Unaware that a certain madman was seriously contemplating gifting her something as grotesque as a human skin, Yun Shu went straight to the Imperial Study as soon as the morning court adjourned. Without skipping a detail, she relayed to Emperor Xuanwu the agreement she had made with Huyan Mingchuan—namely, that he would remain in Shengjing for a full year.
"Father Emperor, that Huyan Mingchuan is far too cunning. This Daughter believes it would be best to assign two Dragon Shadow Guards to monitor him from the shadows."
Emperor Xuanwu, who had already found this entire affair absurd from the beginning, stared at her in confusion.
"…What?"
So the Ninth Prince, long bullied in Bei Xiang, was actually a schemer with a ruthless heart?
He harbored deep hatred toward the Bei Xiang royal family, wanted to wipe them all out, yet had no interest in becoming the King of Bei Xiang himself. So instead, he promised to hand the entire kingdom over to Xiao Wu?
And Xiao Wu… actually believed him?
Wait, when did that little rascal become so easy to fool?
Or—was she genuinely that optimistic about Huyan Mingchuan?
Emperor Xuanwu eyed Yun Shu suspiciously.
"You… do not tell Us you've taken a liking to Huyan Mingchuan's face and wish to marry him?"
"Could Your Majesty please not say such horrifying things?" Yun Shu looked genuinely shaken. "Does Your Daughter look like someone who's tired of living comfortably? Why would I voluntarily invite that kind of trouble into my life?"
"Good. That's good."
Seeing her reaction was not feigned, Emperor Xuanwu let out a breath of relief.
"Still, you seem to trust him quite a bit. Do you truly believe Huyan Mingchuan has the ability to conquer all of Bei Xiang?"
"I'm not sure!"
Yun Shu answered righteously.
"That is precisely why Your Daughter came to seek Your guidance.
You see, if we send two Dragon Shadow Guards to watch him closely, we'll have every move of his under our control.
If he succeeds and fulfills his promise, we gain everything at no cost.
If he succeeds but tries to go back on his word, we'll be prepared to respond swiftly.
If he fails… then we've lost nothing at all."
Emperor Xuanwu fell silent.
Who said this little rascal never planned ahead?
From where he was standing, she seemed quite skilled at calculating the odds.
Raising his tea cup for a sip, Emperor Xuanwu was still weighing whether or not to approve her request when a familiar light flickered in the air before him.
The Simulation Life Selection System made another grand appearance.
[Simulation Life Selection System at your service.]
[Please choose your next course of action:
A. Consider the matter unfeasible. Reject Yun Shu's request and order Huyan Mingchuan to leave with the Bei Xiang envoy delegation after New Year's Eve.
B. Consider the matter feasible. Approve Yun Shu's request and dispatch two Dragon Shadow Guards.
C. Consider the matter feasible but suspect Huyan Mingchuan is difficult to handle. Dispatch ten Dragon Shadow Guards.
D. Consider the matter feasible but believe there's no need to monitor Huyan Mingchuan at all. Send no Dragon Shadow Guards.]
—
[You chose A. Yun Shu is disappointed. Huyan Mingchuan's plan is thwarted and he holds a grudge. Upon returning to Bei Xiang, he resumes his patient scheming. Five years later, Huyan Mingchuan exterminates the Bei Xiang royal family, ascends the throne, and declares war on Tian Sheng!]
So Huyan Mingchuan really did succeed?
Emperor Xuanwu's idle gaze sharpened instantly. Without hesitation, he tapped the second option.
[You chose B. Huyan Mingchuan successfully remains in Tian Sheng's capital and grows his strength at an astonishing pace.
He discovers the presence of the two Dragon Shadow Guards but pretends not to notice. Whenever something significant arises, he finds ways to avoid their surveillance.
Every few days, he intentionally leaks bits of unimportant or half-true information.
Two years later, Huyan Mingchuan exterminates the Bei Xiang royal family. On the day of his coronation, he sends a letter of submission to the Crown Princess of Tian Sheng.]
"...!!"
He actually handed over Bei Xiang just like that?
Was it not Yun Shu who was charmed by Huyan Mingchuan's looks, but Huyan Mingchuan who was ensnared by his little rascal?
If that were the case… then that little rascal might actually be quite capable.
Still astonished, Emperor Xuanwu selected the third option.
[You chose C. Huyan Mingchuan realizes too many people are monitoring him. Displeased, he sets a trap, resulting in three Dragon Shadow Guards dead and seven seriously injured.
Two years later, he exterminates the Bei Xiang royal family. On the day of his coronation, he sends a letter of submission to the Crown Princess of Tian Sheng.]
Emperor Xuanwu fell into a cold silence.
Just reading those lines made his heart ache.
Training the Dragon Shadow Guard was no easy task. Each one was an invaluable asset.
That was why he had never assigned even a single one to the deposed Crown Prince. Even Yun Shu had to personally request them before he finally agreed to part with… four.
Emperor Xuanwu hesitated a moment longer, then tapped the final option.
[You chose D. Huyan Mingchuan is surprised that neither Yun Shu nor His Majesty sent anyone to monitor him. He finds this either highly trusting or utterly indifferent and becomes intrigued.
Due to an unforeseen event, Yun Shu assists him in a critical moment. In return, he provides her with an invaluable piece of information.
Thanks to this knowledge, Yun Shu is able to save nearly one hundred thousand lives.
Two years later, Huyan Mingchuan exterminates the Bei Xiang royal family. On the day of his coronation, he sends a letter of submission to the Crown Princess of Tian Sheng.]
This is the one.
Emperor Xuanwu's gaze fixated on the line about Yun Shu saving nearly one hundred thousand lives thanks to Huyan Mingchuan's information. His brow lifted slightly.
He wondered whether the next set of options might let him peek in advance at what that crucial piece of intelligence was.
As if responding to his thoughts, the light screen shimmered again. A new page appeared:
[Please choose which glimpse of the future you wish to view (Note: You may select only one):
A. Battlefield during the war between Bei Xiang and Tiansheng;
B. One of the messages delivered by Huyan Mingchuan via the Dragon Shadow Guard;
C. Scene of the Dragon Shadow Guard's casualties;
D. The moment Yun Chuhuan tested the medicine.]
The Sixth Prince testing medicine?
Why was he the one forced to test it?
Was the situation so urgent that they had no death-row prisoners left, and had to send the Sixth Prince in personally?
A sense of unease gripped Emperor Xuanwu's chest. He quickly selected the last option.
Then he saw… a large, lumped figure curled up under a blanket on the bed.
Emperor Xuanwu went speechless.
Was this ridiculous system playing tricks on him again?
And what was wrong with that brat?
If he was going to test the medicine, could he not lie still like a normal person? Why pull the blanket over his head, hiding everything?
If any adverse reaction occurred—say, a fever or anything strange—how was anyone supposed to notice with him buried under the covers?
Was that boy an idiot?
Grinding his teeth, Emperor Xuanwu finally shut the glowing screen and forced himself to calm down. Then he gave Yun Shu a mild nod.
"This matter… We shall make arrangements for it in due time."
"Then Your Daughter is at ease."