Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 162 Preparing for Battle, Little Li's Flying Dagger

At noon that day, the sun was high in the sky.

The long street of Danyang County in Hongzhou was slightly hot from the sun, and the bluestone pavement shimmered with a layer of white light.

The Prince Rong's Mansion is located in the east of the city. It has a vermilion gate with a golden plaque bestowed by the emperor hanging above the lintel. There is a stone lion on each side, making it very impressive.

At this moment, there were many people standing outside the door. The leader was an elderly man who was over sixty years old. He was thin and wore a gray-blue robe. He was Meng Duo, the chief steward of the Rong Prince's Mansion, and a famous martial arts master in Hongzhou.

Behind him stood seven or eight stewards and guards from the Prince Rong's residence, all dressed neatly and standing respectfully with their hands at their sides, clearly having been waiting there for quite some time.

As the sound of horses' hooves grew louder, Mondo and the others perked up.

Soon, a group of more than twenty riders emerged from the end of the long street, slowly making their way in the afternoon sunlight. It was Gu Guanqi and Zhao Lengyuan's group.

Upon seeing him, Mondo quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully from several feet away, his voice loud and reverent: "Welcome home, Your Highness! Welcome, Alliance Leader Gu!"

The people behind him also bowed in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized.

Zhao Lingyuan frowned, dismounted, tossed the reins to a guard behind her, and strode up to Mondo, asking, "Uncle Mondo, where's my father?"

Mondo first bowed to Zhao Lingyuan, then turned to Gu Guanqi beside him and nodded slightly before saying, "Your Highness, after receiving your letter two days ago, the Prince has been waiting at home. But last night he suddenly received an urgent letter and left overnight, and has not yet returned. Before leaving, he specifically instructed this old servant to properly welcome Alliance Leader Gu today, and to personally apologize to Alliance Leader Gu upon his return!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lingyuan frowned slightly and turned to Gu Guanqi in a low voice, "Brother Gu, something serious must have happened, otherwise my father wouldn't be so neglectful of you."

Gu Guanqi quickly waved his hand and said, "It's alright, I understand."

Zhao Lingyuan quickly said, "Thank you for your understanding, Brother Gu." Then, she pointed to Meng Duo and introduced him, "This is my father's right-hand man, Meng Duo, the chief steward of the Rong Prince's Mansion. He watched me grow up since I was a child. Uncle Meng is also very skilled in martial arts. In the entire Rong Prince's Mansion, apart from my father, no one is his match."

Mondo quickly replied, "Your Highness is too kind," and then he cupped his hands to Gu Guanqi, saying, "In front of Alliance Leader Gu, who dares to claim superior martial arts skills? They are all just peasants!"

Gu Guanqi returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said, "Steward Meng is too modest."

Zhao Lingyuan said, "Don't stand here anymore, let's go and rest inside the mansion."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and followed Zhao Lingyuan as they stepped across the threshold.

The Prince Rong Mansion occupies a vast area. Upon entering, one is greeted by a wide passageway paved with bluestone, with winding corridors on both sides, flying eaves and brackets, carved beams and painted rafters, making it very grand.

As the group walked along the passageway past the front courtyard and around the screen wall, they were greeted by a figure emerging from around the corner of the covered walkway.

A young woman, accompanied by two maids, approached. The woman was about thirty years old, tall and slender, wearing a light red silk skirt embroidered with gold-threaded peony patterns that shimmered in the afternoon sunlight with each step she took.

Her waist was extremely slender, and the silk skirt was cinched at the waist just right, further accentuating the fullness of her breasts and the curves of her hips. With each step, the hem of her skirt swayed gently, like willow branches brushing the water, carrying a unique charm.

She had an oval face, fair skin like jade, and a natural allure in her eyes and brows. Her peach blossom eyes were slightly upturned, sparkling with light as she glanced around. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned only with a red gold hairpin inlaid with jewels, which swayed gently with her movements, making a soft tinkling sound.

Upon seeing the woman, Mondo paused slightly, then quickly bowed and greeted her respectfully, "Your Highness."

