Having many children brings many blessings; the struggle for power begins with marriage.

Chapter 285 The Beauty Trap

Upon hearing Lu Chen's question, Zhuge Chongguang smiled slightly, stroked his beard, and then said, "In my opinion, there are three possibilities."

"The first possibility is that His Majesty feels that after the Jiangnan aristocratic families were eliminated, the ancient aristocratic families no longer pose a great threat. The biggest threat is the vassal kings in various regions, so he wants to take this opportunity to wipe out all the vassal kings within the Great Xia territory in one fell swoop."

Upon hearing the first possibility, Lu Chen said in confusion, "Since ancient times, emperors have always weakened the power of the vassal kings step by step. My father has tempted all the vassal kings to expand their armies. At that time, the imperial army may not be a match for those vassal kings."

There are more than a dozen vassal kings in the entire Xia Dynasty. If all the vassal kings expand their armies, the combined number of their soldiers will definitely be more than the number of soldiers in the imperial army. At that time, the imperial army may not be able to quell the rebellion. If the Xia emperor does this, he may accidentally mess things up.

Zhuge Chongguang said, "Just like when His Majesty forced the Eighth Prince to rebel in the south, since His Majesty dared to make such a plan, he must have already made preparations. Perhaps in his eyes, those vassal kings are not worth fearing."

Lu Chen thought about it and felt that there was some truth to it. Perhaps his father had already figured out how to deal with those vassal kings.

Lu Chen continued, "What about the second possibility?"

Zhuge Chongguang replied, "The second possibility is that His Majesty may indeed be ill."

Lu Chen smiled and said, "That possibility is probably the smallest."

Zhuge Chongguang said, "I think so too."

Lu Chen asked again, "What is the third possibility?"

Zhuge Chongguang replied, "The third possibility is that Your Majesty's true purpose is to lure the Northern Kingdom into sending troops, and then eliminate this major threat."

"The imperial army has been deployed to the border of Qi Kingdom, clearly preparing for a conflict with the Northern Kingdom. This can be seen from the rumors circulating in the capital. Your Majesty has probably guessed that this old minister has not broken through to the Celestial Realm."

"Perhaps in his view, Your Highness, by sending 100,000 troops to keep testing the imperial army, you have in fact already had the idea of ​​raising an army, but you are still lacking a good opportunity, so you have been hesitant to raise an army. In order to lure Your Highness into raising an army to rebel, His Majesty deliberately pretended to be sick and gave Your Highness an opportunity to raise an army."

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen fell into deep thought. After pondering for a moment, he said, "If my father really thinks that way, then he doesn't understand me at all."

At this moment, Zhuge Chongguang said, "Actually, this old minister has thought of another possibility, but this possibility is even smaller."

Lu Chen asked, "Grand Scholar, please tell me."

Zhuge Chongguang said, "Does Your Highness still remember the strange phenomena that occurred in the capital?"

Lu Chen said, "Of course."

Zhuge Chongguang then said, "This old minister suspects that Your Majesty has also entered the pseudo-Celestial Realm. According to Senior Xuanyuan, Your Majesty may have already reached the Dao Integration Stage."

"From His Majesty's life experience, it can be seen that His Majesty is a monarch with extremely strong ambitions. The test His Majesty needs to go through to achieve the Dao is likely to completely control the entire Great Xia. To do this, he must eliminate all the vassal kings and entice them to expand their armies and rebel. Then His Majesty will have a reason to reduce the power of the vassal kings."

"Perhaps His Majesty is impatient, which is why he is feigning illness at this time to incite those vassal kings to break the rules and expand their armies without permission. This old minister even thinks that the first vassal king to expand his army is also one of His Majesty's men, and he is helping His Majesty to provoke the other vassal kings."

Lu Chen was taken aback when he heard Zhuge Chongguang's guess.

Did Zhuge Chongguang think that far ahead?

He hadn't considered any of this. He thought that the King of Zhao had expanded his army because he saw that the Xia Emperor was critically ill and wanted to rebel, which was why he was expanding his army so frantically. In Zhuge Chongguang's opinion, the King of Zhao might actually be one of the Xia Emperor's men.

Zhuge Chongguang continued, "In order to eliminate the powerful families of Jiangnan, His Majesty secretly cooperated with the Dongfang family beforehand. If His Majesty is really faking illness and ignoring the expansion of the vassal kings' armies, then there must be allies of His Majesty among the vassal kings."

After listening to Zhuge Chongguang's words, Lu Chen gathered his thoughts and then asked, "In your opinion, Grand Scholar, what should I do, and what should the Northern Kingdom do next?"

Zhuge Chongguang replied, "In my opinion, Your Highness only needs to manage the Northern Kingdom well now and does not need to concern yourself with what is happening in the Great Xia."

"If a civil war really breaks out in the Great Xia, the Northern Kingdom will usher in a new period of development."

Every time a war breaks out in the Great Xia, many refugees will flee to the Northern Kingdom for refuge. The Northern Kingdom currently has only a few million people, which is not enough to support its development. If the Northern Kingdom wants to become stronger, it needs more labor.

At this moment, Zhuge Chongguang reminded him: "In addition, Your Highness should take the initiative to guard against the Great Wu Dynasty. This old minister suggests that during the internal turmoil in the Great Xia, Your Highness should take the initiative to exchange or purchase a piece of land bordering the Great Wu with Prince Qi, so that the Northern Kingdom can quickly send troops to the Great Wu."

Currently, the southwestern part of the Northern Kingdom borders Dayue, the southern part borders Qi, and the western part of Qi borders Dawu.

If the Northern Kingdom were to send troops to Da Wu, it would have to pass through either Da Yue or Qi. If it could exchange a piece of land with Qi that directly bordered Da Wu, then the Northern Kingdom's army could march south directly and attack the Da Wu Dynasty.

Of course, this does not mean that the Northern Kingdom really intends to attack the Great Wu. The Northern Kingdom is doing this only to deter the Great Wu. If the Great Xia is in turmoil and the Great Wu dares to send troops to attack the Great Xia, then the Northern Kingdom can seize this opportunity to send troops to attack the Great Wu.

After listening to Zhuge Chongguang's suggestion, Lu Chen pondered for a moment and then said, "Alright, I will send someone to Qi State to buy a piece of land from my royal uncle. However, now that the imperial army has already entered Qi State, the King of Qi may not be able to make the decision."

Zhuge Chongguang said, "Your Highness can try it first. If it doesn't work, we can think of another way."

Lu Chen said, "That works too."

"Then I will not disturb the Grand Scholar any longer."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Chen turned and left.

"Your Highness, please take care."

Before long, Lu Chen used his lightness skill to return to the palace. He was just about to go to the study when he saw Wu Yuan and Wang Qingci on his way there.

Upon seeing Lu Chen descend from the rooftop, Wu Yuan quickly greeted him, "Greetings, Your Highness!"

Lu Chen nodded, then looked at Wang Qingci, who said directly, "Your Highness, we have intelligence about Da Yue."

Lu Chen continued walking towards the study, saying as he went, "Come to the study, everyone."

The two then followed Lu Chen to the study.

After entering the study, Lu Chen looked at Wu Yuan and asked, "Wu Yuan, what is it?"

Wu Yuan replied, "Lord Xuanyuan instructed his subordinates to inform you that the steam engine and train have been built and successfully tested. Next, they plan to build a railway directly connecting Dayu City to Yan City, and they hope Your Highness can provide support."

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen was taken aback and couldn't help but say, "So fast?"

He originally thought that it would take a long time to build trains and steam engines, but he didn't expect that Mo Xing and his group had built them in less than half a year after arriving in Dayu City.

This is the advantage of Dayu City having a large number of craftsmen.

After regaining his senses, Lu Chen said to Wu Yuan, "Go and tell Lord Xuanyuan that the railway connecting Dayu City to Yan City will be built with funds from the Royal Palace. I will also send a batch of barbarian slaves to them."

Wu Yuan replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

Lu Chen continued, "Alright, if you have nothing else to say, go and tell City Lord Xuanyuan now."

Wu Yuan bowed and said, "This subordinate takes his leave."

After saying this, Wu Yuan turned and left the study. Before leaving, he thoughtfully closed the study door.

After Wu Yuan left, Lu Chen's gaze swept over Wang Qingci.

Wang Qingci wore a long red gauze dress, revealing glimpses of her fair skin. Her hair was styled in a high bun, exuding a snow-white neck and delicate collarbones, making her look alluring.

Since Wang Qingci became Lu Chen's woman, she has blossomed like a flower that has been nourished, growing more and more beautiful and charming.

At this moment, Lu Chen asked Wang Qingci, "What's Da Yue's latest move?"

