ad become an entirely different person since declaring the will. If originally the Dowager Empress still possessed the shrewdness and composure of a powerful woman, now she seemed like an ordinary ign...357. Cheating without Cost

357. Cheating without Cost

Tan Jizhi's efficiency was still extremely high; he secretly befriended many of the city’s nobles in just a few days. Every day, Ye Li watched the reports sent by Ding王府's informants in Changqing City and couldn't help but marvel at his capabilities. No wonder Tan Jizhi had managed to fool Mo Jingli, Mo Jingqi, and even Shu Manling for so many years; his abilities were indeed impressive. Unfortunately, times had changed. With Shu Manling and Mo Jingqi dead one after the other and Mo Jingli's suspicion of him growing, all his plans could only end in failure.

Although he knew about Ye Li’s capabilities, Mo Xiuyao was never at ease with her safety. Before leaving, not only did he leave Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and Lin Han who usually followed Ye Li behind, but also recalled He Su from his post guarding Chu Capital. Ye Li hadn't been mistaken in the past; compared to Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Wei Lin, He Su was more suited for commanding troops. In just a decade, He Su had earned himself a place among the commanders of Greater Chu through his own abilities. Taking advantage of Mo Jingli’s southward relocation of the capital city, he expanded his army greatly, which led to him leading 200,000 soldiers in relief when Chu Capital was besieged. It could be said that He Su had achieved his current status solely by relying on himself over these years. With another ten years, he would definitely become another Zhang Qilan or Lyu Jinxian.

With these four people around her, Ye Li’s safety and strategic capabilities were assured, making Mo Xiuyao feel more at ease about her well-being.

"My Lady," in the study room, He Su stood respectfully before Ye Li's desk awaiting orders. After observing him for a while, Ye Li smiled and said, "General He, you have already become a great general commanding thousands of soldiers. Why are you willing to serve me now" He Su bowed respectfully toward Ye Li and replied solemnly, “All my achievements so far are due to My Lady's support. However, as your former guard who did not serve by your side like my younger brothers did, I have failed in my duty. Now that I can follow you again and reunite with my siblings, it is a blessing for me."

Although He Su had achieved remarkable success over the years, transforming from an ordinary person to the commander of a large army within ten years was still nothing compared to the monumental changes in Ding王府. Naturally, being recalled by Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t bring any bad thoughts to He Su’s mind; after all, those who once served as dark guards for Ding Wangfei understood her capabilities and status better than anyone else. Being able to serve at her side was indeed a blessing that others would envy.

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "That's good then. The reason the Prince recalled you is that I need someone who can lead troops right now rather than stripping you of your command. Back then, I sent you to the army because I believed you were suited for it, and you haven't disappointed me over these years. After this matter is settled, you will still return to commanding troops. I hope you understand."

Ye Li didn’t believe that everyone should obey her unconditionally without any regret; a fine bird picks the right tree. To demote such an excellent general to become a guard was already a waste of talent. If one expected them not to complain about it, it would be too presumptuous. Even if He Su felt no grievance himself, Ye Li felt she should clarify things to avoid any misunderstandings that might cause discomfort.

"I accept your order, thank you My Lady," He Su was truly grateful from the bottom of his heart. Originally a dark guard for Ding王府, he wouldn't have become a general without Ye Li’s support. Additionally, he found that her initial judgment about him was correct; he preferred fighting on the battlefield to serving as a guard.

Ye Li nodded and said, "Take my token and find Queen Helan, she will arrange for you to join the Northern Border army where you’ll know what to do." He Su thought it over and understood Ye Li’s intentions, slightly furrowing his brows. “My Lady wants to turn some of the Central Plains troops in the Northern Border army against their commanders”

Ye Li smiled and nodded. "That's right. We have only a month at most, so your task is indeed challenging. Are there any issues"

He Su thought for a moment before saying, “The Northern Border forces have been in Greater Chu for just two years but have already conscripted many soldiers, causing hardship to the people. I believe these lower and middle-ranking officers from Central Plains shouldn’t be loyal to the Northern Border commanders. With Ding王府's reputation, convincing them shouldn't be too difficult."

