World's First Traitor System (414)

Chapter 414 - Singing the Same Tune

Within the Dragon God Palace of Peng City, Wu Gang lay silently upon a bed, three orbs of light hovered around her.

Fan Li’s brow was furrowed with worry. Ever since their return to Peng City, Wu Gang had remained in a deep slumber. The physicians had found nothing amiss, attributing her state to exhaustion and severe injuries, suggesting rest was the best remedy.

However, Fan Li remained by her side, keeping vigil. Though unconscious, Wu Gang’s breathing was steady, her complexion slowly returning to its usual healthy glow. A good sign.

Then, a sudden realization struck him. He hadn’t inquired about Han Yue. He immediately initiated a video call. After a long wait, it connected.

“What?!” Xiang Ning’s voice was muffled, her cheeks puffed out, her eyes red-rimmed.

“Um… Your Majesty, how are you?” Fan Li, usually so confident, found himself strangely hesitant.

“I’m fine. I’m not dead.”

“Oh, good, good. And… how is Sage Ruler Han Yue?”

Xiang Ning’s response was explosive. “You’re asking about Han Yue now? After all these days? Are you that busy with other women? If I were Han Yue, I would never speak to you again!”

Despite her tirade, Fan Li felt a strange sense of relief. Xiang Ning’s anger seemed directed at his perceived neglect of Han Yue, not at any harm she had suffered.

“Your Majesty, may I speak with Han Yue?” he asked, forcing a smile.

“Hmph! Why should I grant you that privilege? Do you think…” Xiang Ning’s indignant reply was interrupted by a figure who silently seated herself beside her. Han Yue. Her attire was unusually simple, and a white silk scarf concealed her forehead.

“Han Yue?!” Xiang Ning’s surprise was evident. She shot Han Yue a look that clearly conveyed, Why are you making it so easy for him?

Han Yue merely smiled reassuringly. “You two talk.” Xiang Ning, deflated yet sympathetic, retreated.

On the video screen, Fan Li and Han Yue’s gazes met. Fan Li, momentarily speechless, studied her. She seemed… unharmed.

“You were incredible! Defeating six mechanical beasts with a single stroke!”

“It was mere luck,” Han Yue demurred. “Their attention was focused on Wu Gang. I simply took advantage of the opportunity.”

“Controlling a sword from such a distance… truly remarkable. Does that technique have a name?” Fan Li asked, making small talk to mask his concern.

“Most of my techniques don’t have names.” Han Yue smiled, her gaze lingering on Fan Li’s face.

“Then let me name it for you. How about ‘Sword Come’?” He couldn’t resist a touch of playful mischief.

Han Yue considered the name, then shook her head. “Let’s call it ‘Chasing Moon’.”

Chasing Moon. Fan Li recalled that Han Yue had renamed her sword as well. She seemed fond of the name.

After a few more awkward exchanges, reassured that Han Yue was unharmed, Fan Li ended the call. However, on the other side of the screen, the situation was far more serious.

“Han Yue!” Xiang Ning reached out and pulled the scarf from Han Yue’s forehead, revealing streaks of white hair. “What happened? Why are you hiding this from Fan Li?”

…

Empress Yao Guang once again arrived in Peng City, this time appearing within the Chu court.

“Within a year, I will personally lead a campaign against the Great Jin.” Her words made Fan Li’s eyelid twitch. Against the Great Jin? Which Great Jin? Surely not the Southern Ridge Mountains?

The Chu officials were in an uproar, Xiang Chong, however, was ecstatic. Yao Guang smiled as she swept her gaze across the assembled officials. “Xiongzhou belongs to the Great Chu. To attack it, my army must pass through Chu territory. I require the Emperor’s permission.”

So, it was Shi Jingtang she targeted. Fan Li relaxed, resuming his silent observation.

“Excellent!” Xiang Chong exclaimed, leaping to his feet. “Shi Jingtang has occupied Xiongzhou for far too long! Yet, none of you have offered a solution!” He shot Fan Li a disdainful look. “Empress Yao Guang, thank you for your assistance! My esteemed officials, who supports this campaign? Who opposes?”

Silence. Even Fan Li remained quiet.

“Then, I thank Your Majesty…”

“Wait.” Yao Guang raised a hand, stopping Xiang Chong’s effusive gratitude.

“Your Majesty has further requests? Please, speak freely! We will welcome your army with open arms!” Xiang Chong’s eagerness bordered on sycophancy. It was a well-rehearsed performance. The Chu officials, however, exchanged uneasy glances. Did their Emperor truly believe he was welcoming a liberating force?

Yao Guang smiled. “I do have a few requests. This campaign, though for the benefit of our alliance, requires resources. Provisions, equipment, compensation for casualties… these expenses should be borne by the Great Chu.”

It was a reasonable request. The Chu officials, including Fan Li, couldn't object. But Fan Li was puzzled. Would Yao Guang truly mobilize her army for such a paltry sum?

“Of course! We wouldn’t dream of being ungrateful!” Xiang Chong declared grandly. “We will offer five years’ worth of tax revenue as compensation. Would that be acceptable, Your Majesty?”

Five years? The Great Chu was wealthy, the Great Ci newly established. Xiang Chong’s offer likely exceeded the Ci Dynasty’s own revenue for fifty years!

The Chu officials were aghast. Yao Guang, however, beamed. Fan Li finally understood. She had played Xiang Chong perfectly, preparing to reap a massive profit. War, after all, was the most lucrative business.

“Excellent!” Yao Guang clapped her hands. “Your Majesty’s generosity is commendable. I will return and prepare my army. As soon as the resources arrive, we will march on Xiongzhou!”

Generosity? The Chu officials glared at Xiang Chong. Did he think five years of tax revenue was a trifle? Xiang Chong, oblivious to their anger, preened with self-satisfaction. Desperate, the officials turned to Fan Li.

“Your Majesty,” Fan Li announced, “I will personally oversee the allocation of funds. I will ensure Your Majesty, Empress Yao Guang, and our esteemed officials are all satisfied.”