Wang Qingci replied, "The Empress of Dayue has sent Murong Xue'er to the Northern Kingdom. It is said that Murong Xue'er offended the Empress of Dayue, and the Empress sent her to the Northern Kingdom as a trade envoy."

Hearing this, Lu Chen smiled faintly and then said, "It seems that the Empress of Dayue is also quite distrustful of the Northern Kingdom!"

Murong Xue'er was a favorite of the Empress of Dayue and was even known as the Inner Palace Prime Minister. Lu Chen was slightly surprised that the Empress of Dayue would send her to the Northern Kingdom.

However, in Lu Chen's opinion, Murong Xue'er was not sent to the Northern Kingdom because she offended the Empress of Dayue. Rather, the Empress of Dayue wanted to monitor the Northern Kingdom to prevent it from doing anything detrimental to Dayue, or to find out the specific strength of the Northern Kingdom. That's why she sent such an important figure as Murong Xue'er to the Northern Kingdom.

Lu Chen then asked, "Have you found out why Murong Xue'er offended the Empress of Dayue?"

Wang Qingci replied, "It is said that it was because Murong Xue'er kept male lovers outside the palace that the Empress of Dayue discovered it, and then the Empress of Dayue, in a fit of anger, banished her to the Northern Kingdom."

Lu Chen was stunned when he heard Wang Qingci's words.

Keeping male lovers?

Some women of high status and power may indeed be unable to resist the temptation to keep younger men as lovers.

If this is true, then it means that Murong Xue'er is a dissolute person.

Lu Chen suddenly felt a great pity. Murong Xue'er was a woman with a score of over 90, and her beauty was exactly what Lu Chen liked.

Unfortunately, if Murong Xue'er had already had a romantic relationship with another man, he would have no interest in her. Lu Chen was a person with a cleanliness obsession; he preferred women who were virgins.

Seeing that Lu Chen remained silent, Wang Qingci said with a smile, "Is Your Highness feeling very disappointed?"

Hearing this, Lu Chen chuckled and then said, "What am I disappointed about?"

Wang Qingci said, "Such a beautiful and charming woman, yet she has already done such things with other men. Doesn't Your Highness feel disappointed?"

Lu Chen said with a smile, "Lord Wang, there are consequences to teasing me. I wonder if you're prepared."

Wang Qingci quickly replied, "How dare I tease Your Highness?"

Lu Chen didn't listen to what Wang Qingci was saying. He raised his right hand, and the next moment, Wang Qingci's body flew uncontrollably into Lu Chen's arms.

Wang Qingci didn't struggle. She looked up into Lu Chen's eyes, feigning a pitiful expression, and said, "Your Highness, I haven't been feeling well lately. Please let me go."

Lu Chen chuckled. This vixen was saying she wasn't feeling well, but she was actually trying to seduce him.

Lu Chen then placed his large hand on her buttocks and slapped it down. "Not feeling well, are you? Then I'll give you a proper treatment, Lord Wang."

At this point, Lu Chen picked up Wang Qingci in a princess carry and carried her towards the bookshelf.

Seeing Lu Chen carrying her towards the bookshelf, Wang Qingci felt a little puzzled. Why was Lu Chen carrying her to the bookshelf?

In the past, when Lu Chen wanted to do something bad to me, he would simply press me down on the desk, tear off my clothes, or gather up my skirt.

Just as Wang Qingci was wondering, she noticed that Lu Chen raised his hand, and the bookshelf in the study slowly moved to the side, revealing another room in front of them.

Lu Chen carried Wang Qingci directly into the room, and after they entered, the bookshelf slowly closed automatically.

Upon seeing the secret room before him, Wang Qingci was stunned for a moment.

At this moment, Lu Chen said with a smile, "Aunt Chu kept saying that it was indecent for me to do 'that' in the study recently, so I specially had this secret room built. What do you think of this secret room?"

Upon hearing Lu Chen's question, Wang Qingci glanced around the entire secret room. Inside, there was a large bed, some shelves, and strange tables and chairs.

Seeing this, Wang Qingci swallowed hard and asked cautiously, "Your Highness, why does this feel like a prison?"

Lu Chen laughed and said, "What prison cell? This is where I rest."

"I've been quite busy lately and haven't had a chance to use this place. Now that you're here, let's experience the comfort of this room together."

Wang Qingci said weakly, "Your Highness, let's go to the study. It's too dark in here, and I'm a little scared."

At this moment, Lu Chen placed Wang Qingci directly on the large bed, then leaned against her and said, "With me here, there's nothing to be afraid of."

