng Xizhao looked troubled. “Uh, there’s an idea… though it’s not really a proper solution. No, no, it won’t work. I need to think again.”
Luosahua: “Wait, at least tell me this so-called ‘not-a-solution’ solution.”
Meng Xizhao let out a small sound and scratched his head. “But this idea is… rather underhanded…”
Luosahua almost laughed—she liked underhandedness.
“Sir, speak freely.”
#VALUE!
Meng Xizhao refused again. Only when Luosahua’s patience ran out, and her temper began to flare, did he theatrically sigh. “The Qi army’s unstoppable momentum is all because their crown prince is leading. I’ve heard that he’s physically weak and prone to illness. The Qi people worry he might not live to inherit the throne. Someone like that shouldn’t even be on the battlefield. So, why not have the Nanzhao crown prince lead his troops, stand on the walls, and challenge their crown prince to a duel? If their prince refuses, the Qi soldiers would feel ashamed, morale would plummet. If he accepts, even better—he could be struck down immediately, causing chaos among their ranks. Then, the unstoppable Qi army could turn into Nanzhao’s advantage.”
Luosahua simply stared at him.
Meng Xizhao, feeling her gaze, grew nervous. “Princess, is my idea… inappropriate?”
Luosahua: “…”
Not inappropriate—highly feasible.
Her only worry: her brother, caught in his own fury, might face danger.
But that was simple enough—just instruct those around him to keep a close watch.
From start to finish, Luosahua never considered that the Qi might not play by the rules and could employ underhanded tactics themselves. After all, over the past decade, it was always Nanzhao who used trickery.
Remaining composed, Luosahua didn’t reveal whether she would use Meng Xizhao’s plan—this was military intelligence, not to be shared lightly. She sent him away and immediately went to meet Zhen’an Luo.
Meng Xizhao felt inexplicably confused, unsure if she had listened, and returned to his residence, burdened with thought. Soon, he forgot the matter, preparing another scheme to brainwash Luosahua.
However, the unexpected happened. On the third night, Luosahua suddenly dispatched soldiers to surround his residence.
Meng Xizhao awoke from sleep, and upon rushing out, saw Luosahua in a red dress standing at the door, her eyes filled with hatred.
She ground her teeth and spoke a sentence in Ailao language—exactly enough for Meng Xizhao to understand:
“Bring the blade. I will kill him with my own hands!”
The soldiers behind her immediately handed over their weapons. Two others stepped forward, gripping his arms and pressing down hard. The pain forced Meng Xizhao to kneel involuntarily.
Wang Sili and Jia Renliang rushed out, shocked, and were soon captured as well.
Meng Xizhao gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, and then saw Luosahua, her face dark, approaching. She raised a blade that gleamed coldly in her hand. His heart nearly leapt into his throat.
“Wait, Princess! What crime have I committed? If you’re going to kill me, at least let me understand why!”
Luosahua’s voice, tinged with fury, cracked. “My brother went to battle today… following your strategy, to draw out the Qi crown prince. But the Qi prince didn’t appear, and yet a stray arrow—poisoned—struck my brother.”
“Now my brother is dead… Jin Sanzang, tell me, who should I take revenge on?”
Meng Xizhao feigned stunned speechlessness. After two seconds, he struggled violently, veins bulging in his neck. “It’s their fault! The culprit is the one who shot the poisoned arrow, not me! Princess, I—I didn’t know it would turn out this way. Spare my life, I beg you… Your Highness, please, spare me!”
He twisted helplessly, as if trying to kowtow. The two soldiers pressed him down, restricting movement. His face flushed with panic.
Luosahua’s cold eyes studied his desperate, floundering figure. She sneered and brought the blade down sharply.
At the critical moment, Meng Xizhao shouted loudly, “If you kill me, you will regret it!”
The tip of the blade stopped just two centimeters from his neck. Luosahua roared in anger, “What reason would I have to regret anything?!”
