Rejecting Xiahou Chengyu was only a temporary measure. It wasn't a true rejection. When Miao Yi appeared in front of her again, Xiahou Chengyu begged again and again, and he finally relented. This agreement meant that he had to pay the so-called price to convince the Xiahou Clan to help him.
Xiahou Chengyu did not stay long after achieving her goal. She was secretly delighted when she left, but her hatred for Miao Yi had deepened. Begging again would mean another humiliation for her.
Yuan Venerate Qing was very confident when he returned to the Netherworld Governor's Palace and learned that the first step had been successful. He immediately began the second step of his plan, which was to secretly meet with the relevant generals. Yuan Venerate Qing couldn't carry out the plan alone. He needed help, and he also needed to get some people's help first.
For Yuan Venerate Qing, it was more important to confirm the name list that Niu Youde had obtained from the Xiahou Family and whether these people had been influenced by the Xiahou Family to support him. There were not many people on the name list. Yuan Venerate Qing didn't know whether the Xiahou Family or Niu Youde had handed over the entire list of infiltrators. However, these people included a considerable number of generals and backbone of the Netherworld Army.
Yuan Venerate Qing didn't meet all of them. He only selected a few hundred generals for a secret meeting.
In a secret basement, Xiahou Chengyu paced back and forth anxiously. When he heard the sound of a door opening, he turned around and saw Yuan Venerate Qing striding over. "Zun 'er, how is the situation?"
Yuan Venerate Qing replied excitedly, "Mother, they have already expressed their stance and written letters of allegiance. They will support me fully!"
"That's great!" Xiahou Chengyu rubbed his hands together excitedly. This meant that the second step had made a good start.
"Mother …" Yuan Venerate Qing suddenly called out solemnly.
Xiahou Chengyu raised his head and saw that his son's expression wasn't right. "What's wrong?"
Yuan Venerate Qing replied, "I wouldn't have known if I hadn't seen the name list. I was shocked when I saw it. I really didn't expect that the Xiahou Family would infiltrate the Netherworld Army so thoroughly. I didn't even notice anything. The consequences would be unimaginable if a war were to break out. This is only the name list that they are willing to hand over. I believe that they must have other names that they don't want me to see. They won't reveal everything to me so easily. The Xiahou family is truly terrifying. If we don't get rid of them, I'm afraid I'll become their puppet in the future. "
Even though his words were against his own family, Xiahou Chengyu did not have a good impression of his own family. He nodded slightly, took his son's hand, and comforted him, "Right now, you still need the support of the Xiahou family. Bear with it for now. When you have the appropriate power, if you still want to uproot the Xiahou family, I will not stop you. I will only support you with all my strength!"
"En!" Yuan Venerate Qing looked at his mother and nodded his head vigorously. He was moved, as he realized that his mother was the only one who truly treated him well.
However, he didn't know if the mother and son's thoughts were a little too naive. Even Master Qing couldn't do it, so where did the mother and son get the confidence to do it? Moreover, they were in their current situation.
"Come, let's go see that cheap uncle of yours and discuss the next step of the plan. We must make sure nothing goes wrong." Xiahou Chengyu patted his son's arm again.
Yuan Venerate Qing nodded, put it away, and left.
When he arrived at the silent cultivation room, he released Xiahou Chengyu and explained the situation of the secret meeting with his subordinates, asking for Yang Qing's opinion.
Yang Qing didn't have any opinion on this, as it was within his expectations. He only asked, "Wang Dingchao, when does His Highness plan to make a move?"
Wang Dingchao was only one of the representatives. In fact, even if Miao Yi promised to cede territory and give benefits to the people he bound, coupled with the infiltration of the Xiahou family, it was impossible for the entire Netherworld Army to betray Master Qing. Therefore, it wasn't as simple as getting rid of Wang Dingchao. There would still be a portion of the people who would be eliminated afterward!
"This …" Yuan Venerate Qing immediately hesitated. After all, he had been with Wang Dingchao for so many years, and he had seen how loyal Wang Dingchao was to him. Wang Dingchao was always at his beck and call. Even a rock would be warm, so it was difficult for him to decide whether to kill Wang Dingchao.
On the other hand, Yuan Venerate Qing hoped to do things tactfully and not make things too intense. His father, the Emperor, was someone who even the Heavenly Kings were afraid of. How could he dare to go against him head-on? He was afraid that killing Wang Dingchao would incur the wrath of his father, so he had a guilty conscience. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was timid.
Yang Qing advised, "Your Highness, hesitating won't do. Those who achieve great things should not be indecisive. They should be decisive!"
