Chapter 517: The City Lord and Dong Wei’s Scheme

Chapter 517: The City Lord and Dong Wei’s Scheme

Luo Xiaoxue appeared in the guise of Luo Yi, which truly exceeded Liu Shuqin’s expectations—a development unlike any before.

After all, with such a grand arrangement, the common folk had gathered to watch, all while having their retainers standing guard, and Luo Xiaoxue must surely be inside the carriage.

But she was out and about as if she were just another commoner, in the identity of Luo Yi.

So puzzling.

“Lady Luo, what a coincidence! Why are you here?”

The implication was clear: why weren’t you in the carriage?

Luo Yi smiled gently, “I was just on my way to handle a matter and happened to run into the princess visiting Huan Tian City. Such a coincidence! I’ll fill you in on the details later, Liu-jiejie.”

Luo Xiaoxue picked up on Liu Shuqin’s meaning; Liu Shuqin knew her true identity, and would surely be puzzled. She’d explain privately later, and Liu Shuqin could help cover her identity, making them allies in a sense.

In truth, Luo Xiaoxue was indeed disguised on a secret visit, but due to a royal demand to present herself as a princess, this scenario unfolded, allowing her trusted confidante, Han Xiao, to take her place in the carriage, masquerading as the princess.

Of course, Han Xiao was veiled, her features concealed from view.

This wasn’t Han Xiao’s first time doing something like this; she had played the role before, and after spending a lot of time undercover, Luo Xiaoxue had become quite approachable. Han Xiao’s princess demeanor was now right up there with Luo Xiaoxue’s.

The three ladies chatted, exchanging pleasantries and inquiring about one another’s reasons for coming to Huan Tian City, even suggesting a little gathering.

When it came to Ruo’er planning to visit the beast tamer in town, it turned out the tamer was out, and Dong Xiyan was heading back to Zifeng Valley, Liu Shuqin proposed:

“Dong Xian, Master Zhang the beast tamer is out but is expected back in a day or two. Why don’t you let Ruo’er stay in Huan Tian City to meet Master Zhang? She can stay at my Liu residence while you attend to your matters. Should you return early, you can take Ruo’er back with you. If not, I can personally see her back to Zifeng Valley.”

“Then…”

Dong Xiyan hesitated slightly, but Ruo’er tugged at her sleeve, her voice soft and enticing, “Dong Xian, Dong Xian, it’s rare for me to come down the mountain! I really wish to meet and exchange ideas with Master Zhang~ Let me stay here, please~ Sister Shuqin is a formidable cultivator from Xuanyun Sect and will keep me safe.”

Ruo’er’s voice was so sweet and adorable that Dong Xiyan found it hard to resist. Plus, she hoped Ruo’er could benefit from talking to an expert on this trip, so she finally agreed, “Alright then, I’ll trouble you to take care of Ruo’er, Liu-jiejie.”

“Of course, it’s my duty to look after her.”

“Yay~!”

Ruo’er was thrilled to stay among the commoners, thinking perhaps the young master might come to see the princess, and she might run into him.

So, Ruo’er stayed behind and followed Liu Shuqin to the Liu residence in the city. As for Luo Xiaoxue, she planned to go to the Liu residence as well but would first head to the City Lord’s Mansion to meet up with her confidante Han Xiao who was posing as the princess, to get the lay of the land.

Of course, she also intended to walk around, engage with the common folk, and understand their living conditions—that was her true intention.

…

Huan Tian City, City Lord’s Mansion.

The City Lord’s family name was Zhou, hence called Zhou Mansion.

The City Lord was Zhou Cheng, a chubby official who governed Huan Tian City.

Originally, there were many bullies within the city who exploited the common folk, but Zhou Cheng turned a blind eye.

Quite simply, there were benefits to be had.

As long as he could enjoy the perks, he was doing well; it wasn’t that all officials were upright and dedicated to the people.

Exploitation of the populace was common, but he operated with caution, not overstepping too far, reaping slowly over time.

Recently, the Liu family had moved in, claiming to assist him in governance, but in reality, it was to supervise him.

The city’s bullies had been punished, and everything he had gained was beginning to dwindle.

Moreover, the Liu family had plans to impeach him, gathering evidence of his corruption and exploitation of the common folk to report to higher authorities in hopes of ousting him and replacing him with a more upright official.

This infuriated him; the Liu family was there to topple him. With the princess’s visit, they would certainly voice their grievances in front of her and orchestrate a public spectacle of him being ousted.

Today, he was set to meet an important figure, Sun Xu from Dong Wei.

“Lord Zhou, it’s been a while.”

“Don’t be so formal, Lord Sun. Just call me Xiao Zhou. Please, have a seat.”

Zhou Cheng welcomed Sun Xu, serving him tea and snacks, but he was anxious, stating:

“Lord Sun, you must help me! The Liu family is targeting me now that the princess is visiting Huan Tian City. They will undoubtedly speak ill of me in front of her. This princess is no match for your brilliance; she will definitely seek to dismiss me from my post.”

“Lord Zhou, don’t panic. I’m here today to help you resolve this issue. The princess’ arrival is fortuitous; we’re planning a little counter-scheme.”

“A counter-scheme? Lord Sun, that could be a serious offense.”

“As long as they’re the ones suffering, you’ll be blameless. In fact, once we take over, you will be hailed as a hero. Just listen to me: cooperate with us regarding the princess. I’ll have her captured and hidden away, then have my people take her place to issue commands. At the same time, we’ll fabricate evidence claiming the Liu family is colluding with rebels to incite a revolt. We can then pin the blame on our ‘princess’.”

“Lord Sun, that’s a bit extreme,” Zhou Cheng worried.

“Not at all; they’re merely thorns in our sides. Now that Dong Wei calls the shots, what’s the worst that could happen? Dong Wei will protect you in all matters.”

Sun Xu said this calmly; he could easily eliminate the Liu family and the princess, but he needed to do so with justice on his side, presenting them as public enemies.

Not to mention, secretly putting his own people in the role of the princess allowed for even greater schemes.

He could continuously issue tyrannical orders, deploying soldiers and troops for their agenda.

“What evidence do you need to frame them?”

“Disguised handwriting, forged letters, and fabricated documents for material distribution with General Liu Feng’s seal, framing them for supplying the rebels,” Sun Xu explained.

“But that seal is well-guarded,” Lord Zhou replied tentatively.

“No need to worry; I’ve already enlisted the famed Tian Nan Dao Sheng to lift his seal. Once it’s used, we’ll return it, leaving no traces,” Sun Xu chuckled.

“Lord Sun, brilliant!”

“Then we proceed as I’ve outlined. The Liu family falls, the princess falls, and we shall enjoy the riches and glory together,” Sun Xu sneered.

…

Lin Nuo sharpened his dagger over and over; the assassination of the princess must be swift and decisive—a single blow to finish her.

Next, he needed to scout around, learn the princess’ appearance and movements, and find the right opportunity to take her out.

Before stepping out, he checked the cabinet and various boxes, ensuring that the mechanisms were still in good condition.

He prided himself on the high quality of his work, so he wasn’t worried about thieves when he left.

Luo Xiaoxue, who lacked offensive capabilities, wouldn’t stand a chance.