Seeing his reply, Ye Li nodded approvingly. She picked up a file from beside her desk and handed it over. "This is a list of Northern Border generals who didn’t accompany Ren Qining on campaign, along with their backgrounds. You may take this to refer to when you proceed with your task. Among them are some truly capable individuals whom you can inform that as long as they surrender to Ding王府, we will not hold their past actions against them and their ranks and positions shall remain unchanged. If they perform meritorious service, the rewards won't be spared."

He Su was delighted; these Central Plains soldiers wouldn’t blindly follow Ren Qining, but they were worried about any repercussions from Mo Family Army after attacking Greater Chu. With Ding Wangfei’s explicit promise now, their concerns would naturally dissipate.

Folding up the file, He Su respectfully said, "I understand, I will withdraw."

"Go then, Lin Han and Qilin will assist you covertly when necessary. Use extraordinary measures if needed... after all, we are on a tight schedule."

"Yes."

In Changqing City, things seemed no different from usual at the surface; however, beneath the surface, there were already turbulent undercurrents stirring… No one knew that all these changes originated from this seemingly ordinary small courtyard and its elegant lady.

In the Chancellor's residence, the current Northern Frontier Chancellor looked at the few people in front of him with some confusion. He finally turned his gaze to the white-robed woman standing beside Tan Jizhi and said uncertainly, "Young Master Tan, who is this lady"

Before Tan Jizhi could speak, the white-robed woman replied calmly, "Chancellor Yun, my name is Dongfang."

"Dongfang The Vast Wilderness Mountain This can't be possible!" The chancellor stood up in shock and stared at the white-robed woman. Tan Jizhi beside him looked perplexed but the chancellor said seriously, "Why not"

The chancellor continued, "Young Master Tan has tried to deceive me; the Vast Wilderness Mountain has already turned towards Prince Li. How can this lady be a descendant of the Vast Wilderness Mountain Don't you think that because our northern frontier is remote, we know nothing"

Tan Jizhi shrugged and looked at the woman sitting across from him. The white-robed woman sneered and said coolly, "Who says there can only be one heir of the Vast Wilderness Mountain Moreover... Dongfang You's reputation in Li City is already ruined; how could she still be an heir"

"This..." Although he had always stayed in Changqing City, the chancellor knew what was at stake. He understood that when Ye Li said "ruined reputation," it meant something significant. The chancellor frowned and thought, "Could it be... The Vast Wilderness Mountain is planning to openly repair a road while secretly crossing a river"

Seeing the old man in front of him frowning seriously, Tan Jizhi shook his head inwardly. Thankfully, he had no intention of truly working with this old man; otherwise, would someone who could imagine so vividly based on just a few words be trustworthy

The chancellor was silent for a moment before asking the two of them, "Lady, what makes you think I'll believe that you are an heir of the Vast Wilderness Mountain" The white-robed woman asked calmly, "Heirs of the Vast Wilderness Mountain don't need official seals as proof. What do you want me to prove"

"It is said that heirs of the Vast Wilderness Mountain excel in playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, poetry, dancing, astrology, medicine, and divination. Can you cure my second son" When Tan Jizhi brought back the chancellor's second son, he was already unconscious. Even the best doctors in the city could do nothing to help him. Although the chancellor had suspected Tan Jizhi at first, after investigating, he confirmed that his son had been killed by the barbarians of the northern frontier, and the poison they used was a nearly extinct secret drug.

The white-robed woman replied calmly, "I know what poison your son ingested. Honestly, I can't cure it now, but... The Vast Wilderness Mountain has a thousand-year-old blood lingzhi that could cure this poison. After Tan Jizhi informed me of the situation, I have already sent people back to retrieve it."

The chancellor was not easily deceived and said bluntly, "I have heard about the thousand-year-old blood lingzhi in the Vast Wilderness Mountain. If that's true, then I'll wait for your remedy." In other words, he would believe her identity once he saw the thousand-year-old blood lingzhi.