Meng Xizhao stared at the sharp blade, took a deep breath, and said in one go, “Your Highness, the crown prince has fallen. Ganzhou must have fallen as well. Once Ganzhou is in Qi’s hands, they will not retreat now. The next danger is Ningren Residence. If Ningren falls too, Princess… can Nanzhao even survive?”
Luosahua narrowed her eyes, fury burning within.
Wang Sili and Jia Renliang nearly fainted watching, thinking, Are you looking for death, or are you really looking for death?!
Meng Xizhao continued, “…That’s why you cannot kill me! To defend Ningren Residence, you need all your resources—manpower and money, both are essential. While I live, you can come to my house for ransom. If I die, you won’t get a single coin!”
Luosahua laughed bitterly through her anger. “Do you think, at this point, I still care about your silver?”
Meng Xizhao quickly replied, “You don’t care now because Princess, you are overwhelmed with grief and have lost reason. But when you calm down, you will realize that I am right. To hold Ningren Residence, you need funds to supply the army. If you lose it, you will need even more resources to secure a fallback. Princess, think carefully—does what I say make sense or not?”
The hand gripping the blade whitened with force.
She truly wanted to kill him. Even knowing he was not the one directly responsible, she wanted to vent her anger on him, to soothe her grief with his blood.
But she couldn’t. Meng Xizhao was right—she was rational. No matter the circumstances, she would only act in the best interest of Nanzhao.
Deep down, she knew he spoke the truth, yet it did not stop her from thinking him infuriating.
Her brother was dead, and yet he calmly negotiated with her as if nothing had happened—outrageously infuriating.
With a clang, Luosahua relaxed her grip, then looked down at Meng Xizhao, an anger-filled smile spreading across her face.
Seeing her expression, a terrible premonition washed over Meng Xizhao.
From her sleeve, Luosahua drew out a silk pouch and slowly opened it, revealing a jade pendant inside. Using her fingers to pinch the string, she let the pendant drop into midair, swaying slightly twice.
Then, she spread her five fingers wide.
Meng Xizhao’s pupils contracted, and his body reacted instinctively, lunging forward—but those behind him yanked him back.
Crack. The jade pendant hit the ground and split into two halves.
Meng Xizhao stared blankly at the shattered jade, not even noticing Luosahua’s gaze upon him.
She let out a hearty laugh and, in a chilling tone, said, “Mr. Jin, remember this scene. If you anger me again, the next thing to break into two will be you.”
With that, Luosahua swept her sleeve and left. Her soldiers followed, their faces hurried—they paid no attention to Meng Xizhao. With the crown prince dead, Nanzhao’s skies had shifted; everyone now feared for their own lives. Who cared about a single Qi man?
After a long while, Wang Sili finally shakily stood. His legs were still weak, but better than before. Even Jia Renliang was not as timid as earlier. They exchanged a cautious glance.
Approaching Meng Xizhao, they dared not help him up and only crouched silently. Jia Renliang whispered, “Sir…”
Even Wang Sili, seeing Meng Xizhao’s expression, couldn’t bear it and felt a pang of sympathy. “It’s fine… this… broken but safe, we can buy a better one later.”
Jia Renliang: “…………”
Are you kidding me with your words?
He shot Wang Sili a glare, receiving an innocent shrug in return. Meng Xizhao stayed silent for a while, remaining half-kneeling, silently picking up the broken jade pieces. He wrapped them in a cloth and placed them back over his chest.
He exhaled deeply, then turned his gaze to the door. Outside, no one remained; the rest of Nanzhao’s citizens were still asleep, unaware that the most terrible news of their lives was about to reach them.
After a few seconds, he looked back at Wang Sili. “If I were to have you make a perfect, flawless waist token right now, could you do it?”
Wang Sili: “…………”
Meng Xizhao stared at him calmly, sending chills down Wang Sili’s spine. This calmness was somehow more terrifying than Luosahua just now.