Xiahou Chengyu also understood his son's thinking. Even she felt a little guilty. Although Wang Dingchao was the Deputy Governor, he was actually the Military Overseer sent by Master Qing. What was he trying to do by killing the Military Overseer sent by Master Qing? It would be strange if Master Qing wasn't angry. To put it bluntly, he didn't have the authority to punish Wang Dingchao.
Yuan Venerate Qing had also explained to her that Wang Dingchao was very loyal to him. She also hoped that her son could slowly develop some trusted subordinates.
Xiahou Chengyu forced a smile at Yang Qing and said, "Little Brother, Wang Dingchao has been loyal to your son for so many years. There is still a chance. Why don't we control Wang Dingchao first and slowly persuade him?"
Yang Qing frowned. "Wang Dingchao is loyal to Your Highness because of His Majesty. What if His Majesty orders Wang Dingchao to act against Your Highness?"
Xiahou Chengyu's expression turned solemn. "If he doesn't know what's good for him and insists on seeking death, then your son will naturally not let him off!"
Yang Qing sensed that the mother and son were having a hard time making up their minds. They were still a little afraid of Master Qing. At this stage, they would have to face things sooner or later, yet they were still afraid of the wolf in front and the tiger behind. He really didn't know what to say about the mother and son. If they didn't have the guts, what was the point of having ambitions? Since he couldn't persuade them, he couldn't be too forceful. He could only force them. His purpose in coming here was to regulate the development of the situation towards his desired goal. Shaking his head, he said, "In that case, Big Sister, why don't we test him and see if Wang Dingchao will listen to His Majesty or His Highness?"
Xiahou Chengyu hesitated. "How do we test him?"
Yang Qing tilted his head and looked at the closed stone door. "Big Sister, you can show your face in the Netherworld Governor's Palace now …"
The next day, E Mei and the others all came back from the island. The first thing they did was to fix Xiahou Chengyu's makeup, who was sitting in front of the dressing table.
After everything was settled, the majestic Sky Empress finally walked out of the room in a dignified manner. Accompanied by Yuan Venerate Qing, she walked out of the inner residence in a dignified manner and appeared on the square of the Governor's Palace. She attracted a lot of attention.
Although Xiahou Chengyu was putting on airs, and Yuan Venerate Qing was chatting cheerfully beside him, they were actually feeling guilty. They knew that the news would quickly reach Master Qing's ears.
Not long after, Deputy Governor Wang Dingchao arrived in a hurry. The people who came with him all looked fearful as they bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Empress!"
Then, Wang Dingchao apologized alone. "Netherworld Deputy Governor Wang Dingchao did not know that the Empress would personally come and did not welcome you. Please forgive me, Empress." Actually, he was puzzled. How did the Empress get here? He had not heard anything about her arrival.
Xiahou Chengyu replied with a few simple words and left with Yuan Venerate Qing's company.
Wang Dingchao, who was sending them off with cupped hands, slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with doubt.
In the study of the Cold Palace, Zhan Ruyi was bent over the table and drawing something. The injuries he had suffered had already healed.
Qing Zhu walked in with light steps, holding a crystal fish tank in both hands and placing it on the table. There were dozens of small shrimps swimming in the emerald green aquatic plants. Each of them was colorful, and their backs were shimmering with a faint light. Presumably, the light was even brighter in the dark.
Zhan Ruyi slowly raised his head and looked at him. His bright eyes landed on the small shrimps in the fish tank. He was stunned. This was the first time he had seen such shrimps.
Master Qing smiled. "A few days ago, I saw the stream shrimps in your painting. I asked around and got someone to bring this tank of shrimps. These shrimps are called Rainbow Shrimps. Are they beautiful?"
He had indeed seen that painting a few days ago. Silver Frost had reminded him that Zhan Ruyi had seen it in the stream behind the mountain, so he had included it in the painting. Silver Frost's words made Master Qing feel rather guilty. For the time being, it would not be good to let Zhan Ruyi leave the Cold Palace and go to the valley behind. Thus, he could only get some rare items.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhan Ruyi bowed in thanks and continued to bury his head in his painting.
Master Qing shook his head and smiled. He walked to the side with his hands behind his back and looked at Zhan Ruyi's painting. The scenery was bleak and snowy.
At that moment, a message from the Star Bell arrived. Master Qing frowned when he took out the Star Bell to contact Zhan Ruyi. He raised his hand and stroked Zhan Ruyi's hair before leaving the study.
Outside the house, Shangguan Qing greeted him and accompanied him to the main hall of the Cold Palace.
As soon as they entered the main hall, Master Qing turned around with a gloomy expression and asked coldly, "Are you sure that she went to the Netherworld Governor's Office?"
Shangguan Qing sighed. "Yes, Wang Dingchao even talked to Her Majesty face-to-face. Her Majesty is indeed in the Netherworld Governor's Office. Her servants are there too."