The white-robed woman did not mind and nodded, "Alright, it will take about one and a half months to fetch the thousand-year-old blood lingzhi from the Vast Wilderness Mountain. I hope Chancellor Yun keeps his word; otherwise... The price for mocking our Vast Wilderness Mountain..." With a click, the jade-like hand of the white-robed woman crushed her teacup. She stood up and said to Tan Jizhi, "Young Master Tan, since Chancellor Yun doesn't want to talk now, let's go back first. We can discuss it after we get the thousand-year-old blood lingzhi. Your Excellency has waited for so long; a few more days won't matter."

Tan Jizhi smiled and said, "You're right, please go ahead."

The chancellor saw a hint of respect and caution in Tan Jizhi's smile and felt even more confident about the white-robed woman's identity. He also thought that there was no reason for Tan Jizhi to deceive him; before this Dongfang lady appeared, he had already planned to work with Tan Jizhi, so whether or not there is a Vast Wilderness Mountain wasn't crucial. With these thoughts in mind, the chancellor quickly said, "Young Master Tan, Miss Dongfang, please stay here. We need to talk."

The two turned around and looked at the old man without surprise.

The chancellor sighed and said, "Young Master Tan, Miss Dongfang, please sit down. Let's discuss properly." It wasn't that he didn't want to keep Tan Jizhi in suspense to drive a better bargain; it was because they couldn't wait any longer. Ren Qinning delayed his actions against the barbarians of the northern frontier while they pressured them relentlessly. As old ministers who had served the Lin family for generations, they were unwilling to share their achievements with these barbarians. Ren Qinning also grew increasingly frustrated with their constant obstruction. This is why the chancellor was tempted when Tan Jizhi appeared.

Tan Jizhi was different from Ren Qinning; Ren Qinning had been taught by them since childhood and already possessed most of the Lin family's power. However, Tan Jizhi was a complete outsider who couldn't grasp control immediately even if they put him on the throne; he would still need their assistance eventually. More importantly, Tan Jizhi didn't have any connection with the northern frontier or owe them anything, so he wouldn't hesitate to deal with them.

The two sat down again and Ye Li said calmly, "Since Chancellor wants to talk, we're willing to accompany you. What does Chancellor want to say"

The chancellor frowned slightly at the two of them and asked, "If we agree to support Tan Jizhi's ascension, what promises can Young Master Tan give us Keep in mind that even if we do nothing, we still enjoy our luxurious life.

"Wealth and honor" The white-robed woman gave a cold laugh. A trace of disdain passed across her beautiful face, "The territories governed by the Northern Frontier are all places where people struggle to survive. This so-called Northern Capital is not as prosperous as the recently war-torn Chu capital. Such wealth and honor… does the Chancellor really think it’s good It seems that the previous dynasty has been gone too long for its nobles to have forgotten their former glory. They only wish to occupy a small place and seek personal safety. If this is the case, Mr. Tan and I may have come to the wrong place."

"Miss Dong!" The Chancellor’s face was not looking good after being so mercilessly mocked by the white-robed woman. However, he had to admit that what she said wasn’t false. Changqing City couldn't be compared to Chu capital or Western Ling Imperial City and Li city. Even compared with some larger cities in Central Plains, it fell short.

The white-robed woman looked at the Chancellor with a hint of arrogance, "As long as Chancellor Yun fulfills his promise, Cangmang Mountain will naturally assist the Northern Frontier to restore its economy. Additionally, Cangmang Mountain can secretly persuade Mo Jingli and Prince Southern Command to deal with the Ding王府 together. At that time… dealing with the Ding王府 won’t be difficult. Wanting to conquer Chu capital will also be within reach."

Hearing this, the Chancellor couldn’t help but feel tempted and looked at her white-robed woman deeply before looking at Tan Jizhi, "According to my knowledge, each generation of Cangmang Mountain’s successors will marry their assistants. If so… in the future…"

Tan Jizhi's expression changed slightly as he hurriedly said, "Chancellor, don’t worry. If we succeed, the future queen must come from Yun family."