He dared not answer “no,” swallowed, and after two seconds of hesitation, made a firm decision. “I can do it!”
Hearing this, Meng Xizhao stood and went upstairs without looking back, merely motioning for the two to follow.
Wang Sili and Jia Renliang exchanged a glance—pressure mounting heavily on them.
Meng Xizhao retrieved a makeup box he had prepared earlier. The wood of this box matched the wood for the waist tokens. He instructed Wang Sili to use it to make three tokens: one matching the one Luosahua had given him for the Western Palace, and two for the elite Yu Yi army.
Wang Sili, skilled in crafting the Yu Yi tokens, worked quickly and diligently. When the three tokens were finished, they were indistinguishable at a glance.
Subtle differences—like lines off by one or two millimeters—would go unnoticed unless someone intentionally compared them.
Creating the three tokens took Wang Sili an entire day and night, leaving his eyes red like a rabbit’s. Yet his spirits remained high; indeed, pressure is humanity’s greatest motivator.
…
After receiving the waist token, Meng Xizhao did not act immediately. He waited another two days. Finally, news arrived that Ganzhou had fallen. Ningren Residence descended into chaos, and the Nanzhao officials had yet to mount a military response. This was the perfect moment to strike. Meng Xizhao handed the Western Palace guard’s token to Jia Renliang and then passed him a letter he had written.
“Go through the north city gate. Wait until there are many people and follow the crowd. Do not show any signs of fear. You are now a Western Palace guard—you don’t need to be courteous to the city soldiers. Do you remember the few Nanzhao phrases I taught you?”
Jia Renliang nearly burst into tears. “I-I remember… but sir, what if I fail…”
Meng Xizhao said calmly, “It doesn’t matter. If that happens, I’ll go with you to the underworld.”
Jia Renliang: “…………”
Since the jade pendant broke, Meng Xizhao had carried a calm kind of madness. Watching him, Jia Renliang felt the tension in his chest ease. Perhaps it was because he realized he had become someone reliable, someone others could depend on, and a sense of responsibility naturally arose in him.
He had to deliver this letter to summon the Daqi army to rescue Sir Meng. Otherwise, he feared Meng Xizhao might suddenly do something reckless…
Jia Renliang left, and Wang Sili watched his departing back with concern. Now, only he and Meng Xizhao remained in the house.
Wang Sili no longer disliked Jia Renliang; instead, he felt a deep loneliness. In all of Nanzhao, the only person he could truly rely on now was Meng Xizhao.
Turning around, he meant to speak to Meng Xizhao—but the latter passed him without a glance and went out.
Wang Sili: “……”
In the past few days, Meng Xizhao had gone out several times, often having Jia Renliang run errands for him. Luosahua had not restricted his movements—likely too preoccupied with the unrest in Ningren Residence. The streets, once lively, were now half-empty as people scrambled for safety.
Gu Pingting was still at her stall. Meng Xizhao bought some food from her, and while receiving the paper-wrapped parcel, he discreetly slipped her the rolled-up letter he had hidden in his palm.
Gu Pingting remained expressionless, using the motion of moving a basin to slide the scroll into her sleeve, then continued attending the next customer.
Throughout the exchange, neither spoke. Meng Xizhao lingered near the palace gate for a while, seemingly considering entering, but after a moment, he walked away, head bowed.
Observing him, no one felt there was any report to make to Luosahua.
Later, after packing up and returning home, Gu Pingting found a secluded spot. Ensuring no one was around, she unrolled the letter.
After reading quickly, she paused, thought for a moment, then crumpled the scroll and tossed it onto the charcoal fire at her stall. With a flick of her match, it turned to ash.
Meanwhile, Jia Renliang maintained a composed expression, yet when he finally passed through the city gate, his mind was blank.
Only when he glanced back at Ningren Residence’s gate did he freeze for a moment. Immediately, he turned and sprinted desperately.
