Let Me Explain, Fairy
Chapter 555 - 354 Mistake

Chapter 555: Chapter 354 Mistake

"A hundred thousand?"

A voice tinged with a hint of astonishment rose in the silent secret chamber.

Gazing at the red-robed eunuch before him, Xu Yuan’s eyes held a trace of solemnity:

"Eunuch Wang, there’s no joking about this matter—can you guarantee the accuracy of these numbers?"

Wang Lingchi’s tone was unflappable:

"Naturally, I can guarantee it. This information was personally relayed by the Crown Prince. If the Third Young Master doesn’t believe it, you may use the Communication Crystal in the underground chamber of Ming Xiang Yuan to contact Di’an City."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan immediately laughed and shook his head:

"There’s no need to trouble with the Communication Crystal. After this meeting, I will confirm with the people in my own mansion."

He didn’t understand formations; for all he knew, this place’s Communication Crystal might be monitored by a sound-recording Formation.

After all, that venomous auntie, Lou Ji, used to engage in such eavesdropping all the time.

After pausing for a moment,

Xu Yuan tapped on the table in front of him and glanced sideways at the white-clothed woman beside him:

"Qingyan, what do you think about this matter?"

Li Qingyan pondered for a moment, then turned back with a smile, her lips curving in mirth:

"How else could I see it? Am I not just sitting here watching?"

Seeing the carefree demeanor of this mischievous woman, Xu Yuan rolled his eyes, but seeing her so composed, he roughly understood she must already have a plan in mind and laughingly said:

"A hundred thousand men—you’re not even a bit anxious?"

"Heh..."

Li Qingyan chuckled lightly and didn’t immediately respond to Xu Yuan’s question; instead, she turned to look at the red-robed eunuch opposite her and asked:

"I am now aware of this matter. What message does the Crown Prince wish to convey to me?"

Her address had changed—it was now Crown Prince, not royal brother.

The subtle shift in the title caused a flicker in Wang Lingchi’s eyes.

Although the term Crown Prince felt somewhat impersonal, it nevertheless acknowledged a status of equal bargaining.

With this in mind, Wang Lingchi glanced at Xu Yuan next to him.

Xu Yuan met his gaze and replied with a slight smile, sitting carelessly, showing no intention of leaving.

Li Qingyan also showed no intention of hurrying him away, merely waiting quietly.

Seeing this, Wang Lingchi bowed slowly and said:

"The Crown Prince wishes to inform the Princess, the Second Prince’s military recruits are all from the Sects. The Princess’s martial valor makes you a thorn in his side."

Li Qingyan nodded upon hearing this, her demeanor serene:

"You have already mentioned this."

Wang Lingchi slowly lifted his downcast eyes, his voice carrying a hint of gloom:

"Princess, your enmity with the Second Prince has likely become irreconcilable. If he gains power and influence, it will be difficult to shake his position in the Northern Frontier afterward.

"Although he commands a hundred thousand, the Second Prince neglects the art of war and does not understand military affairs. I am willing to offer the Princess all the help she might need."

As his words ended, the secret chamber fell silent.

A playful look appeared in Xu Yuan’s eyes.

The red-robed eunuch’s words were quite straightforward.

The current emperor seemed to be subtly supporting the Second Prince. Once he returned to the court with military achievements, he would undoubtedly rise like the sun at midday.

If he ascended to the throne, even Prince Wu Yuan wouldn’t escape the reckoning.

But since Prince Wu Yuan and the Third Young Master of the Prime Minister’s Mansion could be assassinated, the same was naturally possible for the Second Prince.

In warfare, if a collapse occurs, wouldn’t it be reasonable for a commanding prince to die unexpectedly?

A sharp glint flashed in Li Qingyan’s eyes. She neither declined nor agreed but said softly:

"Li Zhaoyuan leading the army to the Northern Frontier must be Father’s intention."

As she spoke, she paused, then added softly:

"However, I’m aware of this now. Is there anything else?"

Not receiving a direct answer, Wang Lingchi inwardly sighed.

He recalled the words the Crown Prince had said to him through the Communication Crystal before:

[Lingchi, the emperor is nearing his twilight years, and his intentions are unfathomable. While this move seems to support my younger brother, he too could be a disposable piece.

[In your visit, don’t seek swift success and instant benefits. With Qingyan’s temperament, she is unlikely to agree outright. Just ensure her safety, and sooner or later, she will stand by my side.]

With these thoughts in mind, Wang Lingchi straightened his robe and bowed deeply:

"To the Princess, I have no further business."

"Then you may leave."

Li Qingyan raised a slender index finger, gesturing towards the door: "I still have matters to discuss here with Changtian."

Wang Lingchi bowed his head, his voice subdued:

"Prince Wu Yuan, I will be at Ming Xiang Yuan in the coming days. If you need anything, let me know at any time."

"Understood."

"I wish you prosperous military fortunes on your journey to the Northern Frontier."

Saying this,

Wang Lingchi bowed according to court etiquette, facing Li Qingyan as he took several steps backward before turning to leave.

"...."

With the departure of the red-robed eunuch, the secret chamber was left with only Xu Yuan and Li Qingyan—for a moment, that is—oh, and also the half-present Luo Xiran.

Glancing at the woman beside him, whose expression was calm and exquisite, Xu Yuan whispered:

"How about it, are you planning to cooperate?"

Li Qingyan’s eyes dropped, her fingers gently tapping the tabletop. She did not answer but instead countered:

"Changtian, what do you think is Father’s intention with his actions this time?"

Without a second thought, Xu Yuan laughed outright:

"There are usually four meanings behind such actions at critical moments like this."

"Four meanings?"

Li Qingyan looked deeply into Xu Yuan’s eyes, her smile charming:

"Oh? My frivolous Prince Consort seems to have such insights? Share them with me?"

Xu Yuan’s eyes flickered for a moment, and he spoke softly:

"First, Father truly wants to support Li Zhaoyuan. But I believe that Father’s so-called support for Li Zhaoyuan is likely a form of gambling."