What Xie Jue is planning, Fang Chuning is perfectly clear. After the two left the Imperial Palace, they continued to walk slowly toward the inn. Fang Chuning asked, "How did you know that His Majesty would definitely send Dugu Jing to lead the troops? Did you talk to him before you left?"
"No!" Xie Jue chuckled and said, "You underestimate Zhixu. Zhixu is very smart. As long as Lin Xiao spreads the news without my direction, he knows what to do. It's an understanding; no need for instruction. He's learned power and balance for years and understands what's necessary. He is no longer that Zhixu from years ago who would raid clan grain stores over supplies. Now, Beining has both him and Ayu, one inside, one outside. I'm quite relieved."
Fengyu might not understand this chess-like maneuver, but Zhixu definitely will. They wish for stability in the Beiman, which is more important to Beining than surrendering Sannan.
