Chapter 534: We Surrender the City

Chapter 534: We Surrender the City

Luo Xiaoxue and her companions arrived at the scene, where negotiations were about to unfold.

Luo Xiaoxue sat in the princess’s main seat, while those who accompanied her stood on either side, including generals and soldiers from Huan Tian City, as well as a Dongwei person and the mastermind Lin Nuo.

The Dongwei person, serious and with a long sword at his waist, represented Dongwei, here to witness the negotiation. He already knew that this false princess would comply with their wishes—first treating them politely, then seeking peace, and ultimately handing Huan Tian City over to the rebels.

All the symbols of the previous princess were in the hands of this fake princess, which would eventually be revealed to signify her status.

In the rebels’ minds, the princess’s words held authority; her decisions represented the future of Huan Tian City.

Meanwhile, Lin Nuo pretended to be a lowly soldier, blending in yet secretly observing, waiting for Luo Yi’s performance.

Lin Nuo believed that Dongwei’s negotiating tactic was: being aggressive, declaring that the rebels would attack the city, and they wouldn’t back down. The soldiers within had already resigned themselves to death, along with the Royal Guards and Dongwei’s forces.

After all, the Puhan army had always been strong against the rebels. Though negotiations seemed precarious now, their intimidation could unsettle the opponent.

This tactic was called bluffing—something Dongwei often employed.

Moreover, the rebels feared the Royal Guards; they could only bully some smaller cities. Otherwise, they would have long since stormed the imperial city.

They had already suffered at the hands of the Royal Guards before, and now they were still gathering strength, cautious of the Royal Guards. Otherwise, what reason would they have to organize a negotiation and probe the other side’s intentions?

This was definitely something Dongwei would exploit; as long as they showed a tough attitude, the rebels might hesitate to attack, delaying their plans.

Lin Nuo’s suggestion to Luo Yi was: surrender and hand over the city.

This statement left Luo Yi extremely displeased. How was negotiating the surrender of the city any different from betraying the country? What was the difference between her and the City Lord Zhou Cheng?

Lin Nuo thought she was being overly radical. If that fat Zhou Cheng truly surrendered the city, there was no way Dongwei would—I mean, they considered the world as their own territory; would they give up their land?

So, Lin Nuo gave her a clever answer:

This was a feigned empty city strategy, unlike Zhou Cheng’s true surrender.

Then he proceeded to analyze the situation:

Huan Tian City was currently in turmoil, with people’s hearts divided. If they confronted the rebels directly, blood would surely flow like rivers. If the city fell, it wouldn’t be just the city that suffered; the civilians would be the ones to suffer the most—clearly not a good plan.

So, they needed a surprise tactic—a feigned empty city strategy to sow suspicion in the rebels, making them hesitate to attack. They could stage minor actions to make the rebels feel ambushed and anxious to retreat.

After his persuasion, Luo Yi actually believed his words and approved this decision.

In truth, the feigned empty city strategy should be used against those who are suspicious, but the rebels likely wouldn’t be that suspicious, not to that extent; who would think of an empty city strategy? Seeing a city surrendered, they’d blunder in without hesitation—at that time, the soldiers inside would have no idea, and upon seeing the rebels, they’d just fight back.

When the rebels noticed the soldiers wouldn’t surrender the city, they’d think the princess had betrayed them and surely become enraged, ordering a massacre in Huan Tian City.

At that point, blood would flow like a river, wailing would fill the air, and the rebels would seize Huan Tian City, boosting their morale and causing significant trouble for the royal family and Dongwei.

Perfect, this was a solid plan. Lin Nuo had come to Huan Tian City to reap great rewards—first eliminating the princess, then dismantling Dongwei’s negotiating scheme, leading the rebels into the city and causing calamity. This fully showcased the excellent qualities of a great villain; not only was he powerful, but he was intelligent as well.

Great, now they just had to wait for Luo Yi to surrender.

Lin Nuo was all prepared; once Luo Yi surrendered, he could take her away—not to save her, but because with his Great威天龙 Protective Technique, who could kill her? He was worried Luo Yi would wipe out the rebels.

Meanwhile, Luo Xiaoxue, sitting in the main seat, let out a long breath and glanced toward Lin Nuo.

Lin the Hero was watching, determined to successfully implement his plan and save the people of Huan Tian City from their dire straits.

The rebel strategist Hu Shu first bowed to Luo Xiaoxue and then respectfully said:

“I have long heard of Princess Luo’s esteemed name, but Princess Luo, may I ask why you are wearing a veil during our talks? Is there an issue?”

“I have a bit of a cold.”

“A cold? That shouldn’t require a veil, Princess Luo. Our negotiations stress sincerity, so please, remove your veil. After all, we are not your subordinates, and treating you with courtesy does not mean we will indulge you. If you do not remove it, we may take it as you looking down on us.”

Hu Shu smiled, his tone dripping with sarcasm, enough to make Lin Nuo want to punch him.

“The princess is ill, and the veil was specially made by the physician for her—she cannot remove it. Please excuse us, gentlemen,” the Dongwei person quickly interjected. They had people pretending to be the princess, so they couldn’t let her remove the veil, or it would likely be exposed.

As for Luo Xiaoxue, she was certainly not about to listen to the Dongwei person. She turned to Lin Nuo, seeking his guidance.

Lin Nuo nodded at her, giving the go-ahead.

This was icing on the cake; if she removed the veil and someone recognized her or thought she was not the true princess, they would feel insecure, making the people of Huan Tian City anxious. That would solidify the rebels’ resolve to attack.

If they didn’t recognize her, that was fine, too; it wouldn’t make a difference.

Seeing Lin Nuo’s approval, she slowly lifted her veil, revealing her pure and beautiful face.

Upon seeing her, Hu Shu was completely taken aback!

This was the true princess, Luo Xiaoxue!

No, how could it be? Didn’t the scouts report that Luo Xiaoxue had been assassinated in the City Lord’s Mansion? How could the one here be the real deal?!

If she was still alive, then what was the news from the scouts about?

Hu Shu was somewhat baffled, his smile instantly fading.

And the rebel leader Zhao Lei noticed Hu Shu’s expression change and quickly said:

“Hu Shu, since Princess Luo has unveiled, let’s not dwell on it any longer.”

Hu Shu turned to Zhao Lei and whispered in his ear:

“My lord, this is the true princess, Luo Xiaoxue.”

Zhao Lei’s expression changed subtly upon hearing this news, utterly surprised.

This was the real princess; thus, this negotiation was with the actual royal family.

Now the plan had changed entirely; he could not underestimate Luo Xiaoxue. She must have come prepared; he just didn’t know what tricks she had up her sleeve.

Zhao Lei stated seriously:

“Princess Luo, in this meeting, we still hope to resolve matters peacefully. Our soldiers are strong and imposing, while within Huan Tian City are only the weak and the elderly. We do not wish to engage in battle. If you all can leave on your own, we will spare the lives of those in the city.”

He merely said this for form’s sake, believing that Luo Xiaoxue wouldn’t surrender the city so easily.

“Very well, Huan Tian City is yours; we will withdraw,” Luo Xiaoxue stated earnestly.

“Hmm?”

She agreed so readily?