CHAPTER 1089: CHAPTER 598: FULL OF SCHEMES

"Refusing to negotiate is for the sake of people’s hearts, and establishing a military pledge is for the same reason."

"Moreover, I am not entirely without confidence. Now that Mu Prince is dead, although Prince Jing can still form an alliance with Prince Chen from the Coastal area, the court is no longer restricted by Mu Prince’s presence in its military operations... this is the first point."

"I subdued Mu Prince in just a few months. With this precedent, as long as I lead the army, morale will surely be high. This is the second point."

"The princess consort beside Prince Jing has been my planted insider for a long time, and she has yet to be activated. This is the third point."

Zhao Douan calmly said:

"In addition, as I reported last time, with the Heavenly Element Cannon and Prince Huaian’s allegiance, the potential roles of this local tyrant, and possibly leveraging the Heavenly Master Mansion’s strength... with all these pieces, quickly defeating Prince Jing is not an unattainable miracle."

Indeed.

This military pledge, though somewhat forced by the situation, also holds feasibility.

However, Xu Zhenguan was not optimistic:

"Prince Jing is shrewd and cunning, the most profound among the Eight Princes. The card of Princess Consort Lu Yan’er may not actually work, and the Jiancheng Rebel Army is quite tight-knit, without someone like Zhao Shixiong to incite rebellion..."

Zhao Douan smiled, a glint of light in his eyes:

"Therefore, dealing with Prince Jing requires some strategizing. Aim to achieve the victory in one decisive battle, rather than dragging it out for a long time."

"Do you have any ideas?" The Empress looked at him in surprise.

Zhao Douan shook his head and said:

"It’s not mature yet, so I need time to understand the details. I have to go to the Eastern Front personally to develop a concrete plan.

Fortunately, things are stable in Jingchuan City. Once I advance, I’ll head from Jingchuan City to the Eastern Front to connect with Xue Shence. Your Majesty needs to send an order to the front line."

Seeing that he had thought everything through, the Empress was relieved, realizing that this guy was mostly beginning to plot again.

Just like how he, with his humble beginnings, got caught up in the court’s power struggle, calculating against each influential minister one by one.

Now, he is calculating against the Vassal King and the realm.

"I really don’t know where all your devious plans come from." The Empress muttered softly.

Zhao Douan suddenly grinned cheekily and said:

"How much deviousness is in my stomach, Your Majesty doesn’t know?"

Xu Zhenguan was taken aback, momentarily not understanding.

But Zhao Douan had already started striding away quickly.

"Wait, now that you’ve unveiled your identity, it’ll certainly cause many doubts. There’s no need to explain, just don’t respond. Let them speculate." The Empress called out to remind him.

Zhao Douan replied without looking back, "Got it."

He vanished swiftly.

Leaving Xu Zhenguan alone, pondering the meaning of "deviousness," until she unexpectedly blushed and spat:

"Lewd..."

...

...

After the Court Meeting dispersed, the events of the morning session spread rapidly across the Capital through the mouths of court officials like a whirlwind.

In order to prevent rumors, the Empress explicitly appointed the government office to publicly announce the results of the negotiations and the court’s decision.

Xiuwen Pavilion.

Today, a group of scholars had no heart for work, anxiously sitting inside the pavilion, awaiting the results of the negotiations.

And as the bell at the Meridian Gate sounded the end of the Court Meeting, the scholars throughout Xiuwen Pavilion, located within the Imperial City, stood up simultaneously, impatiently deciding to head outside and walk towards the Palace.

Han Zhou, now promoted to the chief scholar, led the group through the cold wind, quickly encountering Grandmaster Dong’s sedan chair.

"Grandmaster! May I ask what the Empress has decided?"

Han Zhou stood firm and saluted the sedan, anxiously inquiring.

The curtain of the sedan was drawn open, revealing Dong Xuan’s aged face, who smiled and said:

"The Empress advocates for war."

Advocates for war... that means the negotiations have failed... Upon hearing this, the scholars of Xiuwen Pavilion had mixed feelings.

As the young generation of the Imperial Faction, the pavilion was generally in favor of war, but they also knew all too well the consequences of full-scale combat.

And Grandmaster Dong’s next words stunned everyone even more.

"Zhao Douan brought a sword to the court, rebuked the ministers, and made a military pledge."

Han Zhou and the scholars were bewildered, doubting their ears. After learning all that transpired at the morning court from Dong Xuan, everyone was utterly confused.

The White-faced Arresting Officer is Zhao Douan... He had long returned to the Capital, always concealing his identity... No wonder this mysterious officer could command Lihua Hall, with extraordinary skills... No wonder it was always him delivering the first reports from the front lines, including during the autumn scouting mission...

The scholars realized.

Then they imagined Zhao Douan, sword in hand, scolding the ministers, and loudly petitioning, which couldn’t help but stir their blood.

A thought emerged: A true man should be like this!

"No wonder he came from Xiuwen Pavilion," said someone with pride.

The others glanced sideways at him, thinking that Zhao Douan came from the imperial guard, perhaps he shouldn’t shamelessly claim credit.

As for how Zhao Douan appeared frequently in two places, it was subconsciously attributed to some magical means... The Secret Techniques of the Imperial Palace’s inner court are never lacking.

"But to break the rebels within three months... that seems too demanding, how is it possible? If it doesn’t work out, must he really commit suicide?" someone worried.

"Not only him, but the Empress also pledged to punish herself... this..."

"Alas, Scholar Zhao is a true hero, but his words were perhaps lacking in consideration, what should be done, what should be done..."

"Even we find it infeasible. Once the news spreads, others will likely question whether Scholar Zhao is boasting..."

The scholars were filled with concern.

They had little hope for the realization of this military pledge.

...

Inner City.

In the teahouses and taverns, locals were also anxiously awaiting news.

With the New Year approaching, the negotiation process was the most concerning issue for everyone.

"Thud, thud, thud..."

Footsteps approached outside the tavern, and then a thick windbreak curtain was lifted as someone ran in, wrapped in cold air, loudly proclaiming: