Chapter 110: Feigned Surrender?

Chapter 110: A Feigned Surrender?

A data panel, shimmering with an eerie blue light, unfurled before her.

Her current level remained at one, yet her energy credits exceeded ten million—a staggering sum compared to the paltry points Song Yu had once given her.

This implied that, unbound by game rules, she possessed the power to unleash catastrophic destruction upon this world.

As a quintessential villain, how could she not orchestrate a show-stopping finale for her exit?

The game rules prohibited her from deploying weapons beyond the world's technological capabilities, but they were silent on the matter of instigating natural disasters.

Song Yu, the protagonist, embodied light, while she, the antagonist, represented darkness.

Kindness, mercy, and justice were alien concepts to her; disaster, death, and destruction were her true epithets.

Chi Jing consulted the Supreme God System's response:

“The points required for a natural disaster are determined by the player's desired type and scale of catastrophe.”

“A magnitude-6 earthquake demands approximately ten million points, a large-scale volcanic eruption twenty million, a meteor impact with a one-kilometer diameter thirty million, while a world-ending cataclysm necessitates an even greater expenditure.”

In essence, the extent of your resources dictated the magnitude of your impact.

After reviewing the information, Chi Jing mentally calculated, suddenly finding her ten million points somewhat insufficient.

After all, her targets extended beyond just the rebel army to include the imperial court.

Chi Jing pondered for a long while, formulating a plan. A faint smile played on her lips—this performance would undoubtedly be spectacular.

Two days later, the Minister of War marshaled his forces, gathering one hundred thousand Imperial Guards, and set off for Nanyang to lay an ambush.

Wu Wenxiu and Ling Qiong, having received summons, arrived at the side hall of Xihua Palace to meet Chi Jing.

Years had passed, and Ling Qiong had ascended to the command of the Yiluan Department. Her appearance, too, had undergone a significant transformation—her once slender frame had gained considerable bulk, and her almond-shaped eyes now held a discernible ferocity.

She strode purposefully towards Chi Jing, dropping to one knee. "This humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty."

Wu Wenxiu followed suit, bowing.

"Rise and be seated," Chi Jing said gently.

The two took their respective seats.

"You are likely aware of the news regarding the princes in Lanzhou raising arms. I have already dispatched the Minister of War to lead the Imperial Guards to quell the rebellion. The capital's defenses are now vulnerable. Ling Qiong, the security of the inner city will fall to your Yiluan Department."

The Yiluan Department was an institution established during Chi Jing's regency. Beyond monitoring and interrogating court officials, it was also charged with safeguarding the Empress Dowager. Its members were largely selected from palace maids loyal to the Empress Dowager, and over the years, it had amassed considerable power.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will personally lead patrols within the inner city, maintaining vigilance day and night to ensure not a single rebel infiltrates the city!" Ling Qiong declared firmly.

If one were to ask who in this world was most loyal to Chi Jing, Ling Qiong would undoubtedly be among the top contenders.

Beside her, however, Wu Wenxiu's brow furrowed, a look of deep concern on her face.

Noticing her expression, Chi Jing inquired, "Wenxiu, do you have something to say?"

"Your Majesty, this servant heard that Princess Fuguang has also joined the rebel alliance. Your Majesty has always treated her kindly, and this servant cannot comprehend why the princess would act in such a manner!"

Wu Wenxiu had consistently supported Zhao Mingyue, but this time, she found it utterly baffling why the princess would align herself with those princes against Empress Dowager Chi.

Moreover, with regional conflicts erupting frequently, she was unable to contact Yu Zhao, who was far away in Ningzhou, and her anxiety deepened.

Meeting Wu Wenxiu's gaze, Chi Jing felt a flicker of guilt, but it was not yet time to reveal the truth.

She said softly, "She… perhaps still harbors resentment over my decision to send her to Xiqi for a political marriage."

"Wenxiu, if the rebels truly breach the imperial city, I hope you will not sacrifice yourselves for the nation." Chi Jing's tone suddenly grew somber.

Wu Wenxiu felt as if something had lodged in her throat. She trembled, gazing at Chi Jing in shock. "How… how could that be…"

Ling Qiong's face also paled, her hand gripping the armrest tightly.

Chi Jing offered them a faint smile. "Are you not aware of what people outside are saying about me?"

Wu Wenxiu froze for a moment, then, without hesitation, lied, "Those are merely slanders spread by the rebels! The common people hold Your Majesty in high esteem!"

In reality, however, not only court officials but also the common populace were deeply discontent with a woman like Chi Jing wielding power. Even officials secretly voiced opposition to Empress Chi, hoping to welcome the princes into the city.

Unfortunately, the Yiluan Department lacked concrete evidence; otherwise, these individuals would have been apprehended and executed long ago.

Chi Jing knew Wu Wenxiu was lying, but she did not expose her. After all, this dynasty, along with its supporters, was destined for ruin.

"That is good then. I trust the Minister of War will not disappoint me. You may both withdraw for now."

"Yes," they replied, rising and bowing before turning to depart.

"Wait—Ling Qiong, you stay."

Ling Qiong paused, and Wu Wenxiu exited the hall.

Chi Jing lowered her gaze and said softly, "There is one more crucial task I need you to undertake."

————

The Minister of War pressed on with his journey, reaching Nanyang with the Imperial Guards in a mere three days.

He was acutely aware of his own capabilities and harbored no illusions that this force alone could withstand the rebel army.

Yet, he dared not defy Empress Dowager Chi's orders.