"Oh" The Chancellor clearly didn't believe it. After all, they were clear about Cangmang Mountain’s reputation and customs. Smiling prettily, the white-robed woman said, "Chancellor, there is no need for doubt. Actually… Cangmang Mountain originally did not intend to get involved in these matters this time. It was really because… The Ding王府 shamed Cangmang Mountain too much in Li city. If we cannot retaliate and let the world look down on Cangmang Mountain, once our mission is accomplished, I will return to the mountain and remain aloof from worldly affairs."

"I see," the Chancellor relaxed slightly and smiled.

The white-robed woman nodded with a smile and said, "Since both of us are satisfied with each other's conditions, please do your best, Chancellor Yun. Of course, Cangmang Mountain and Mr. Tan will also secretly assist you. I believe the day when you become the legitimate father-in-law of the country is also within reach"

This hit right in the heart of that chancellor who laughed happily, "Thank you for your good words, seeing how you act, I now believe that you are truly a successor of Cangmang Mountain. As an outstanding woman like you, in this world, only the Queen Consort of the Ding國王 can match you."

The white-robed woman smiled faintly and then got up to take her leave with Tan Jizhi.

Outside the Chancellor’s residence, as soon as they left, Tan Jizhi's expression turned ugly, "Queen Consort, aren't your pretenses too big"

The white-robed woman had a clear and elegant face, smiling gently. Could it be Ye Li disguised again The chancellor had just compared her to the Queen Consort of Ding王府, but how could he have thought that the very person was standing right in front of him

Ye Li smiled lightly and said, "What’s wrong with making pretenses As long as someone believes it. Making pretenses doesn’t cost money, so naturally, the more the better." Thousand-year Blood Ganoderma, Cangmang Mountain’s help to restore livelihood, joint efforts between Chu and Western Ling against Ding王府, and even the vague position of Queen Consort—Ye Li was indeed making too many baseless claims. But what mattered was that someone believed it.

Tan Jizhi said, "Then where will we find Cangmang Mountain to help us when the time comes At this moment, they might want to tear you and Ding王 apart."

Ye Li smiled and replied, "Does Mr. Tan think that they can wait for more than a month By then… who would have time to care about these things" Then those so-called former officials of the previous dynasty would only be thinking how to cling onto their names. Ye Li didn’t really plan to make Tan Jizhi king. Whether it was for a few days or otherwise, it wouldn't matter. The Northern Frontier rose and fell with Ren Qining.

Tan Jizhi remained silent for a long time before sighing, "Your Excellency has superb skills. I believe that by now, people from the Ding王府 have already infiltrated into the Northern Frontier military, otherwise your excellency wouldn’t have appeared to meet the Northern Chancellor."

Ye Li smiled lightly and said, "Sir is too kind. This is also out of necessity. We need to dismantle Ren Qining's power as soon as possible; otherwise it will be troublesome." The Northern Frontier was still a country even if it was weak, and there were only so many people here. If they couldn’t deliver a fatal blow quickly, they would suffer when Ren Qining reacted.

In another place, in the large camp outside Changqing City. He Su dressed as a Northern military commander was smiling while pouring drinks for several officers. After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere inside the tent gradually became lively.

One person grabbed He Su's arm and asked softly, "Brother, were you telling the truth last time" Hearing this, not only did He Su stop, but others also stopped to look at him steadily. Clearly, they all had the same idea as the speaker.

He Sulang chuckled and said, "Although I am a newcomer, the elder brothers have been kind to me. Could it be that they would worry about being harmed by me"

"That may be so, but now we are in the Northern Border Army... We are constantly forced to fight against our own people. In the past, it was not too bad since Mo Jingqi is no good either. If he hadn’t driven away Prince Ding, how could we have fallen into such a predicament and become soldiers for these barbarians But now, we must face the army of the Mo family. How can we not be afraid" When others talked about the army of the Mo family, their expressions changed too. They had also followed to attack Chu Capital last year. If it weren’t for the Mo family’s aid, Chu Capital would have been renamed Ren by now.

