Chapter 1872: 1860: Bi Zhu’s Ambition

Chapter 1872: Chapter 1860: Bi Zhu’s Ambition

The intricacies involved don’t need to be explicitly stated by Bi Zhu for Wang Yongzhu to imagine.

However, the next words of Bi Zhu caused Wang Yongzhu to lose composure.

“At that time, the master told me to follow Queen Ah Lan to the grasslands, to earn her trust, and ideally uncover what she is really looking for, or rather, where it is hidden.”

“For all these years, I’ve been observing without letting my guard down. If it was two years ago, I might not have been able to ascertain, but over the past two years, I’ve slowly come to a conclusion.”

“The object Queen Ah Lan seeks should be clear now; if nothing unexpected happens, it should be hidden somewhere near Yunzhong County.”

“Moreover, considering Queen Ah Lan’s actions in the past two years, I have a bold guess: Queen Ah Lan might be planning to leave the grasslands. Otherwise, given her abilities, the movements of King of the Grasslands would have been noticed by her already.”

“Yet, she seems unbothered, allowing things to develop. It must be because she has found what she was looking for, hence the words that she’ll be returning soon.”

“It’s uncertain whether Queen Ah Lan plans to return to Great Chu, or…” At this point, Bi Zhu seemed unsure himself.

Wang Yongzhu, on the other hand, knew where Qi Le intended to go, though she wouldn’t disclose it to Bi Zhu.

After pondering for a while, Wang Yongzhu asked, “Why are you telling me all this? What’s your motive? I’ll only ask you once, so think carefully before answering me.”

Bi Zhu’s pupils contracted, finally showing a trace of apprehension in his gaze towards Wang Yongzhu, and after a moment, he said, “You, I’m loyal to the master, I…”

“Honest people don’t speak in riddles! There is no master for you to be loyal to here! You’ve done what he needed you to do! You’ve disclosed so much to someone like me, a stranger and an emissary from Great Chu—are you saying you haven’t thought of exploiting my identity for something?”

“Bi Zhu, you are no longer the Glazed Ji of the past. You’ve been at the center of power in the Grasslands King’s Court for many years, surrounded by strife and schemes. Now that you have children, naturally you have attachments and weaknesses. So, tell me, what do you want?”

Bi Zhu looked at Wang Yongzhu in shock, not expecting her to bluntly tear away the façade.

After thinking for a while, Bi Zhu smiled bitterly, “Nothing escapes the Emissary’s eye! You’re right; I do have things I want!”

After a pause, he continued, “Since Queen Ah Lan plans to leave, with no children under her, she has treated Bayar like a nephew over the years and once jokingly said, rather than letting other offspring of King of the Grasslands inherit the throne, why not let Bayar inherit—”

Here, ambition finally shone in Bi Zhu’s eyes.

“I’m forced! I know Queen Ah Lan too well. She has a way out, but hasn’t considered a way out for us who’ve been following her! If she truly leaves abruptly, her people and powers will get snatched away by others.”

“Those of us who are her loyal followers, how could we meet a good end? I think for no one else but Bayar and my family prince! Rather than letting others take over, why not make use of it myself!”

“Besides, my family prince is a descendant of the former King of the Grasslands, sharing the same bloodline. Why not fight for it?”

Looking at Bi Zhu, Wang Yongzhu realized this was her true face.

Thinking about it, this matter was indeed more beneficial than harmful for Great Chu and their delegation!

If Bi Zhu could begin eroding Qi Le’s power now, it would lessen the pressure on her and Song Chongjin.

Moreover, unrest within the grasslands is beneficial for Great Chu!

Eventually, they could support Muhal’s line or even directly elevate Bayar, ensuring at least a decade of peace and stability between the two countries based on Bi Zhu’s standpoint and Bayar’s fear of her.

Let’s do it! Wang Yongzhu decided internally, yet shown no indication externally, only looking at Bi Zhu, “Is this your idea, or Prince Muhal’s?”

Bi Zhu hesitated for a while before speaking, “This was discussed between the prince and me—”

Wang Yongzhu understood, though she had already decided internally, she naturally couldn’t agree to Bi Zhu immediately.

After considering, she said, “This matter is of great importance; I need to think it over carefully. Of course, words are wind; what was said today stays within this room as if I heard nothing.”

“But you need to show sincerity, so I can make a decision, right?”

From the tone of this remark, Bi Zhu knew the matter could be settled, but now was the time to demonstrate their sincerity and performance.

Naturally! She didn’t think Wang Yongzhu was being excessive but smiled instead, “Then, please wait and see, Emissary!”

Once the serious matters were concluded, Chen Xing naturally withdrew the isolation.

Bi Zhu glanced outside; it was late now, and she rose to take her leave.

Wang Yongzhu did not offer false graciousness, escorting her out.

Song Chongjin had been paying attention to the movements here, seeing Bi Zhu leaving, he accompanied Bayar out as well, escorting the mother and son to the main gate.

Watching as they rode away in a carriage, he then turned backward.

The other members of the delegation gathered around, curious about the treasured gift Bi Zhu had offered.

It was Fu Jian who, observing Wang Yongzhu’s expression, asked tactfully, “Does Lady Dingguo have any instructions?”

Wang Yongzhu leaned over, softly explaining Bi Zhu’s scheme and her intention.

Even Fu Jian, usually steadfast, couldn’t help his smile from becoming stiff, looking at Wang Yongzhu with shock.

He couldn’t help but inwardly grumble: These two women are ruthless; meeting for the first time, chatting for half a day, and they decided on such a plan to overthrow the current rulers of the grasslands—this is treason!

However, this is the grasslands, not Great Chu, so such occurrences are welcome and beneficial!

Thinking this, Fu Jian felt Wang Yongzhu’s image had suddenly become grandiose, deserving of the title “Lady Dingguo.” He secretly decided to submit a report once back in the Capital City, highly praising Lady Dingguo’s patriotism and humanitarianism.

Thus, when he next looked at Wang Yongzhu, his eyes were filled with admiration, stating seriously, “Rest assured, Madam, you’ll have a response at most within five days.”

Since Fu Jian said so, Wang Yongzhu was naturally reassured.

Ignoring the gifts, she returned to the backyard with Song Chongjin, conveying the suspicions about Qi Le discussed by Bi Zhu.

The two analyzed thoroughly and concluded that Qi Le’s so-called return is certainly not to Great Chu.

It is connected to that valley.

At this point, Song Chongjin looked at Wang Yongzhu, knowing she hadn’t yet divulged a word about the valley until today.

After contemplation, Wang Yongzhu said, “That valley is indeed the place Qi Le wants to go, but it is not her terminus; she wants to use something in the valley to return to her so-called homeland.”

“But I’ve already destroyed that valley, severing her route! She doesn’t know yet, which is why she’s so calm. That Golden Seal is what both Qi Le and the former emperor sought; it is the key to the valley’s secret door and also the key for Qi Le’s return to her supposed homeland.”

“Qi Le found the valley and finally confirmed that the key is with you. This time when she sees you, what she covets is the key you hold. I can only speak this much, fearing you’re unaware and might fall for Qi Le’s deceit!”

“Also, if Qi Le summons, we must find a way to delay, first stirring chaos in the grasslands, then biding time until she leaves Wang City; naturally, someone will deal with her!”

Although not very detailed, upon connecting the dots, Song Chongjin understood almost everything.

His first question, “You won’t be like Qi Le, seeking the key to return to your homeland, right?”