To consolidate her power, Empress Dowager Chi had purged wave after wave of officials. His survival was solely due to his unwavering obedience.

Nevertheless, he strongly suspected that if Empress Dowager Chi found a more suitable candidate, she would not hesitate to replace him.

He harbored no loyalty towards Empress Dowager Chi—only profound fear.

He understood all too well that if this battle were lost, both his life and family fortune would be forfeit. How could this not fill him with dread and anxiety?

Soon, scouts returned with news: the army led by Prince Yue was merely a day's march from Nanyang City and would launch an attack imminently.

Upon hearing this, the Nanyang County Magistrate, who had vowed to defend Nanyang to the death during the day, vanished without a trace by the next day.

The city's residents, learning of the rebel advance, gathered their families and fled the city overnight by scaling the walls, all heading towards the capital in hopes of escaping the conflict.

Perhaps they believed that no matter how fierce the fighting, it would never reach the capital.

Witnessing these scenes, the Minister of War was filled with nothing but terror. How could his meager forces possibly hold back Prince Yue's two hundred thousand troops?

That night, he summoned all his generals to his tent for deliberation.

The generals were all profoundly unwilling to engage in this battle.

"Empress Dowager Chi refuses to abdicate and relinquish authority, and she has even brutally persecuted the Zhao imperial family, which is why the princes have rebelled. Why, in the end, should we be compelled to risk our lives for her?"

"Precisely. In my opinion, it would be better to welcome the Prince into the city and spare the people from the horrors of war."

The Minister of War's resolve wavered instantly.

If Prince Yue were to ascend the throne, and he were to surrender the city at this opportune moment, he would undoubtedly be ennobled and appointed to a high office in the future, enjoying everlasting wealth and honor.

However, if he obeyed Empress Dowager Chi and laid an ambush in Nanyang, even if victorious, given Empress Dowager Chi's temperament, he would likely gain little benefit.

Considering this, he made his decision: "Tomorrow, as soon as Prince Yue's army arrives, we will open the city gates and welcome him in!"

————

Zhao Mingyue led her army to Nanyang City, only to find the gates wide open and a white flag fluttering atop the city walls.

Her expression shifted slightly. Had it not been said that the court had already laid an ambush in Nanyang?

Or was this a feigned surrender? Were they merely waiting for her forces to enter the city before the ambushing guards would annihilate them?

Regardless, whether it was a genuine or false surrender, sending a detachment of soldiers from Prince Yue's forces into the city to investigate would provide the answer.

Zhao Mingyue ordered the army to encamp outside the city and summoned Prince Yue and the others to her tent. "I suspect this is a feigned surrender. Who among you is willing to lead troops into the city to ascertain the truth?"

Zhao Ping and Zhao Diao, who had been plotting to undermine Zhao Mingyue and resented her control over their troops and firearms, saw this as a golden opportunity, their eyes immediately lighting up.

Zhao Ping said, "I have heard that Princess Zhaoqing is a fierce warrior. She is perfectly suited for this task."

Zhao Diao immediately concurred, "That's right. Princess Zhaoqing has twice defeated Xiqi. A mere Nanyang City certainly won't stop her."

Though the words were complimentary, a chill ran down Zhao Mingyue's spine. When had these two ever been so united in their opinions?

She even suspected they had seen through her stratagem and were deliberately provoking her to send her own general to his death.

Yet, she found herself cornered by their words. If she refused to dispatch troops, she would neither command respect nor be able to lure them into her trap.

Unless she could establish contact with the court's defenders, coordinate an inside-outside maneuver, deceive them into believing there was no ambush in the city, draw the main army in, and then capture them all!

Thinking this, Zhao Mingyue smiled and said, "Very well. The army will rest today. Tomorrow, I will dispatch General Zhao as the vanguard to enter the city and investigate."

As soon as she finished speaking, a soldier reported, "The Minister of War has sent an instrument of surrender and is now waiting outside the camp for an audience!"

Zhao Mingyue was momentarily stunned, then grew flustered. This was not how she had envisioned things.

Zhao Ping and Zhao Diao were also somewhat incredulous. Was it possible the court's surrender was genuine after all?

Seeing everyone's expressions, Zhao Mingyue's panic lasted only a moment before she quickly regained her composure. "Bring him in!"

The orderly acknowledged the command and left the tent.

Not long after, the Minister of War, escorted by soldiers, entered the tent, bowing deeply. Not daring to look at who was seated in the center, he walked over and knelt down. "Your servant pays his respects to Your Highness."

Zhao Mingyue almost laughed. So this man was unaware that she was also part of the alliance army.

She said coldly, "Raise your head and see who I am."

The Minister of War was startled. Why did this prince possess a woman's voice? He hurriedly looked up, and Princess Fuguang's familiar yet unfamiliar face immediately met his gaze.

Familiar was her countenance; unfamiliar was the killing intent brimming in her eyes.

He shuddered as if he'd seen a ghost, and cried out, "Princess Fuguang—!"

The guards beside Zhao Mingyue immediately shouted, "How dare you! You will not raise your voice before the Alliance Leader!"

The Minister of War quickly came to his senses, pressing his forehead tightly to the ground, and said respectfully, "Your servant pays his respects to Princess Fuguang."

But a cold sweat was already soaking through his robes. What was going on?

Why was the leader of the rebel alliance Princess Fuguang? Could it be that these princes actually intended to enthrone her as emperor? The world had gone mad!

He inwardly cursed his luck. If he had known the rebel leader was also a woman, why would he have gone through the trouble of surrendering?