Chapter 1886: 1874: An Offer Impossible to Refuse

Chapter 1886: Chapter 1874: An Offer Impossible to Refuse

With the five thousand elite soldiers brought back by Bi Zhu, the originally tripartite situation was immediately reversed.

Mu Hal’s faction grew significantly in power, and with some maneuvering by Batu and Qi Le, some of the core supporters behind The Fourth Queen also switched allegiance.

The Fourth Queen’s faction, seeing the unfavorable situation, conceded defeat straightforwardly.

Under the command of Mu Hal and Bi Zhu, one could still keep their life. If the Crown Prince gained power, it’s feared everyone would be doomed.

In this turn of events, only the Crown Prince’s faction remained. Unfortunately, even though he had the support of the Queen’s family and the strength previously given by the King of the Grasslands, he was still young and had not been in power for long.

How could he compete against an old fox like Mu Hal?

After a few confrontations, he was defeated.

Mu Hal was also ruthless, the Crown Prince died directly in the chaos, among the several princes of the King of the Grasslands, only The Fourth Queen’s child was left. First, because he was young, second, because his backing was not threatening, and third, because, after all, it was important to leave some bloodline for the King of the Grasslands, to avoid gossip.

As for the fate of the King of the Grasslands, it’s needless to say, he was already unconscious, and now, even if he woke, he would be powerless to change anything, and might only continue in a coma to his death.

Yet, before his death, he indeed regained consciousness, his first reaction was to ask if Qi Le had been found? Upon hearing that Qi Le was still not found, he surprisingly broke into tears, mumbling to himself about not being able to keep hold… eventually he’d still leave… too heartless… no reluctance at all… and so on.

For the great matter of someone else now sitting on the throne of the King of the Grasslands, he had no reaction at all.

It seemed like with Qi Le gone, all hope and vitality of the King of the Grasslands left with him. Though not dead, he was akin to a walking corpse.

This manner posed no threat at all, and Mu Hal had his considerations, so he spared his life.

Learning this news from Bi Zhu, Wang Yongzhu was speechless.

Unexpectedly, the King of the Grasslands turned out to have a romantic fool’s heart.

At the banquet back then, she felt something was odd. Now in hindsight, it was probable that Qi Le wanted to leave, and not only Bi Zhu noticed, but probably the King of the Grasslands also realized.

The likely scenario was that once the King of the Grasslands knew, he tried to persuade Qi Le to stay. But they failed to reach an agreement, causing the King of the Grasslands to become angry, pretending to favor others, wanting to make Qi Le jealous.

But who is Qi Le? While the King of the Grasslands was absorbed in love, Qi Le was focused on ambition. To return, she could abandon the family that raised her, the entire Qi family. Why would she care about the King of the Grasslands?

So that’s why after realizing Qi Le went missing, the King of the Grasslands vomited blood and fell into a coma, and after waking, his only concern was if Qi Le had returned?

Learning that she hadn’t, he became utterly despondent.

One also must admire Qi Le, the King of the Grasslands getting the throne wasn’t foolish, yet he was groomed by Qi Le into someone with a foolishly romantic heart, constantly preoccupied with thoughts of romance.

Seeing Wang Yongzhu seemed interested in the King of the Grasslands, Bi Zhu asked if she wanted to see him?

Wang Yongzhu thought for a moment and declined. After corroborating the events from various sources, she knew most of the truth already.

Not to mention, if she saw the King of the Grasslands, would he even tell the truth? With his romantic heart, he would probably only speak for Qi Le, and listening to it might only be bothersome, better not to meet.

As for Qi Le’s own secrets, the King of the Grasslands probably didn’t know much.

Qi Le falling into Chen Xing’s hands now, all secrets would likely be unearthed. If she wanted to know the real situation, she would be better off waiting for Chen Xing’s testimony.

Bi Zhu’s purpose in seeking Wang Yongzhu was naturally not just to inform her of the King of the Grasslands’ current situation.

Once everyone around had left, with only Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s wife present, she finally stated her true intention: she wanted to directly support Bayar ascending to the throne, rather than wait until Mu Hal died to fight for it, so her son could become King of the Grasslands, and she could become Empress Dowager.

She understood that even as Queen Ah Lan, one could be deposed, only by having her own son become King, and herself the Empress Dowager, could she truly be at peace.

When Bi Zhu said this, she was exceptionally calm, eerily calm, indicating that what she said was well thought out and not a momentary impulse.

Wang Yongzhu watched Bi Zhu for a long time before speaking, “If you want to proceed, Qi Le left so many people behind, it shouldn’t be too difficult to make Mu Hal fall into a coma or even die. Why come to us? Don’t tell me you can’t bear to; if you’re going to eliminate him to elevate your son, then speaking of reluctance is simply laughable!”

Bi Zhu took a deep breath: “If I were to act, it would leave traces no matter what. What I need is for Bayar to ascend smoothly, without anyone having leverage over us. Since you were able to make Qi Le disappear without a trace, could you——”

“If successful, I can, together with Bayar, sign a treaty with you, ensuring Great Chu and the Grasslands remain friendly for generations, without war!” Noticing Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s unyielding expressions, Bi Zhu gritted her teeth and dangled a bigger bait.

“Once Bayar takes the throne, he could assist Great Chu in annexing Ruoqiang and Wusun!”

Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin couldn’t help but exchange a glance, finding Bi Zhu’s proposal intriguing.

Ruoqiang and Wusun are two small countries bordering Great Chu and the Grasslands.

These two small Western Region countries always waver like tall grass between the two great nations, struggling to survive.

Wusun and the Grasslands share common origins, originally splitting off from the Grasslands, thus having better relations compared to other countries.

Ruoqiang, being small, tightly clung to Wusun; if Ruoqiang were provoked, Wusun would stand up for it. Because of this, they survived amid great powers.

These two countries have always been disrespectful to Great Chu, even creating trouble from behind when Great Chu clashed with the Grasslands, causing setbacks.

The entire Great Chu had long found these two small countries disagreeable, wanting to get rid of them.

Just that with the Grasslands in between, they hesitated to act rashly.

Now hearing Bi Zhu propose such terms, it was, undeniably, very tempting! Hard to resist!

Yet, neither agreed instantly; instead, saying they would discuss it.

This attitude was already quite clear. Satisfied, Bi Zhu left, only asking for their good news.

Once Bi Zhu left, they summoned Fu Jian and told him Bi Zhu’s offer. Fu Jian’s eyes immediately lit up.

Slapping the table: “Let’s do it!”

If successful, they would become great heroes of Great Chu, assisting in annexing two small countries, gaining countless lands!

Moreover, if successful, Bayar and Bi Zhu would always have a handle held by Great Chu.

With such leverage, it’s undeniable; at least during Bayar’s reign, Great Chu’s relations wouldn’t worsen.

It was a situation of tremendous benefit.

Yet, the critical issue hinged on Wang Yongzhu.

Fu Jian eagerly watched Wang Yongzhu, with such anticipation that, were he less rational, he would’ve shaken her to make her agree.

Since everyone shared the same thought, Wang Yongzhu didn’t stand on ceremony.

If successful, Great Chu and the Grasslands could maintain peace for decades, whilst Great Chu annexes more territories.

With these achievements, Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu would, as long as they didn’t rebel and claim kingship, enjoy lifelong prosperity and unmatched power.