Wang Qingci pouted, thinking to herself, "It's because of you, you scoundrel, that I'm afraid."

In this pitch-black place, who knows what that wicked Lu Chen might do to me?

Lu Chen wasted no more time and directly sealed Wang Qingci's red lips with his.

Wang Qingci had no choice but to experience the comfort of the secret room with Lu Chen.

……

A few days later, Murong Xue'er arrived in Yancheng with a group of people.

Murong Xue'er was a trade envoy sent by Dayue to be stationed in the Northern Kingdom. She was an official from outside the kingdom, and the first thing she had to do after arriving in the Northern Kingdom was to pay her respects to Lu Chen, the ruler of the fiefdom.

Lu Chen heard that Murong Xue'er was coming to pay her respects early in the morning, so he got up early as well.

Inside the Council Hall.

As Lu Chen slowly approached the throne, he glanced at the main hall and noticed that Murong Xue'er and the Dayue delegation had already arrived.

At this moment, Murong Xue'er stood up and said, "Your subject Murong Xue'er greets the Northern King!"

Lu Chen smiled slightly and then said, "No need for formalities."

Looking at the aloof and stunningly beautiful Murong Xue'er, Lu Chen couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. How could such a beautiful woman keep a male concubine? It's such a waste. When he first met Murong Xue'er, he even wanted to possess her.

He should have acted then, but he missed the opportunity.

Just as Lu Chen was thinking this, he subconsciously used the system to identify Murong Xue'er's personal information, wanting to see if she had any other purpose in coming to the Northern Kingdom.

Name: Murong Xue'er

[Identity: A female official serving Empress Dayue, the only daughter of the Murong family, a Grandmaster at the pinnacle of cultivation, twenty-four years old this year. In the year Empress Dayue ascended the throne, the entire Murong family was executed for opposing her, except for Murong Xue'er. Empress Dayue brought her to the palace and groomed her as her confidante. This time, she came to the Northern Kingdom on the orders of Empress Dayue. Empress Dayue wanted her to use her beauty to get close to the Northern King and take the opportunity to steal the Northern Kingdom's secrets. Murong Xue'er liked the Northern King's appearance and believed that giving her virginity to the Northern King was not a loss.]

Rating: 95

【Favourability: 70】

Lu Chen was stunned when he saw Murong Xue'er's personal information.

Wasn't it said that Murong Xue'er kept male lovers?

How come she's still a virgin?

So, the information Wang Qingci gathered about Murong Xue'er keeping male lovers was just a rumor circulating in Dayue, and not true?

Thinking of this, Lu Chen's lips curled up slightly. A honey trap, huh?

He enjoys it when his enemies use their feminine wiles on him, preferably by sending him a number of women who are 90 points or higher.

At this moment, Lu Chen glanced at Murong Xue'er, who was dressed in a white dress with black trim. Murong Xue'er exuded the air of a talented woman, as if she had always been immersed in books.

Lu Chen thought to himself, "This woman is no good at all; she's actually lusting after my body."

He didn't seem to have given Murong Xue'er the Dragon and Phoenix Tea, yet Murong Xue'er's favorability towards him had already reached seventy.

At this moment, Lu Chen spoke up, "Miss Murong, it's been a long time!"

A slight smile appeared on Murong Xue'er's usually aloof face. "During my time serving in the Northern Kingdom, I hope Your Highness will take good care of me."

Lu Chen smiled and said, "Of course."

Murong Xue'er continued, "Then this humble subject thanks Your Highness in advance!"

Lu Chen said, "No need to thank me, it's my pleasure."

At this point, Lu Chen feigned curiosity and asked, "But speaking of which, aren't you someone close to Emperor Yue? Why would Emperor Yue be willing to send you to the Northern Kingdom as an envoy?"

Murong Xue'er said, "I made a mistake in Dayue and angered Her Majesty the Empress. Her Majesty does not want to see me for the time being, so she sent me to the Northern Kingdom."

Lu Chen said, "So that's how it is."

"Miss Murong, there's no need to worry. You are Emperor Yue's right-hand woman. Emperor Yue is probably just acting out of anger. He will probably let you go back after a while."

Murong Xue'er said, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness."

Lu Chen smiled slightly and then said, "Miss Murong, if you encounter anything in Yancheng in the future, or if you need anything, you can come to the Northern Prince's Mansion to find me."

Murong Xue'er said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

I caught a cold while showering today. (First update)

(End of this chapter)