The other stewards and guards also bowed their heads in greeting.

Zhao Lengyuan slowed her pace slightly, but her expression remained calm and composed. She cupped her hands in greeting and said in a flat tone, "Your Highness."

Upon hearing this title, Gu Guanqi immediately recognized the woman as Princess Consort Yuwen Luo of the Rong Prince's Mansion.

On his way to Prince Rong's mansion, he had heard Zhao Lengyuan say that her birth mother had passed away many years ago, and the position of the principal wife of the mansion had been vacant until eight years ago when Prince Rong married a young woman and made her the principal wife, named Yuwen Luo.

At that time, Zhao Lengyuan was already a teenager, so it was impossible for her to have any feelings for the new princess. The two rarely interacted in the mansion.

After entering the manor, Yuwen Luo had not borne any children and had no interest in the position of heir. Therefore, although Zhao Lengyuan and Yuwen Luo were not close, they also had no conflicts.

Yuwen Luo's gaze lingered on Zhao Lingyuan for a moment, a slight smile playing on her lips, and she said in a soft, sweet voice, "Mingxuan is back."

Zhao Lingyuan nodded slightly.

Yuwen Luo looked at Gu Guanqi again, her peach blossom eyes lingering on Gu Guanqi's face for a moment, her eyes brightening slightly before closing again, her face still bearing that gentle and proper smile.

"I heard that a distinguished guest has arrived," Yuwen Luo said. "The prince has something urgent to attend to and cannot return, so I thought I would come to greet him on his behalf and make sure the distinguished guest is not neglected."

Zhao Lingyuan said, "Your Highness need not concern yourself with this. This is my friend, Brother Gu Guanqi, the leader of the martial arts alliance of Qingyun and Erzhou. I will take care of him."

Yuwen Luo nodded and said, "In that case, I won't disturb you any longer."

After saying that, Yuwen Luo's gaze lingered on Gu Guanqi's face for a moment, she nodded slightly, and then turned and walked along the corridor in another direction with her two maids.

The hem of her skirt trailed across the blue brick floor, making a soft, rustling sound, as the figure in water-red gradually disappeared into the distance.

Zhao Lingyuan withdrew her gaze and looked at Gu Guanqi, who was staring at Yuwen Luo's retreating figure. She asked, "Brother Gu, is there a problem?"

Gu Guanqi chuckled, "I thought Brother Zhao was going to remind me that she's the Princess Consort and I shouldn't be impolite!"

Zhao Lingyuan said, "Brother Gu is not the kind of person who is lustful, and he is not short of beautiful girls around him. Before in Yunzhou, the white-haired girl Han Youniang who was with you was much prettier than the Princess."

Moreover, I've heard that Jiang Baili, the vice leader of the Qingzhou Martial Arts Alliance, is the most beautiful woman in Qingzhou. Although I've never seen her, to have such a title, she must be stunningly beautiful. So, how could Brother Gu be impolite just because the princess is beautiful?

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "The reason I looked at the Princess more closely is because I noticed traces of her practicing seductive arts. This kind of martial art is rarely seen in the martial arts world. In all my years of traveling the martial arts world, I have only seen one person who has achieved a certain level of mastery in seductive arts."

The person Gu Guanqi had met who was skilled in seductive arts was also someone whose gender could not be defined. That person was Mei Ruolian, whom he had encountered in Qingyang County. Originally a man, she turned into a woman after cultivating the Heavenly Human Transformation Technique. However, she was interrupted at the last moment. Her gender was unstable, so her gender could not be defined.

Mei Ruolian possessed a high level of skill in bewitching arts, and coupled with her stunningly beautiful face, she caused quite a stir in Qingyang County, captivating a large group of men and stirring up a bloody storm in the martial arts world.

Therefore, upon seeing another person practicing seductive arts, Gu Guanqi couldn't help but pay more attention.

Zhao Lengyuan said, "I have heard my father mention the Princess Consort's cultivation of seductive arts, but my martial arts level is not high enough to detect any traces. Brother Gu is truly amazing!"

Gu Guanqi said, "Since you already know, then it doesn't matter."

Zhao Lengyuan said, "Seductive arts are not bewitching techniques; they merely enhance personal attractiveness and have no real impact. They are quite common in the palace, with countless concubines practicing seductive arts to attract the emperor."

This is similar to what Gu Guanqi thought. In a place like the palace where vying for favor is extremely important, how could no one cultivate a martial art like the seductive arts that can cheat?

"The princess's seductive skills also originated from the palace," Zhao Lingyuan added.

Gu Guanqi asked, "Someone arranged by the palace?"

Zhao Lengyuan nodded slightly and said, "Now that the royal family is weak, the Empress Dowager is trying to integrate the various royal relatives in order to maintain a balance of power in the court. My mother passed away early, and the position of Princess Consort of the Rong Prince's Mansion was vacant. So the Empress Dowager selected a woman from her family and betrothed her to my father."

My father initially disagreed, but considering the situation of the Rong Prince's Mansion, having such a princess consort would not only strengthen the connection with the royal family, but also establish a connection with the Empress Dowager's maternal family, the Yuwen family, which could effectively deter the Han Yue Clan. So I persuaded my father to agree.

Over the years, our Prince Rong's Mansion and the Hanyue Gate have been locked in a fierce rivalry, but the Hanyue Gate has dared not push too hard, largely because of the Princess Consort's status, which makes them hesitant to act rashly.

Gu Guanqi gave a thumbs up and said, "Brother Zhao is rational, I admire that. However, aren't you afraid that the Princess will give birth to a younger brother for you? In that case, he will also be a legitimate son, and with the Empress Dowager and the Yuwen family as his backing, he could easily threaten your position as the heir apparent."

"I can't have children," Zhao Lingyuan said. "My father had many concubines. It's not that he didn't want to have children. He had a mishap while practicing martial arts a few years before the princess entered the family. He could have normal sexual relations, but he couldn't have children anymore."

Later, many famous doctors were consulted, but none of them were effective. At that time, my mother was still alive, and she even personally arranged for my father to take seven or eight concubines, but none of them succeeded. Hmm—therefore, my position is unshakeable!

Gu Guanqi: "————"

He finally understood why Zhao Lengyuan had disguised herself as a man to play the crown prince.

Prince Rong was unable to have children and happened to have no real sons, so he had no choice but to have his only legitimate daughter impersonate the legitimate son and become the heir apparent.

Zhao Lengyuan chuckled and said, "However, the Princess Consort doesn't know this. She's been quite scheming these past few years, trying countless ways to please my father and cultivate her seductive arts. In the few years since she entered the manor, she hasn't made much progress in anything else, but her seductive arts have improved rapidly!"

At this point, Zhao Lengyuan suddenly chuckled and said, "However, after meeting Brother Gu, I realized that the art of seduction is a complete joke."

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback and asked, "What do you mean?"

Zhao Lengyuan said, "Because Brother Gu is just standing there doing nothing, his attraction to women far exceeds that of women who cultivate seductive arts to men."

Gu Guanqi laughed and said, "So Brother Zhao wanted to praise me."

Zhao Lingyuan said, "That's why I thought of introducing my sister to Brother Gu. I'm sure my sister will like her very much when she meets you!"

Gu Guanqi couldn't help but chuckle.

If he didn't know that Zhao Lengyuan was a woman disguised as a man, he wouldn't have thought anything of it. But he knew that Zhao Lengyuan was a woman disguised as a man, and that the girl Zhao Lengyuan was talking about was herself.

So every time Zhao Lengyuan said that her sister would like him, he would want to laugh. He was even looking forward to seeing if Zhao Lengyuan could still maintain such a peaceful state of mind after he revealed the truth.

"What are you laughing at, Brother Gu?" Zhao Lingyuan asked, puzzled.

"It's nothing," Gu Guanqi said. "I've just heard you talk about your sister a lot, and I was thinking that now that we're finally at the Prince's residence, I'll be able to meet her. I wonder when Brother Zhao will arrange for us to meet her?"

"This—" Zhao Lingyuan quickly said, "My sister is staying with relatives these days. I'll send someone to call her back in a bit."

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Brother Zhao is so handsome and extraordinary, I imagine your sister must be a beauty that could topple kingdoms!"

"It's not that exaggerated, not that exaggerated," Zhao Lingyuan quickly said, "She's just quite delicate, quite delicate!"

Gu Guanqi stopped teasing Zhao Lengyuan and then entered a large courtyard.

Evening, Prince Rong's Mansion.

In a large courtyard, the afterglow of the setting sun slanted through the carved windows into the flower hall, turning the blue brick floor into a warm golden-red hue.

Gu Guanqi and Zhao Lengyuan sat facing each other. Several exquisite dishes were laid out on the table, and a pot of warmed yellow wine was placed on the corner of the table. The aroma of the wine mixed with the heat of the food and slowly permeated the air.

As the two were eating and chatting, a servant dressed in gray entered from outside the courtyard. He quickly walked to the hall entrance, bowed respectfully, and said, "Young Master, Alliance Leader Gu, the Prince has returned to his residence. He sent me to inform you that it is convenient for you to come and pay your respects to Alliance Leader Gu now?"

Zhao Lengyuan put down her chopsticks, turned to look at Gu Guanqi, and asked, "Brother Gu, do you think we should see my father now?"

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised by the father and daughter's overly humble attitude. One was a prince, and the other a heir, yet they still adopted such a low posture towards him, a mere martial arts practitioner. Moreover, this was the Rong Prince's Mansion, not the Martial Arts Alliance.

-

Gu Guanqi then asked, "Brother Zhao, has your father always been this humble? This—makes me a little uneasy."

Zhao Lengyuan quickly explained, "Brother Gu, since the Rong Prince's Mansion has decided to place its bets on you, then naturally you will be the priority. Even my father needs to understand his place so that our cooperation can last. If we can't distinguish between primary and secondary roles, we'll break up sooner or later."

Gu Guanqi thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "Prince Rong and Brother Zhao are both sensible people, but I, Gu Guanqi, am not one to put on airs. Brother Zhao, let's go together to greet Prince Rong!"

Zhao Lengyuan didn't say much, then got up and followed Gu Guanqi out the door. The two of them left the flower hall one after the other and walked out along the corridor.

As dusk approached, the red glow of the setting sun spilled over from the edge of the courtyard wall, casting a faint red hue on the lanterns lining both sides of the corridor.

The two passed through a moon gate, then around a clump of bamboo, and walked along the bluestone path towards the front courtyard of the Prince's Mansion.

Just as they turned past a screen wall, they saw two people standing at the entrance of the alley ahead.

Standing in front was a middle-aged man, around fifty years old, with a tall and slender figure. He wore a suit of golden armor. Although he was middle-aged, his appearance was still handsome. A few strands of silver hair at his temples were fluttering in the evening breeze, which added a touch of refined elegance to his already handsome face after years of experience.

This person was none other than Prince Rong, Zhao Tianfang.

Half a step behind Zhao Tianfang was the head butler, Mondo.

Zhao Tianfang spotted Gu Guanqi and Zhao Lengyuan from afar, and immediately quickened his pace. When they were still seven or eight steps away, he clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying loudly, "Alliance Leader Gu, your presence is an honor. I am sorry I could not be here to greet you in person!"

Gu Guanqi stepped forward, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and said, "Your Highness is too kind. It was I who was presumptuous to disturb you. I should be the one asking for Your Highness's forgiveness."

At this moment, Zhao Lengyuan said from the side, "Father, Brother Gu, you two don't need to be so polite. We're all family, no need for formalities." Then, she pointed to Zhao Tianfang's armor and said, "Father, why are you suddenly wearing armor?"

Zhao Tianfang said in a deep voice, "I have taken control of the government office, the prefectural commandant's office, and the Six Doors of Danyang County. I am wearing armor for battle."

Zhao Lingyuan exclaimed in surprise, "Father, why did you suddenly do this?"

Zhao Tianfang said, "Of course, it's to increase our chances of winning. I've received definite news that the Hanyue Sect hastily ended the martial arts tournament and appointed Fan Tianyao, the former second elder of the Hanyue Sect, as the new leader of the martial arts alliance."

Then Fan Tianyao issued a martial arts denunciation order in the name of the Hongzhou Martial Arts Alliance, claiming that Alliance Leader Gu had colluded with the demonic path and had the wolfish ambition to annex the Hongzhou martial arts world, so he launched a sneak attack on the Hanyue Sect.

Currently, the Martial Alliance and the Hanyue Sect have gathered a total of 153 martial arts sects in Hongzhou, totaling more than 8,000 people. In addition, the Hongzhou government has also ordered the Commandant's Office to send 3,000 troops to join the Martial Alliance in attacking Leader Gu, citing the fact that Leader Gu has harmed hundreds of people.

Besides having a population exceeding ten thousand, the high-end combat force is led by Qi Tianyang, the head of the Hanyue Sect, and includes eleven martial arts grandmasters, over fifty top-tier martial arts masters, and even more first-class masters.

Our chances of winning are slim, so I decided to take control of Danyang County. I temporarily transferred 1,800 soldiers from the prefectural army, 400 constables from the Six Doors (a government agency), and added 500 personal guards from my Prince Rong's residence. This at least prevented us from being at a significant disadvantage in terms of numbers.

Zhao Lingyuan nodded and said, "Alright, we're just gambling anyway. If we win, we'll get Hongzhou Xintian; if we lose, we'll lose everything. So, there's no need to leave ourselves a way out."

After saying that, Zhao Lingyuan looked at Gu Guanqi, laughed heartily, and said, "Brother Gu, in this battle, we can be considered to have shared life and death!"

'

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "In the past, I was always the one attacking others. I never thought that one day I would become the one being attacked."

Zhao Tianfang said, "Actually, our chances of winning are not small. Right now, the Hanyue Sect needs to gather various martial arts factions, and the Commandant's Office needs to mobilize troops. They need a long time to prepare, and we can take advantage of this time to make more preparations."

The Hanyue Sect's forces need to travel from Longmen County, inevitably passing through Futu Mountain. We can establish a camp there early, taking advantage of the terrain, and use archers to suppress them. By the time the Hanyue Sect forces charge up, their morale will be low, allowing us to launch a full-scale attack. It's not without a chance of victory!

Zhao Lingyuan said, "What if they surround us but don't attack?"

Zhao Tianfang said, "Their more than 150 sects are already a huge problem to reconcile with the various forces. If we surround them without attacking, their momentum will dissipate. At that time, I only need to guide them a little, and they will be in chaos. Then what's the point of them fighting? They might as well go home."

Zhao Lingyuan looked at Gu Guanqi and asked, "Brother Gu, what do you say?"

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness has led troops and fought battles; you are certainly better than me in this regard. I naturally agree with Your Highness's arrangement." Then, Gu Guanqi looked at Zhao Tianfang and asked, "However, Your Highness, have you thought this through? If you do this, the Rong Prince's Mansion will truly have no way out!"

Zhao Tianfang quickly said, "Alliance Leader Gu, we're all family, so let's not be formal. Although I haven't met Alliance Leader Gu yet, Mingxuan and Alliance Leader Gu have known each other for a long time, and I've always admired Mingxuan's abilities. Since she's chosen Alliance Leader Gu, I naturally have no reason to hesitate."

The only thing I have left to bet on is Alliance Leader Gu. With Alliance Leader Gu's extraordinary talent and charisma, once he gains momentum, it will be earth-shattering. At that time, my Rong Prince's Mansion's meager resources will be insignificant!

"Alliance Leader Gu need not feel pressured. My Rong Prince's Mansion's actions are not out of loyalty, but for profit. Since it's a gamble, one must always bear the corresponding risks. If we win, everyone is happy; if we lose, we have no regrets."

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness is so frank. I, Gu Guanqi, would also like to make a promise here: if we win this time, I will certainly not mistreat the Rong Prince's Mansion."

Zhao Tianfang cupped his hands and said, "Then, Alliance Leader Gu, please rest at the Prince's residence for the night. Tomorrow we will head to Mount Futu to make preparations!"

