The Prodigal Son

After Xu Wan finished cleaning herself up, Qin Yu had roughly figured out his next plan.

However, which plan to follow depends on Liang Jingzhe's choice.

When Xu Wan arrived, she had changed into a clean set of men's clothing, but her hair was still wet.

This time, Qin Yu didn't tease her, but instead asked her about the situation in Shuozhou.

However, Xu Wan was not very clear about the situation on the front lines in Shuozhou.

All she knew was that Bei Qi was feigning an attack by reinforcing Yi Chi City, which was close to Wu Guan, but in reality, they were secretly reinforcing their troops in the northwest of Da Ning.

Shortly after they went to war with the Min Kingdom, the Northern Qi suddenly launched a surprise attack on the Left Guard City of Zhubei City and sent a large army to cut off the connection between the Left Guard City and Zhubei City.

The general who defended Zhubei City, Marquis Zhaoyi, Qian Zhui, was also a veteran general. His fighting style was completely opposite to that of Qin Fumeng.

Qin Fumeng excels at offense, while this man is extremely skilled at defense.

But this time, he did something out of character. He abandoned the rescue of Zuowei City and launched a counterattack on Beiqi's Cangzhou defense line from both Youwei City and Zhubei City.

Bei Qi clearly did not expect that this veteran general, known for his defensive prowess, would launch a counterattack.

After failing to capture Zuowei City for a long time, and fearing that the defense line of Cangzhou would be breached, Bei Qi had no choice but to withdraw its troops to reinforce it.

After Bei Qi withdrew its troops, Qian Zhui immediately led his troops back as well.

However, although Zuowei City was not lost, Da Ning lost more than 15,000 men.

Neither side has launched another attack. It is said that Bei Qi has sent people to negotiate with Xue Chengdao.

As for the content of the negotiations, she had no idea.

However, she guessed that Bei Qi probably still wanted to get that half of the Nine Dragons Pendant.

"I think so too!"

Qin Yu nodded in agreement, then asked, "How's your investigation into the Northern Qi spies going?"

Speaking of this, Xu Wan sighed helplessly, "We did manage to catch some, but we never managed to catch the big fish..."

The spies in Beiqi had a clear division of labor: some were dedicated to gathering intelligence, while others were responsible for delivering the intelligence to the intelligence relay stations.

Moreover, these people are often connected through a single line of communication.

They tried to follow the trail, but several times the trail was cut off halfway through.

The spies that have been identified so far do not hold high positions in Beiqi's overall intelligence network.

"These rats are cunning."

Qin Yu snorted coldly, a fierce glint in his eyes. "When the opportunity arises, we'll wipe them all out!"

"Um."

Xu Wan nodded slightly and continued, "Furthermore, based on the information we currently have, there are likely officials in the court colluding with Northern Qi, and these officials are not low-ranking..."

However, they have too few useful clues and are unsure of who it is.

"Let's investigate slowly later! We'll eventually find out."

Qin Yu smiled helplessly and asked, "The old man went to Wuzhou too. Has anyone bullied Qingyi?"

"She's living the high life now, who would dare bully her?"

Xu Wan smiled, "If anyone bullies her, wouldn't that cut off the court's source of revenue? Would His Majesty let someone who bullies her get away with it?"

"You knew all along?"

Qin Yu chuckled.

Hmm, not bad!

The protection fee paid for 60% of the shares wasn't wasted after all!

"Who doesn't know that?"

Xu Wan rolled her eyes at him. "I also know that you traded 60% of your shares in that Zunjiu wine business with His Majesty for the privilege of not having to bow when entering the court!"

"You know that?"

Qin Yu was surprised. "Qingyi told you?"

"She definitely won't tell me!"

As Xu Wan spoke, she gave him a smug smile, "It was the Duke of Wei who told me."

"..."

Qin Yu was speechless. "Why does this old man tell you everything?"

He was constantly worried that he might not be able to keep his mouth shut.

As a result, he himself told everyone everything!

What? He hasn't even held Xu Wan's hand yet, and he's already decided on Xu Wan as his granddaughter-in-law?

"Look at you! Tell me what's wrong?"

Xu Wan looked at Qin Yu with displeasure: "Would I sell you?"

Given his past behavior, I never harmed him, so how could I possibly harm him now?

Who does he/she think he/she is!

"It's nothing, I just think the old man is too good to you!"

Qin Yu shook his head slightly, looking at Xu Wan with a mischievous grin: "We haven't even held hands, and he's already letting you enjoy the treatment of a granddaughter-in-law. Tell me, don't I feel a bit cheated?"

Meeting Qin Yu's gaze, Xu Wan felt a sudden pang of panic.

But soon, Xu Wan forced herself to remain calm.

Over the years, she has come to know Qin Yu all too well.

Whether in the past or present, Qin Yu is the kind of person who takes advantage of kindness.

The more ashamed and indignant she was and the more she tried to avoid him, the more he took advantage of her!

Xu Wan composed herself slightly, then casually moved closer to Qin Yu, her bright eyes fixed on him like water, a faint smile playing on her lips. "So, what do you think you should do to avoid being taken advantage of?"

Holy crap?

Qin Yu looked at Xu Wan in surprise.

Has this girl learned to take the initiative?

This is not a good sign!

Qin Yu tilted his head and thought for a moment, then a wicked smile appeared on his face. "How about..."

As Qin Yu spoke, his claws slowly reached towards Xu Wan's chest.

Xu Wan saw Qin Yu's movement, but instead of dodging, she stared at Qin Yu defiantly, as if betting that he wouldn't dare touch her.

As Qin Yu's claws drew closer, Xu Wan's heart pounded, and her cheeks grew increasingly hot.

Just as Qin Yu's claws were a fist's distance from her chest, Xu Wan finally couldn't take it anymore and slapped Qin Yu's claws away with a "smack," instinctively backing away.

"I'll chop off those claws of yours sooner or later!"

Xu Wan used her fierce appearance to cover up her embarrassment.

"What are you doing?"

Qin Yu exaggeratedly rubbed his hand that had been hit, "Your clothes weren't straightened properly. I was just trying to help you straighten them, what are you doing?"

Organizing clothes?

Xu Wan's pretty face twitched slightly, realizing that she had been tricked by Qin Yu, and her cheeks immediately turned as red as apples.

"I'm going to tell the Duke of Wei that you bullied me!"

Xu Wan glared at Qin Yu with shame and anger, her inner whip cracking as she lashed out at him.

"That trick of yours won't work anymore."

Qin Yu chuckled, "Didn't the old man tell you that I've already reached an agreement with him, and he won't interfere in my affairs anymore?"

Going to the old man to complain was a tactic that Xu Wan had used many times without fail.

In the past, whenever she said this, even if Qin Yu was furious, he would have no choice but to obediently admit defeat.

After all, the old man's fists were landing solid blows.

"Look at you, so capable!"

Xu Wan pursed her lips, then revealed a sly smile, "How about we make a bet and see if I can get the Duke of Wei to beat you up?"

"..."

Qin Yu's face stiffened, and he shook his head vigorously, "No betting!"

Let's bet an egg!

She was going to tell the old man that he had molested her and he was sure he would get beaten up!

"I knew you wouldn't have the guts!"

Xu Wan's lips curled into a victorious smile.

"But I have other kinds of courage!"

Qin Yu raised an eyebrow and smiled, then showed her his claws again, "Want to see if I dare?"

"Pooh!"

Xu Wan glared at him, embarrassed and annoyed. "I'm not talking to you anymore. I'm going to settle the score with Nan Que'er!"

After saying that, Xu Wan fled as if running away, which made Qin Yu burst into laughter...