He Sulang smiled and said, "Isn’t that right The brothers might not know this. In those days, the army of the Mo family marched all the way from Flying Swallow Pass to Chu Capital to break the siege there. They killed many men on their way, leaving them in awe when they arrived at Chu Capital. Now… The army of the Mo family is waiting at Purple荊Pass. It’s already a blessing that they are not coming out to kill us. Yet, His Majesty still wants to provoke them. Isn’t that courting death by sending these innocent soldiers off to their deaths"

The others nodded in agreement as well. He Sulang observed the expressions of everyone present and said, "I won’t hide anything from you brothers. I have decided to give up the darkness and join Prince Ding’s side. After all, we are all people from Central Plains. Why should we serve Northern Border Besides, Prince Ding is known for his benevolence; he will certainly understand our predicament and not make things difficult."

The others exchanged glances and said with some difficulty, "That may be so, but we don’t have any connections either. The army of the Mo family is far away at Purple荊Pass. If we want to join them, we might first get wiped out by the troops guarding Purple荊Pass."

He Sulang chuckled softly and took a token from his pocket, saying, "What do you think this is"

The others took a closer look; it was a black jade token with the character ‘Ding’ engraved on it. They were all taken aback. He Sulang said proudly, "This is a token given by Princess Consort Ding. She has promised that as long as I give up darkness and join her side, my future will be bright and full of opportunities." The few people present couldn’t help but feel envious; to receive such a token from Princess Consort Ding was quite the fortune for He Sulang.

"Brother, we…" Others stared at He Sulang, hesitating to say anything further.

He Sulang smiled generously and said, "Brothers, rest assured. If I have meat, I won’t let you brothers just drink the soup. We share our fortunes and misfortunes together."

"Brother He is absolutely right," they all praised him in unison, their eyes filled with friendliness as they looked at him.

He Sulang had not yet been in the Northern Border Army for a full month; he shouldn’t have encountered such smooth progress. But with help from influential figures like Queen Helan of Northern Border and former ministers led by Chancellor Yun, his identity was foolproof, and he was able to blend into military life seamlessly. With information from Ye Li and assistance from Qin Feng, Lin Han and others who were always ready to aid him secretly, He Sulang also had years of experience in the army; it came naturally for him to get along well with middle-ranking officers. Soon enough, all those he could befriend or recruit were identified. After some deliberate and inadvertent tests, someone couldn’t help but approach him to drink wine, allowing him to bring up his intentions smoothly.

Under the night sky, a black figure sneaked out of the camp secretly. Just as he was about to exhale in relief at seeing the stillness of the military compound under the night’s veil, a low voice with a hint of laughter came from behind him, "Big Brother Huang, where do you think you’re going"

The black-robed man turned around abruptly and his pupils shrunk. A person emerged slowly from beneath a tree, it was He Sulang who had been drinking together with the other not long ago. Seeing no place to hide, he pulled off the mask covering his face and said, "He Yan, why aren’t you resting at this hour"

He Sulang smiled and said, "If Big Brother Huang isn’t resting, how can I dare Otherwise, someone might execute me for treason as soon as tomorrow morning."

The black-robed man’s face changed, and he sternly asked, "Since you know that, why do you still dare to collude with others to betray the country If you stop now, considering our friendship, I could let you off."

He Sulang looked up at the sky, smiled faintly, and said, "Big Brother Huang, it should be me giving you a pass right now. Also, my name is not He Yan; I am General of Princess Consort Ding’s army—He Sulang."

The black-robed man’s face darkened further, glanced to the side, and tried to escape in another direction. But how could he be an opponent for someone like He Sulang who was born from Prince Ding’s secret guards In a swift movement under moonlight, blood glistened as the figure fell lifeless on the ground, "You…"

"We fight for our respective lords; even in death, we have no regrets," He Sulang sighed softly.ch of the aloofness and pride of scholars. It didn’t look like he was from Western Capital, but rather resembled a southern scholar-gentleman.Ye Li pulled Mo Xiuyao into the courtyard and nodded with...