The east gate was closer to Ganzhou, but heavily guarded. Meng Xizhao had instructed him to use the north gate to avoid inspection. Without a horse, Jia Renliang relied entirely on his legs. Meng Xizhao, however, was not anxious; he had told him there was a day’s time to reach the destination.
Jia Renliang, meanwhile, ran in terror. He feared pursuit, and the longer he delayed, the more danger Meng Xizhao faced in the city. Running and walking in intervals, he staggered near the walls of Ganzhou, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.
Late at night, a man in Nanzhao attire approached the city walls. Before he got close, archers were ready.
Remembering Meng Xizhao’s instructions at the last moment, Jia Renliang stopped, gathered his strength, and shouted, “I am Jia Renliang, registrar of Longxing Residence! Do not shoot!”
The Qi soldiers atop the wall exchanged glances. One ran to report to the command, while others cautiously descended.
Half an hour later, cleared of suspicion, Jia Renliang drank two large bowls of water and was escorted on horseback to see the crown prince.
Meeting the crown prince alone was worth it in his life.
But he had no time to dwell on that. Seeing Cui Ye, he wordlessly handed over the letter from his bosom.
His fatigue was evident to anyone with eyes, so no one blamed him for showing no deference.
Cui Ye read through the letter at lightning speed, paused, then lifted his head and asked, “What happened in the city? Why do Sir Meng’s words differ from usual? Is he alright?”
Jia Renliang was momentarily stunned.
Not… you even know how Meng Xizhao usually speaks? You two really are close friends!
After a pause, he told the truth. “The day the Nanzhao crown prince died, Luosahua believed Sir Meng was responsible and tried to kill him to avenge her brother.”
Cui Ye’s grip on the letter tightened.
Nearby generals were alarmed. “What happened to him now?”
Jia Renliang: “Currently, there is no threat to his life. From the start, Sir Meng claimed to be a wealthy merchant. He said his death would not benefit Nanzhao, and by keeping him alive, he could later be exchanged for ransom.”
Zhan Buxiu exclaimed, “Preposterous! Does he think that excuse can save him from Nanzhao’s wrath?!”
Even if it worked temporarily, it would not last forever. Nanzhao’s attitude could change at any time!
Cui Ye glanced at him, pressed his lips, then returned his attention to the letter.
Ding Chun, older and more composed, asked calmly, “Your Highness, what did Sir Meng say in the letter?”
Cui Ye was silent for a moment before answering, “He instructed General Zhan and another person he trusts to take the waist tokens, disguise themselves as Nanzhao Yu-Yi Army soldiers, and infiltrate Ningren Residence. Once inside, they are to find a woman on the main street wearing four wooden hairpins—she possesses the map of the Nanzhao Imperial Palace, the guard rotation schedule, and the method to open the East Gate. The gate requires six people to operate, and any infiltration team must consist of at least four. Therefore, after General Zhan enters Ningren Residence, he must find a way to bring in ten people in total.”
The surrounding generals: “……”
Good heavens.
Meng Xizhao had planned the entire operation down to the details!
Originally, they had disliked him—after all, he was Meng Jiuyu’s son—but now, even they could not help but admire him.
Youth can be impressive!
With the map, insider contacts, and waist tokens, once Zhan Buxiu entered the inner city, bringing in additional personnel would be simple—just climb the walls, lower a rope, and pull people in unnoticed.
Meng Xizhao was still being cautious—ten people? They could easily bring in a hundred.
As discussions began on the specifics, arguments erupted. Some insisted on sending only the best soldiers, around twenty, while others argued, “More is better.”
Cui Ye furrowed his brows, listening for a while before impatiently calling them to order.
He made the decision: Zhan Buxiu would take twenty of his personal soldiers. The other team would consist of Cui Ye’s guards and twenty Precedent Guards. Zhan Buxiu would open the gate, while the guards captured Zhen Anluo.