"it is good."

Night falls at the Prince Rong's Mansion.

The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the green tiles and flying eaves, enveloping the entire palace in a cool, silvery-white glow. The night breeze swept through the corridors, stirring the copper bells hanging from the eaves, which tinkled softly.

The main hall in the backyard was brightly lit, and the air was filled with the fragrant aroma of sandalwood.

Princess Yuwen Luo stood behind Zhao Tianfang, her slender, fair hands gently pressing and kneading his shoulders. Her movements were practiced and gentle, and her fingertips carried a faint warmth as they touched his shoulders.

Zhao Tianfang closed his eyes and leaned back in a rosewood armchair, his shoulders and back slightly relaxed.

"Your Highness," Yuwen Luo said softly, "have you really thought this through? Taking this step will truly mean a complete break with the Hanyue Sect, leaving no way back."

Zhao Tianfang slowly opened his eyes and said, "There was no way out long ago."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and gently patted the back of Yuwen Luo's hand that was resting on his shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of sigh and relief: "I've been waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity with even a slight chance of winning. Over the years, I've calculated it over and over again, and no matter how I calculate it, Qi Tianyang's absolute martial prowess is an insurmountable obstacle."

He paused, turned his head slightly, and looked out the window at the courtyard bathed in moonlight, which was shrouded in silvery white light: "Now that Gu Guanqi has arrived, this is our opportunity!"

Yuwen Luo said worriedly, "But we are still facing the entire martial arts world of Hongzhou, as well as the three thousand troops of the Commandant's Office. Although Gu Guanqi's martial arts are superb, he can only hold off Qi Tianyang. We don't have much of a chance of winning."

Zhao Tianfang said, "It was a gamble from the start. Gu Guanqi's presence turned a hopeless situation into a one in ten chance of winning. In addition, Gu Guanqi is not alone. Behind him is the martial arts alliance of Qingyun and the other two states. The Hanyue Sect did not directly send experts to besiege him, but launched a massive attack. This gave the martial arts alliance of Qingyun and the other two states time to react. Those two places will definitely come to his aid."

Yuwen Luo frowned slightly: "Actually, what I don't understand is this: why didn't the Hanyue Sect directly gather experts to intercept and kill Gu Guanqi? Instead, they launched such a grand attack on Gu Guanqi, giving our Rong Prince's Mansion and the martial arts alliance of Qingyun Prefecture time to react."

Zhao Tianfang slowly sat up straight and said, "Because Qi Tianyang wants to take this opportunity to set foot in Qingzhou and Yunzhou. He knows that the martial arts alliance of Qingzhou and Yunzhou will cross the border to come, and he is also waiting for this opportunity."

In the event of a major war, he would have a legitimate reason to set foot in Qingzhou and Yunzhou. At the same time, he could also take this opportunity to integrate all the martial arts forces in Hongzhou. Although the martial arts world in Hongzhou was originally led by the Hanyue Sect, it was nominally an autonomous society for each sect. However, by leading the various sects into Qingzhou and Yunzhou, he could rightfully lead them directly under the name of the Martial Alliance.

At that time, the Hanyue Sect will be able to transcend all boundaries, control the martial arts alliances of the three states, then control the martial arts world of the three states, and the next step will be to extend its reach into the government offices of the Qingyun and Qingyun states.

Yuwen Luo suddenly realized and whispered, "So, Gu Guanqi's attack on the Hanyue Sect is actually a good opportunity for Qi Tianyang."

"Yes." Zhao Tianfang nodded. "Qi Tianyang is also gambling, betting that he can definitely win. And I'm also gambling, betting that Gu Guanqi has the ability to turn the tide."

The room was quiet for a moment.

A night breeze swept through the window, rustling a clump of green bamboo in the courtyard.

Yuwen Luo walked to Zhao Tianfang's side, sat down on a chair, and said, "Your Highness, if we win this time, I would like to recommend Gu Guanqi to the Empress Dowager."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tianfang paused slightly, then asked, "Why would you have this idea?"

