The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 984 - 568: Luring the Enemy into the Trap (Third Update)
"Has Your Majesty thought of how to stabilize the internal affairs?" Song Yanqing asked again.
"The Bai Family is so eager to have me leave the palace, so I shall fulfill their wish and lead the troops campaign. Naturally, I won’t truly head to the border myself. Knowing there are tigers on the mountain, why should I still go there? I will turn back halfway and lure them back to the court," Xiao Jinxing explained his strategic plan, "By drawing the Bai Family back to the court, the foreign invaders cannot enter the Central Plains for now, weakening the Bai Family’s military strength. Besides, Yuan Wenkang has already managed to persuade a part of Bai Family’s troops to become my army, further weakening their power, affecting their military strategy. Moreover, I have secretly summoned various armies to return and await my orders, turning the Bai Family into nothing more than prey in my hands!"
"Your Majesty’s strategy to lure the enemy into the trap is truly brilliant," Song Yanqing earnestly praised, yet with a hint of concern, "But will the Bai Family really fall for Your Majesty’s plan and chase back to Xun City? The Bai Family knows well that Xun City is not their most strategic location. Will they still pursue relentlessly?"
"They will," Xiao Jinxing replied bluntly, "The arrow is on the string, they have to release it. I scarcely leave the palace, the Bai Family certainly won’t allow me to return, as returning means uncertainties. They will take desperate risks to intercept me halfway. Moreover, if I truly return to the court, for the Bai Family to seize my power would mean rebellion, which is hard to gain public support for. The Bai Family also needs to preserve their family’s reputation. If I were to die halfway, they could fabricate various reasons to claim that I died in an accident!"
"Your Majesty is wise," Song Yanqing flattered again.
"Now, I have some arrangements that I need you all to complete for me," Xiao Jinxing stated directly.
"Your subjects will do their utmost!" Everyone responded with utmost respect, including Gu Xingchuan.
Under Xiao Jinxing’s meticulous arrangements, there was indeed a degree of acknowledgment of his capabilities.
Xiao Jinxing indeed thought through everything thoroughly to let the Bai Family reach this point.
"For now, I cannot fully trust others, although most of the court is under Song Yanqing’s control, I cannot entrust such important matters to others, only to you." Xiao Jinxing spoke openly before arranging, "Gu Xingchuan, the armies from various places have received my secret orders and are waiting by in the capital according to the plan. I will now hand over the military token to you, for you to personally lead them and follow my command thereafter." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖
Gu Xingchuan glanced at Xiao Jinxing.
He immediately accepted the order, "I will obey."
Xiao Jinxing had the eunuch hand all the military tokens to Gu Xingchuan.
"Wu Xufan," Xiao Jinxing commanded again.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wu Xufan responded.
"Your personal soldiers at the mansion will act as a shield for me. When I dispatch the troops, entrust your personal soldiers to Xiao Wu to command fully," Xiao Jinxing commanded, "You and Hezhen will remain in the Imperial Palace to govern the country for me."
"I wish to accompany Your Majesty to eliminate this traitor, Bai Family!" Wu Xufan gritted his teeth.
"No, you must ensure the security within the Imperial Palace. The palace is inviolable; I entrust this to you, do not shirk it!"
"Understood," Wu Xufan accepted the order, ready to sacrifice his life, "I vow to safeguard the palace and defend it to the end. As long as the palace stands, I stand; if it falls, I shall fall with it!"
"Good," Xiao Jinxing acknowledged. He then turned his gaze to Song Yanqing.
Song Yanqing responded with the utmost respect, "I am willing to accompany Your Majesty to dispatch the troops."
"You will follow me, as last time, acting as my Think Tank."
"I shall obey."
After making all the arrangements, Xiao Jinxing turned to look at An Ning.
An Ning declared directly, "I wish to accompany Your Majesty on this expedition."
Xiao Jinxing pursed his lips.
Clearly, he was a bit hesitant.
"As before, I will act as a military doctor. This will further convince the Bai Family of Your Majesty’s determination to dispatch. If Your Majesty leaves me in the palace, it would surely arouse the Bai Family’s suspicions."
"Empress, going out this time, no matter how thoroughly planned by Your Majesty, is fraught with dangers. No one knows whether there will be unexpected changes. Accompanying the emperor ensures no safety," Gu Xingchuan said firmly.
"If His Majesty fails, it is unsafe whether I am by his side or not. Should anything happen to him, the Bai Family will surely storm into the Imperial Palace, leaving me no chance," An Ning spoke clearly.
Gu Xingchuan fell silent, ultimately feeling some reluctance.
Time and again, the emperor lets An Ning suffer dire circumstances.
"By the emperor’s side, should there be an unforeseen incident, I could provide counsel. Having one more person is always better, Your Majesty, please grant this!" An Ning said with determination.
"Alright," Xiao Jinxing agreed.
Gu Xingchuan tightly pursed his lips, clenching his fists.
An Ning continued, "Your Majesty, I have another request."
"Speak."
"I boldly request Your Majesty to allow me to temporarily take Luming and Youyou back to the Minister Mansion for care. I only hope that should something unforeseen occur, the Bai Family would first attack the palace, giving my parents the opportunity to take Youyou and Luming away promptly. Regardless of the outcome of this war, I do not wish for the children to be involved."
Xiao Jinxing remained silent.
As if he saw through An Ning’s thoughts.
An Ning did not evade Xiao Jinxing’s gaze either.
She must ensure Luming and Youyou’s absolute safety.
She could arrange her connections in the martial world, to hide Luming and Youyou promptly.
In case of any eventuality, they could protect Youyou and Luming’s safety.
For a long time.
Xiao Jinxing asked plainly, "What about Anqi?"
He meant, should Anqi go to the Minister Mansion?
"Anqi has grown up with Your Majesty, I cannot decide for Anqi’s arrangements. Please, Your Majesty decide," An Ning said righteously.
Xiao Jinxing did not show much emotion.
Even if he knew her thoughts at this moment with a glance.
She only thought of taking advantage of this opportunity to leave the palace with Luming and Youyou, to leave him.
As for Anqi.
Anqi grew up under his care; she wouldn’t choose to leave with them, hence it was inconvenient to take her to the Minister Mansion.
"Very well," Xiao Jinxing consented, "Anqi has lived in the palace since childhood; she is accustomed to palace life, she will stay in the palace, cared for by Wu Xufan and Hezhen. When the time comes, I will send Youyou and Luming to the Minister Mansion."
"I thank Your Majesty for the grace," An Ning thanked him.
Xiao Jinxing no longer focused on An Ning.
He addressed everyone, "From today, fulfill your duties quickly. If things go as I expect, within a month, the Bai Family will incite ministers to force me to send troops to war. From today, I will not convene meetings like this; if urgent matters arise, you may meet me alone."
"Yes."
After the discussion, everyone left.
"Xingchuan," An Ning suddenly called out to Gu Xingchuan.
Song Yanqing and Wu Xufan also paused.
"I want to speak with you privately," An Ning stated directly to Gu Xingchuan.