Upon hearing this, the generals were displeased.
After all, whoever captured Zhen Anluo would gain the primary merit—enough for promotion, or even a noble title.
Cui Ye looked at them and gave a sudden, enigmatic smile: “Do you think, without Meng Xizhao’s intelligence, you would have even had a chance to capture Zhen Anluo?”
The generals: “……”
Not now, that was certain.
Seeing their silent acknowledgment, Cui Ye’s smile vanished. “Good. The primary credit belongs to Sir Meng. Others who contributed will be reported in full. But if anyone acts selfishly and jeopardizes the operation, they will not return to Yingtian Prefecture—here, in front of all soldiers, I will execute them!”
The tent fell deathly silent. Fear gripped the officers, but beneath it was a newfound respect.
Indeed, this was how a crown prince should be—reward and punish fairly, far better than the enigmatic Emperor Tianshou.
The crown prince was admirable, but he was not yet emperor—he could not rule fully, and no one knew when he would ascend the throne.
Having been admonished, the officers shelved their schemes and quickly worked out a plan.
Zhan Buxiu and Yu Fulan would each take a waist token, accompanied by a long-term Nanzhao informant who could speak Ailao, providing guidance.
They would depart immediately. As for bringing additional people in, part of the army would move first the following night. Once the gate was opened, they would storm in, eliminate the city’s Nanzhao defenders, and the remaining troops, stationed three li away, would advance upon receiving the signal.
The plan finalized, everyone set to action. Before Yu Fulan departed, Cui Ye called out: “The others are not important, but Luosahua must be captured.”
Yu Fulan paused, then solemnly nodded. “Yes, Your Highness!”
＊
For Meng Xizhao, the past few days had felt like being in the underground resistance.
First, he passed a note to Gu Pingting. Then, while running errands, he hid the drawn map and other items at a house whose occupants had already fled.
Worried, he returned at night to check the stone where he had hidden them, relieved to find the items taken—half his worry lifted.
The other half would only be eased once the Daqi army appeared before him.
He had done everything necessary; now, it was up to his teammates to perform.
The second night after Jia Renliang’s departure, Meng Xizhao sat in the front hall, sipping tea slowly.
Wang Sili, expecting tonight to be the Daqi operation, was nearly a bundle of nerves. Seeing Meng Xizhao relaxed, sipping tea, he almost knelt before him.
“How can you be so calm?!”
Meng Xizhao lifted an eyelid. “What good is worrying? It won’t help those outside. ‘Do your best, leave the rest to fate’—these six words are my principle. You should learn them too, Wang Sili. A proper mindset is the first step to success.”
“And the second step?”
Meng Xizhao blew gently across the surface of his tea. “A good father.”
Wang Sili: “…………”
Silence followed. After nearly an hour, faint distant noises reached them—screams and shouts.
Instantly, both Meng Xizhao and Wang Sili straightened and exchanged a glance.
Meng Xizhao stepped outside swiftly. Wang Sili tried to follow but was shoved back. “Stay put. Don’t make things worse.”
Wang Sili: “……”
Standing there, he watched Meng Xizhao leave for the third time. Desperate, he shouted, voice strained, “Sir Meng, don’t forget I’m still here! When this is over, remember to come back for me!”
Meng Xizhao’s lips twitched. He ran even faster, sticking close to the walls. The noises ahead grew louder—soon, the chaos would reach him. Along the way, there were other people: curious Nanzhao civilians and soldiers rushing toward the palace.
Everything was in utter disorder. Flames flickered here and there, and Meng Xizhao followed the route he had memorized until he reached a narrow alley, where he spotted a familiar figure.
Gu Pingting let out a sigh of relief at seeing him. “Sir, what do we do next?” she asked.
Meng Xizhao studied her for a moment, taking in her appearance, then said, “Next, we go to the palace.”
Gu Pingting froze. She hadn’t expected Meng Xizhao to plan for her to enter the palace—at a time like this, entering to kill would be little different from committing suicide.
