Chapter 389: Chapter 389

"May I ask the esteemed general’s surname?"

"General Zheng is renowned; I’ve heard of your name."

The Qian State court had presented a different version of Mianzhou’s fall to the populace. However, the Royal Mansion of Prince Fu was certainly entitled to, and possessed the channels to learn, the truth of that night. That, however, was the account of Mianzhou’s first capture. Perhaps, before long, a new version—Zheng Fan’s second attack on Mianzhou—would surface. After all, Prince Fu’s head had become the finest embellishment for this second battle for Mianzhou.

The princess smiled gently, a touch of her warm and alluring grace evident as she said, "General Zheng, it is indeed abrupt for me to invite you to this private meeting. There is a deal I would like to discuss with you."

"Well, what a coincidence. I was a businessman before joining the army."

This Princess, who stood behind Prince Fu’s son, guiding his every word and action, must be the true strategist, Zheng Fan speculated. She appeared gentle, but she was likely a rose with thorns.

"This Chuzhou is clearly Yan people’s territory now," the princess said.

"Hmm," Zheng Fan responded indifferently.

"I am grateful for the General’s protection of my Royal Mansion."

"Prince Fu’s son has already expressed his thanks for these things."

"However, General, in the Qian State, our Royal Mansion is already in dire straits. The ministers in court are all waiting for an excuse to move against us. Even the Emperor views Prince Fu’s lineage unfavorably."

Those in power certainly harbor no goodwill towards the Royal Family, Zheng Fan thought. He remained silent, continuing to listen. He was genuinely curious about what this Princess truly had up her sleeve.

"Now that the formidable soldiers of Yan have arrived, we, the Royal Mansion of Prince Fu, are willing to bow in service to Yan and pledge our allegiance anew."

Zheng Fan shook his head, saying, "The Princess’s words are inappropriate."

"General, every word I’ve spoken comes from the heart."

"That’s not what I meant. My meaning is, besides bowing in service to Yan, does the Royal Mansion of Prince Fu truly have any other choice?"

Outside the pavilion, a slight smirk touched the lips of the blind man who had been quietly eavesdropping.

My lord is indeed maturing quickly, he thought. He understands the need to dampen the other party’s momentum before discussing the real terms of a deal.

"The General is right. It was my mistake."

"If the Princess has something to convey, please be direct. The air is rather chilly."

"If the General feels the cold, you are welcome to come inside to continue our discussion. I can have more charcoal braziers brought in and personally ensure the General is kept warm."

At that moment, Zheng Fan’s breathing grew noticeably heavier.

To be honest, if he truly desired it, even risking the severe punishment that would likely follow, he could sleep with the princess, he mused. But she was a princess. Even if the vassal princes of Qian State were often treated no better than pigs, she still held the title of princess. For a princess to abase herself to such an extent before him—what could she possibly be aiming for?

"Please speak plainly, Princess," Zheng Fan urged her once again.

The night in Chuzhou was rather pleasant. Screams and cries echoed intermittently from within the city walls, making the darkness feel less solitary.

"General, what I wish to request is... could you perhaps convey to the Yan Emperor that we, the Royal Mansion of Prince Fu—that Prince Fu’s son—is willing to ascend the throne as the Qian Emperor?"

Zheng Fan’s eyes suddenly focused. The princess watched him intently, as if awaiting his reaction.

Blind Man! Blind Man! Blind Man! Zheng Fan screamed internally. Damn it, I knew you had to be eavesdropping!

My lord? came the telepathic reply.

Alright, I understand.

Following this swift, silent exchange for guidance, Zheng Fan looked at the stunningly beautiful princess and asked, "What made you think of this?"

The woman’s intention was for her son, Prince Fu’s son, to ascend the throne as a puppet emperor, Zheng Fan realized. The Yan people could prop up a puppet regime to aid in governing and sowing dissent within the Qian State. Such maneuvers were hardly rare in history. In the history Zheng Fan was familiar with, there were numerous instances of so-called ’child emperors’ who were mere puppets.

"General, since we must submit, why not do so completely?" the princess continued. "Your protection of the Royal Mansion of Prince Fu is a kindness, I understand. But once Yan has swept through all of Qian, what further use will our Royal Mansion of Prince Fu serve?"

Since she had already committed to serving the ’invaders,’ she might as well sell herself—and her son’s future—as thoroughly as possible, she reasoned.

"This is not something I can decide," Zheng Fan stated. He clapped his hands together once, a clear signal he didn’t want to humor this woman any longer.

"I implore the General to relay my message."

"This matter is taboo."

To unilaterally suggest installing an emperor—even a puppet or child emperor—signified a contempt for ’Imperial Authority,’ Zheng Fan thought. However, this was merely his excuse. Both the Lords and the Yan Emperor were absolute pragmatists; they wouldn’t be concerned about punishment for such a suggestion. The real issue was that in a day’s time, the army would resume its southward march. When the Qian State’s border defense forces eventually returned to counterattack, Chuzhou city would likely be ’retaken.’ Establishing a child emperor here only for him to be overthrown shortly after? Wouldn’t that be like slapping their own faces while handing the Qian State an easy victory and a propaganda coup?

This woman, though undeniably beautiful like a ripe peach, was a tad too scheming. Worse, her scheming was coupled with a naivety that, paradoxically, made her seem rather dull.

Zheng Fan stood up, saying, "I won’t disturb the Princess’s rest any longer."

He intended to take his leave, but just then, the Princess also rose abruptly to her feet.

My heart skipped a beat! Zheng Fan was startled. Don’t tell me she’s actually a hidden expert? That would be just my luck!

However, the Princess merely gave Zheng Fan a slight curtsy, as if to bid him farewell.

Zheng Fan steadied his breathing, nodded, and turned to depart.

My Lord, it seems a shame to pass over such a beautiful flower, the Blind Man’s voice echoed in his mind. You could very well indulge yourself; Siniang wouldn’t say a word even if she found out.

Heh, I don’t like foolish women, Zheng Fan scoffed inwardly and continued walking away.

However, just as he stepped out of the pavilion, Zheng Fan was forced to halt. The Princess had spoken again.

"General, my maiden name is Zhong. I am from the Zhong Family."

The blind man, still eavesdropping outside, suddenly shuddered. Two words, "HOLY SHIT," flashed simultaneously in their shared mental channel.

My Lord, the Blind Man transmitted urgently, if *she’s* the foolish one, then we must be prize idiots! ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novel✶fire.net

Zheng Fan deeply concurred. He turned back, faced the princess, and asked, "Then Prince Fu’s son is...?"

The princess nodded, a captivating smile gracing her lips as she replied, "The biological maternal grandson of... Minister Zhong, Zhong Wenhao of the West Army Division."