"He he!" Master Qing was so angry that he laughed. "What are those two trying to do? Are they trying to show off to me? "
The Xiahou Family had released Xiahou Chengyu from house arrest, saying that he was going to visit his mother's family. However, they had sent him to the Netherworld Governor's Office to reunite with the mother and son. Coupled with what had happened in the Cold Palace, it was easy for him to guess whether Yuan Venerate Qing would have any ulterior motives. He was even prepared to remove Yuan Venerate Qing's military power at any time. Now that the Xiahou Family had done this, it felt like they were rescuing a hostage, which made him even more suspicious.
Shangguan Qing hesitated. "Maybe Her Majesty and His Highness haven't seen each other for a long time, so they want to see each other."
Master Qing glanced at him coldly. "Why didn't you tell me in advance if you wanted to go?"
Shangguan Qing didn't know how to answer. Normally, when a mother and son met, they wouldn't be so particular about it. However, there were no small matters in the royal family, and everything needed to be done with caution. There were many taboos, and Xiahou Chengyu had been in the Heavenly Palace for so long. Even if Xiahou Chengyu didn't understand, there was no reason for the Xiahou family to not understand. When His Majesty was most suspicious of the Governor Office of the Netherworld, it would be difficult for His Majesty not to think too much about it.
Lowering his head and pacing back and forth, Master Qing suddenly snorted. "The current stalemate cannot continue like this. Pass down my decree. Order Niu Youde to withdraw the troops pressuring the eastern army. At the same time, order the army of the netherworld to exert pressure on the southern army and cooperate with the guards to force the southern army to withdraw!"
Shangguan Qing sighed. He knew that Niu Youde's withdrawal of troops was a lie, as Niu Youde wouldn't withdraw his troops. He could use the pressure of the other forces as a reason to refuse to withdraw his troops. His real purpose was still to test Yuan Venerate Qing. He cupped his hands and said, "Yes!"
The two heavenly decrees from the Heavenly Palace were quickly delivered to the Bull King Planet and the Netherworld Governor's Office.
In the study of the Heavenly Palace, Marshal Heng Wudao strode in and cupped his hands. "Greetings, Your Highness!"
Sitting behind the desk, Miao Yi gestured for him to sit. "Sit!"
Yang Zhaoqing immediately brought a chair over. Heng Wudao cupped his fists in thanks and sat down. He then asked, "May I know why Your Highness has summoned me here?"
Miao Yi leaned back in his chair and smiled. "I want you to give up the territory of the Fourth Division."
Heng Wudao, who had just sat on the chair, was shocked. He abruptly stood up and said, "Your Highness, I —"
Miao Yi raised his hand and interrupted, "You're overthinking things. It's not what you think. Don't be nervous. Sit down and we'll talk."
Heng Wudao slowly sat down in shock. "Then what does Your Highness mean?"
Miao Yi's smile didn't fade. "I want to take the Transcendence Breaker Bows from the army of the netherworld."
Heng Wudao's eyes widened.
Miao Yi then added, "Does Marshal Heng know who Lord Qing is keeping the army of the netherworld there for?"
"This …" Heng Wudao pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I'm afraid it's for Your Highness. It's only a matter of time before they attack the southern army."
Miao Yi nodded. "Very well. Since you've already figured it out, there's no need for me to say anything else. Your Fourth Division borders the land of the netherworld. It's fine if the army of the netherworld doesn't make a move, but once they do, you'll be the first to bear the brunt. This is why I placed you in the Fourth Division early on. You're one of my former subordinates from the netherworld. I trust you, which is why I placed you in charge of the Fourth Division. I want to take the Transcendence Breaker Bows. I want to take this opportunity to deal with the threat of the netherworld army as well! "
Heng Wudao was still confused. He asked, "What does this have to do with me giving up the territory of the Fourth Division?"
At that moment, Yang Zhaoqing said to Miao Yi with the Star Bell in his hand, "Your Highness, His Majesty's decree has arrived."
Miao Yi calmly said, "Just say that I'm out on patrol. Have the Princess Consort receive the decree on my behalf."
"Understood!" Yang Zhaoqing acknowledged, then contacted Yun Zhiqiu.
Heng Wudao blinked when he heard this exchange. 'His Highness is disregarding His Majesty right in front of me.'