“Enter the palace? Me?”
Meng Xizhao nodded. “But first, some preparations. Wash the grime off your face, then change your clothes.”
Gu Pingting didn’t understand why this was necessary, but glancing at the towering flames in the distance, she blinked and replied, “Alright.”
……
Under the dark, windy night, the palace was filled with fire and chaos.
While Zhen Anluo slept, the Daqi Precedent Guards tied him up like a pig. When anyone tried to rescue him, the guards used Zhen Anluo as a human shield, making it impossible to intervene.
Meanwhile, Luosahua, anxious and sleepless, spotted intruders in her palace. She screamed, immediately drawing the guards outside.
But following Cui Ye’s orders to capture her at all costs, the Daqi guards did not hesitate. They engaged her forces directly. When they realized they were outnumbered, they even toppled pillars, sparking a fire.
Yes… all ambushes in the world are roughly the same: capture first, set fire later.
If Yin Liu were here, he would certainly feel vindicated.
Luosahua fled in panic, but before she could exit the palace, she encountered a large group of Daqi soldiers, each cutting down anyone in their path like demonic Asuras.
Unprepared and facing inevitable defeat, Luosahua was soon captured, disheveled and defeated.
Only then did Meng Xizhao and Gu Pingting slip in like thieves. Having spent nearly a month in the palace, Meng Xizhao knew every corner, measured every step, and was familiar with the layout.
The map he drew highlighted Zhen Anluo’s sleeping quarters and Luosahua’s West Palace. The East Palace was neglected—its occupants were already dead.
Following his map, they made it to the East Palace without encountering the Daqi soldiers.
Suddenly, Meng Xizhao pushed open a door. Inside, someone was hastily packing valuables, trying to escape. Shocked to see intruders even in this remote corner, the person immediately knelt, pleading for mercy.
Meng Xizhao ignored her, pushing Gu Pingting inside before dashing away.
The two women stared at each other in confusion. Finally, Gu Pingting asked, “Who are you?”
The palace servant stammered, “I—I’m a servant of the East Palace. Are you also from Daqi?”
……
A few steps beyond, Meng Xizhao slowed down.
The Daqi soldiers pouring in were now numerous; the entire palace was under their control. A few soldiers spotted him strolling calmly and hesitated, briefly considering taking his head as merit for their record.
When they closed to about three meters, Meng Xizhao asked, “Where is General Zhan? Has General Ding already entered?”
The soldiers froze, glancing at each other, then back at Meng Xizhao.
……
Hearing that someone had found Meng Xizhao, Yu Fulan’s jaw tightened. He hurried over to verify.
Seeing Meng Xizhao’s familiar face, Yu Fulan nearly cried. “Sir Meng, finally!”
He rushed forward, dumping all his frustrations onto Meng Xizhao. “You have no idea what I’ve gone through these past days! Sir Meng, never let this happen again—you see? My clothes are all too big now!”
Meng Xizhao: “…………”
He waited, realizing Yu Fulan was only venting and had no information about Cui Ye’s whereabouts. He had to ask himself: “The Crown Prince?”
Yu Fulan shook his head. “I don’t know. I only came in with your waist token. The Crown Prince ordered me to capture Zhen Anluo and his daughter. He must have gone with the army; I have no idea where they are.”
Meng Xizhao nodded and lowered his head, pressing his fingers together.
Sensing something was amiss, Yu Fulan asked, “Why, you don’t want to see His Highness the Crown Prince?”
Outside the door, the news that Meng Xizhao had arrived safely made the Crown Prince hurry over. Just as he crossed the threshold, he overheard Yu Fulan’s question, and Meng Xizhao, head bowed, said nothing.
His racing heart skipped a beat.
Zhang Shuogong, arriving alongside him: “…………”
Yu Fulan, think carefully—if you keep this up, you’ll only ever become a platoon leader.