Yuwen Luo said, "The Empress Dowager is in a very bad situation now. His Majesty has been bewitched by Zhang Jiexi and no longer trusts the Empress Dowager. He even issued an edict to send General Yan Kunlun back to the capital."

The Empress Dowager was very worried. At that time, Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun, one a civil official and the other a military officer, would join forces, while the Empress Dowager only had Wei Tanjin from the Eastern Depot. Although the Yuwen family had some power, the late emperor had restricted them to local areas to prevent the maternal relatives from seizing power, so they could not be of much help now.

At that time, the Empress Dowager would have little chance of winning against the combined forces of Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun. Gu Guanqi, on the other hand, was perfectly suited. He was highly skilled in martial arts, had no connections in the court, and most importantly, had a blood feud with Zhang Jiexi. If Gu Guanqi could be brought to the capital, it would be a great hindrance to Zhang Jiexi.

Zhao Tianfang said, "Why doesn't the Empress Dowager simply delegate power to His Majesty?"

Yuwen Luo said, "His Majesty may not know, but Your Highness, don't you understand? With His Majesty's abilities, without the Empress Dowager's help, wouldn't he become a puppet? Your Highness, do you believe Zhang Jiexi is absolutely loyal?"

Zhao Tianfang said, "But Gu Guanqi may not be willing to go to the capital."

Yuwen Luo said, "But he must break off his relationship with Zhang Jiexi. Once Zhang Jiexi successfully defeats Wei Tanjin, he will be able to focus all his efforts on dealing with Gu Guanqi. Can Gu Guanqi fight against thousands of troops?"

Furthermore, rumors have recently circulated in the martial arts world that Gu Guanqi cultivates his own "Path of Amorousness," which claims that the more a woman moves him, the faster his cultivation progresses. Princess Chengyang is the most beautiful woman in Tianzhou, possessing unparalleled beauty and captivating charm; what man could remain unmoved by her? With the Empress Dowager's intervention, she will surely be willing to assist Gu Guanqi in his cultivation.

"It can both restrain the enemy and allow for cultivation; there's no reason for Gu Guanqi to disagree, is there?"

Zhao Tianfang thought for a moment and said, "Then we'll talk about it when the time comes. If we win this time, Zhang Jiexi probably won't dare to waste any more time. Gu Guanqi's growth rate is too fast. I'm afraid Zhang Jiexi won't be able to sleep. Gu Guanqi does have a reason to join forces with the Empress Dowager."

""

Night fell, and the moonlight shone like water.

Gu Guanqi was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, drinking tea.

Soft footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate. A maid carrying a lantern stopped at the entrance, curtsied from afar, and said softly, "Alliance Leader Gu, the young master requests your presence."

Gu Guanqi asked, "Has the young master said what it is?"

-

"No, they only sent me to invite you over, saying they have something important to discuss," the maid said.

"it is good."

Gu Guanqi put down his teacup and stood up.

The maid led the way, the lantern light flickering on the bluestone slabs, and soon they arrived at the gate of a quiet courtyard.

The courtyard was small, and the walls were not high. Several clumps of roses climbed on the top of the walls, and the sparse shadows of the flowers could be seen in the moonlight.

The maid stopped at the door, stepped aside, and whispered, "Alliance Leader Gu, the young master has instructed that you enter alone. This is as far as I can escort you."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

The maid then took the lantern and stepped aside.

Gu Guanqi pushed open the door and walked into the courtyard.

The courtyard was very quiet. He activated his mental perception to investigate and found that there was only one person in the main hall of the entire courtyard.

The door to the main hall was open.

He walked straight in and, sensing that Zhao Lengyuan was standing behind the screen, called out to the screen, "Brother Zhao, I'm here."

"6

Slowly, a figure emerged from behind the screen, pausing at the boundary between candlelight and shadow, head bowed slightly, as if somewhat at a loss.

It was a woman.

She wore a pale white blouse, almost translucent in the candlelight, revealing a faint glimpse of her mauve undergarment and slender shoulders and neck.