Miao Yi returned to the topic and said, "I'm only giving up the territory of the Fourth Division for now. I'm not trying to remove your military authority. I've called you here because I want to clarify things with you face to face, lest you become overly suspicious. You don't need to ask too many questions. You just need to be mentally prepared. Once you receive my order, you must immediately move. Immediately gather all the elite troops in the Fourth Division and evacuate from there. Give up the territory to the netherworld army for now. I will inform you of the specifics when the time comes. Remember, the details of our discussion must not be leaked. Once you receive the order, you only need to mobilize the troops under you to carry it out! "
Heng Wudao was relieved to hear this. It was fine as long as he didn't remove his military authority. It was just giving up the territory to the netherworld army. He didn't know how His Highness was going to handle it. However, after witnessing how His Highness overthrew Hao Defang, he already had an unfathomable feeling about Miao Yi. He wasn't too worried about making any mistakes. Since Miao Yi didn't want to talk about it, he didn't ask any further. He stood up and cupped his fists. "Your subordinate understands."
Miao Yi also stood up and smiled. "It's rare for you to come here. Let's have a drink before we go back."
"Alright!" Heng Wudao replied with a smile.
After that, Yang Zhaoqing ordered the servants to prepare some food and wine. Miao Yi and Heng Wudao strolled around the garden, discussing the situation in the Fourth Division.
Not long after, Yun Zhiqiu arrived, along with the Celestial Court's decree. Miao Yi received it and read through it, then scoffed and said, "Master Qing wants me to withdraw my troops!" He then handed the jade archive over to Heng Wudao to examine.
Heng Wudao returned the jade archive. "How is that possible? The other divisions are all preparing for war. If we let the southern army relax, who are we going to cry to if something happens? My Highness, please reconsider this decree carefully. "
Miao Yi chuckled, but didn't give a direct reply …
Meanwhile, when the Netherworld Governor's Manor received the decree, Yuan Venerate Qing and his mother were still in shock. After a brief discussion, they went to look for Yang Qing and showed him the decree.
"Uncle, can you ask the Ox Lord how are the preparations going on his side? This is a great opportunity. Since I can obey the decree and mobilize my troops, the Ox Lord can also take the opportunity to lend me a portion of the territory. "Yuan Venerate Qing looked at Yang Qing eagerly.
Both mother and son were under a lot of pressure. Wang Dingchao seemed to have known that this decree was coming. As soon as it arrived, he immediately urged Yuan Venerate Qing to mobilize his troops.
Yang Qing looked at him curiously. He really wanted to ask him, 'You've just taken over the territory, and your subordinates are following your orders. How can you cut off your subordinates' retreat? ' However, he still nodded and said, "I will contact His Highness now." He then took out the Star Bell.
At this moment, Miao Yi was sitting in the garden with Heng Wudao, drinking wine. He took out the Star Bell from under the table and contacted Yang Qing.
Yang Qing explained the situation of the decree.
Miao Yi: 'I have just received the decree to withdraw the troops.'
Yang Qing: 'It seems that Lord Qing still remembers their father-son relationship and didn't remove Yuan Venerate Qing's military authority right away. Yuan Venerate Qing means that His Highness should take the opportunity to lend him a portion of the territory … '
After listening to Yuan Venerate Qing's intentions, Miao Yi's lips curled into a mocking smile. He replied, 'He's in a dilemma. At this point, do you think he can still resort to trickery? How can you let him control the tempo? Whenever I say so. The preparations are almost done. Think of a way to force him to go on his way! '
Yang Qing: 'Alright!'
He put down the Star Bell with a serious expression.
Both mother and son's hearts palpitated when they saw this. Xiahou Chengyu asked anxiously, "What did His Highness say? Did he go back on his word? "
Yang Qing sighed and shook his head, saying, "It's not that Your Highness is going back on his word, but Your Highness is currently carrying out this task. With Your Highness's prestige in the southern army, it's not difficult to resolve this matter. However, this matter involves the interests of all the soldiers and horses in the entire Fourth Road. In order to have those generals who wield military power obediently give up their territory, it will definitely take some persuasion. Forceful methods will not work, otherwise there will be chaos. It's also not good to easily leak the secret plot to those below. His Highness said that it will definitely be settled in half a month at most! "
Yuan Venerate Qing's expression twitched. "Half a month?" This meant that he was going to delay the decree for half a month before carrying it out.
Yang Qing nodded and said, "Your Highness, giving up the entire Fourth Road's territory is no small matter. To be able to settle it within half a month is already very fast. If it were the other armies, with such a big matter involving the interests of so many people, even if they spent a year, they might not be able to settle it."
Both mother and son were speechless. Even Xiahou Chengyu, who had never led an army before, knew that giving up territory and interests was a headache no matter where it was. This matter involved one's own interests, and the arrogant generals and soldiers below would not compromise so easily. There might even be a mutiny. Half a month was indeed very fast, but if they delayed it for half a month before carrying it out, how was he going to explain it to Lord Qing?
PS: I'm not in a good state today. Just one chapter, and I'm too lazy to split it up.
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