Chapter 950: Chapter 950

"Who said to deliver false information? What if... Zhao Shixiong secretly communicates with the court, and the intelligence is... true?"

In the Imperial Study Room, after Zhao Douan calmly said this, he clearly saw the Empress sitting opposite him, her gaze suddenly become sharp.

What if it is... true?

Zhao Shixiong truly secretly communicated with the court? The Empress subconsciously had this absurd thought, but she immediately dispelled it.

This is simply nonsense. Although Zhao Douan occasionally speaks frivolously and teases her irresponsibly, he has never been reckless in major affairs.

If he says it exists, then it must exist. Thıs content belongs to 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍

Something stirred in the Empress’s heart, a thought flashed through her mind like a shooting star, she vaguely caught a hint of inspiration but hesitated as it fleetingly escaped.

Fortunately, Zhao Douan knew his time in the Capital was limited and didn’t intend to keep secrets, directly saying: "Feng Xiaolian. I need Feng Xiaolian to deliver a letter to Zhao Shixiong."

He briefly recounted his interactions with that azure-robed Store Manager.

The Empress’s gaze changed, her thoughts suddenly became clear. She realized it instantly, staring intently at him, blurting out:

"You’re setting a trap? Yes, if it was only what you did before, it wouldn’t be enough to arouse Xu Jingtang’s suspicion of Zhao Shixiong, and that false report by the Embroidered Robe Envoy would only have the opposite effect. But... if at this sensitive juncture, there exists such a letter, then the Embroidered Robe Envoy only needs to truthfully report, it doesn’t need to be falsified, and because it wouldn’t be falsified, it won’t be exposed!"

Zhao Douan smiled and said:

"Your Majesty is extraordinarily wise, grasping the point in one go. Yes, that’s precisely the point. My actions in Yongjia City, whether assassinating the supervisor, rescuing the prisoners, or even the confrontation with Zhao Shixiong, all are necessary components of this scheme, but it is truly brought together by Feng Xiaolian, or rather, by the unexpectedly aligned Prince Huaian."

"It’s quite by coincidence that I hadn’t initially planned how to deploy the scheme; it was after Feng Xiaolian actively sought me out that the idea emerged. Thus, what the letter contains is utterly unimportant; the existence of the letter itself is paramount. After Nie Yurong reports this matter, Xu Jingtang is bound to verify it."

The Empress knowingly chimed in:

"As long as Xu Jingtang determines the veracity of this matter, then combined with your overt actions, Xu Jingtang will inevitably harbor suspicion internally! Although this suspicion may not suffice to turn the two sides against each other, it will certainly greatly diminish the threat of the Yunfu Rebel Army! And this, is your true stratagem of sowing discord!"

There was an unspoken understanding between them regarding another point not mentioned:

This simple plan divides more than just these two individuals.

It includes Prince Huaian!

What will happen when Xu Jingtang learns that Prince Huaian was involved in this matter?

Isn’t Prince Huaian a fence-sitter? So Zhao Douan might as well force him to choose sides.

How can there be such good fortune as to bet on both the rebel army and the court?

Once Prince Huaian is dragged into this, it would undoubtedly be a great boon for the court.

It would be a great assistance for the plan to capture the Huai River.

"But will that Feng Xiaolian follow your arrangement? If he doesn’t deliver the letter, what then?"

Xu Zhenguan noticed a blind spot amid the excitement.

Zhao Douan, as if prepared, calmly replied:

"He will deliver it. If he doesn’t, we will assist him in delivering it. After all, he has met with me multiple times, including his later contact with Song Jinxi, these cannot be faked. I have arranged for ready witnesses related to it."

The most distasteful aspect of a plan to sow discord is that it doesn’t require solid evidence.

Only adequate "suspicion" is enough!

Of course, this tactic operates on the premise that both sides already lack trust; if the same strategy is used against Prince Jing, it would be considerably less effective.

From a certain perspective, back then the Empress publicly betrothed Zhao Douan, arranged the marriage, and then dispatched him as the Grand Governor.

It was eliminating the enemy’s last chance to deploy a plan of sowing discord.

"So it’s ... So it’s ..." The Empress unconsciously stood up, paced the room, pondering the seemingly simple yet astutely crafted plan, her eyes increasingly bright.

Upon turning back, her gaze toward the Little Forbidden Army became complex:

"Those court officials claim that you pale in comparison to Xue Shence on the battlefield, relying merely on the firearms of the Divine Mechanism Camp. If they understood these matters, they would undoubtedly realize their judgment is so foolish."

Zhao Douan hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, this matter must not be leaked. At least before it is executed, it must not be disclosed to outsiders. Besides, to entirely rupture their relationship, today’s move is insufficient; this is merely the first step, and I have additional plans for later."

The Empress rolled her eyes, feigned annoyance:

"Am I a child of three years that requires your instruction?"

Sighing once more, she pondered:

"It’s a pity that, before this, outsiders still misunderstand you for quite some time."

Zhao Douan merely smiled: "To alleviate Your Majesty’s burdens, a bit of undeserved reputation, it is none that I want."

Feeling his intense gaze, the Empress’s pale face flushed slightly, turning aside as she brushed her sleeve:

"You say this is just the first step?"

"Yes, but how to proceed next is uncertain for now; it depends on whether tonight’s plan goes smoothly. If I fail to escape from Yongjia, or the rescued prisoners are recaptured, the plan’s effectiveness will be significantly reduced, even fail." Zhao Douan said gravely.