A silver ribbon was loosely tied around her waist, not fastened tightly, with a tassel hanging down that swayed slightly with her movements. Her black hair was styled into a bun, secured with a plain silver hairpin.

She looked up.

Gu Guanqi saw a stunningly beautiful face, with a hint of shyness and unease, unsure of what to do with her hands.

The candlelight reflected on her cheeks, giving them a very faint blush, and even her earlobes were slightly pink.

She took two steps forward, clasped her hands in front of her, bowed slightly, and said softly, "Little sister Zhao Lengyuan greets Brother Gu."

Gu Guanqi looked at her, paused for a moment, and then couldn't help but laugh, his tone teasing: "Brother Zhao, although you are exceptionally handsome in men's clothing, it seems that you look better in women's clothing now."

6

Zhao Lingyuan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly raised her head, stared at him with wide eyes, and said in surprise and embarrassment, "You—you knew all along that I was a woman disguised as a man?"

'

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "I knew that the first time I met you."

Zhao Lingyuan's blush deepened rapidly, spreading from her ears all the way to her neck. After a long while, she said coquettishly, "Then you—you've always known, and you've always listened to me talk about 'my sister' this and that. You—you've been laughing at me all along."

6

As she spoke, her tone was full of shame, anger, and helplessness, "How could you make fun of me like this?"

'

Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly and said, "Brother Zhao, please don't wrong me. I was thinking that since you are dressed as a man, you must have your reasons. I have no need to expose you."

Zhao Lengyuan lowered her eyes and turned her face slightly to the side. The candlelight cast a thin shadow on her eyelashes, and her cheeks were still flushed: "Then you—now that you've made it clear, why are you still calling me Brother Zhao?"

66

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Leng Yuan."

Zhao Lengyuan's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she took two steps toward Gu Guanqi, standing in front of him.

Zhao Lengyuan was tall, not much shorter than Gu Guanqi. The two were so close that they could almost feel each other's breath. She looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "You—since you already knew I was a woman, you don't need to say the words I prepared beforehand."

I was worried that you wouldn't be able to accept that I had suddenly become a woman, and that you might have some reservations. But now I don't have to worry about that anymore.

As she spoke, she gently twirled around, then looked at Gu Guanqi, her face flushed, and asked, "Do you—do you think I'm pretty?"

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "It looks good."

Zhao Lingyuan lowered her head and said softly, "Then, would you like to stay here tonight?"

Gu Guanqi looked up at her. The candlelight cast a soft glow on Zhao Lengyuan's face. He paused for a moment, then said, "Is this... appropriate?"

Zhao Lengyuan kept her head down and said, "Since I have staked the entire Rong Prince's Mansion on you, it means I have already decided in my heart to follow you for the rest of my life."

If you look down on me, then I will follow you as Zhao Mingxuan, the heir of Prince Rong's mansion, and serve as your subordinate. If you look down on me, I will also follow you in public as the heir of Prince Rong, but in private we will act as husband and wife.

But my identity dictates that I can only appear in public as a man, and I cannot marry you openly. Therefore, I do not ask for anything else, I only ask that you often show me mercy. Before I met you, I never thought that I would ever be a woman again in this life.

55

After saying that, she raised her head slightly, looked at Gu Guanqi directly, and said, "Do you want me? If you don't like me, I will only follow you as Zhao Mingxuan from now on, and I will not have any other improper thoughts."

Looking at Zhao Lingyuan's bright and beautiful face, Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "You should still keep your unrealistic hopes to yourself!"

Zhao Lengyuan's cheeks flushed instantly, filled with shyness. She took Gu Guanqi's hand and walked into the room.

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Guanqi's mind: [Blind date activity completed]

[Reward: Max level "Little Li Flying Dagger" skill, already issued]

Do you want to claim the reward?

Gu Guanqi was thrilled; he had finally got his hands on Little Li's Flying Dagger.

The original Little Li Flying Dagger is no longer very effective for him now, but with his current cultivation level and realm, the effect of Little Li Flying Dagger he uses is naturally extraordinary, especially the mental locking ability of Little Li Flying Dagger, which is very suitable for chasing down enemies.