Chapter 533: Negotiation

Chapter 533: Negotiation

Luo Xiaoxue faced Lin Nuo for the first time in a princess dress, usually presenting herself in the guise of a common noble lady.

As a princess, her demeanor was suited for addressing the ministers, and within the royal palace, many subjects would kneel in reverence before her.

Yet, in front of this youth, there was no sense of restraint; it felt more like a girl showing off a beautiful outfit while shopping.

Shyly, Luo Xiaoxue asked in a lowered voice:

“Lin the Hero, how do I look?”

As a young lady, of course, she wished for her crush to highly praise her appearance.

Lin Nuo nodded, calm as ever, and replied:

“Not bad.”

“Just ‘not bad’?”

Luo Xiaoxue was somewhat dissatisfied with this response and continued to ask:

“How do I compare to the princess we saw when entering the city?”

The princess they saw during their entry was the genuine one, wasn’t she?

From his perspective, while Luo Xiaoxue’s aura was slightly lacking, her beauty absolutely crushed the competition.

Besides, he held no fondness for the true princess; as for Luo Yi, the supporting character, she was usually quite cooperative and hadn’t given him any reasons to loathe her. Even with the Great威天龙 defense technique, he didn’t recall her ever opposing him in his past life—definitely not a target for assassination.

Comparing her with the true princess, Luo Xiaoxue was practically a fairy descended from heaven, utterly stunning.

Lin Nuo replied seriously:

“Of course, you’re beautiful—much more so than her.”

“Really? Is it truly like that?”

Luo Xiaoxue’s heart raced with excitement, thinking that Han Xiao’s looks weren’t too shabby either, but she knew she surpassed her. Hearing it from the young man she admired only stirred her emotions further.

“Yes, I’m not lying. Does it matter?”

“It matters! It definitely matters! Being praised by Lin the Hero is better than any other compliment!”

“You’re being too dramatic. It’s not that big of a deal. Now, where’s your veil?”

“It’s right here.”

Luo Xiaoxue brought out the veil and giggled.

“Why not wear it?” Lin Nuo asked.

“I want you to see me a little longer and remember my most beautiful appearance.”

“Are you okay?”

Lin Nuo reached out to touch her forehead, worried she might have a fever and was rambling.

What ‘most beautiful appearance’? Does she really think that just because she wore a princess gown, she became a princess?

I can put on black clothes and still not be the Black Swordmaster Tong Laoge!

“I’m fine! Now, shall we set off?”

“What about the fake princess?”

“What do you care about her, Lin the Hero? You should care more about me!” Luo Xiaoxue said.

“When you kill someone, you have to deal with the body. Even if you don’t kill her, you should check on her situation.”

Lin Nuo leaned in to peek, but Luo Xiaoxue quickly said:

“I’ve dressed her in other clothes. She’s just resting on the bed; there’s nothing interesting to see.”

“Are you implying I’m going to look at her naked? I’m just checking to see if she’s showing any signs of waking.”

Lin Nuo was truly speechless at this Luo Yi; what on earth is her problem, thinking he’s a pervert checking out other women’s bodies?

If he wanted to look, he could just check out Qin Shili; her figure and looks would obliterate anyone else.

Lin Nuo went over to take a look; the fake princess was still asleep, showing no signs of waking up. She could likely sleep for half the day.

Alright, confirmed, let’s go.

Thus, Luo Xiaoxue donned her veil and made her way to the hall, where someone awaited to receive her. To avoid exposure, she spoke as little as possible and soon boarded the carriage heading to the negotiation site.

As for Lin Nuo, he switched identities. Originally a servant, he ended up becoming a follower accompanying her to the destination.

This time, Sun Xu had arranged for a Dongwei person to come, along with a general from the city and some soldiers—nothing too grand.

After all, this was just a surrender; it wasn’t like they were sending the princess to negotiate and were worried that the rebel forces might have tricks up their sleeves. Rather, they planned to send fewer people, just enough to show their intention to surrender.

Taking more people might raise doubts among the rebels, who would think they were faking their surrender.

Being more sincere meant sending fewer people and bringing some generous gifts to present while surrendering the city.

Lin Nuo mixed in with the group and left Huan Tian City.

Between Huan Tian City and the rebel camp stood a tent that the rebels had set up in advance, where their leader awaited the arrival of Princess Luo Xiaoxue.

At this moment, inside the tent.

The rebel leader, Zhao Lei, was a robust man who used to serve as a general under the Pu Han court but had now turned traitor, gathering the uprising forces, storming toward Huan Tian City.

Beside him was his strategist, Hu Shu, who had always followed Zhao Lei. Naturally, now that Zhao Lei had turned rebel, he remained his advisor.

The envoy from Huan Tian City was already on the way, and Zhao Lei knew that, before the negotiations began, his strategist Hu Shu would discuss the upcoming negotiation matters with him.

“Lord Zhao, according to the reconnaissance reports, Princess Luo Xiaoxue has already died in the City Lord’s Mansion, but that Zhou Cheng is attempting to conceal it. In fact, Huan Tian City is utterly chaotic, with no leadership.”

“Hmm? If she’s dead, who’s coming next?” Zhao Lei inquired, puzzled.

“My lord, it’s likely they’ve found a fake princess to fill in. You see, if news of the princess’s death spreads in Huan Tian City, it will surely cause turmoil, and the people will panic, leading to their collapse without a fight. Besides, this princess always wears a veil; that shows she’s nervous.”

“Hmm? So they’re sending a fake princess? We’ve been underestimated. But is this news reliable? What if they actually send the true princess? Luo Xiaoxue’s royal guard is quite formidable, and she’s skilled at commanding them; we can’t be careless,” Zhao Lei said seriously.

“My lord, you’ve fought in battles before but haven’t seen a princess. I’ve worked at court and have seen a princess. When the time comes, I’ll make her take off the veil, and we can identify her on the spot. If she’s not the princess, then the news is accurate: Huan Tian City is in chaos and disarray, and we can immediately call them out for trying to fool us, then coerce them into surrendering the city.”

Hu Shu stroked his beard, stating that for now, they were still worried about the royal guard and Luo Xiaoxue herself; after all, that royal guard had gained a strong reputation recently, and even Luo Xiaoxue had become quite fierce after battling against the rebels.

If Luo Xiaoxue truly were dead, they’d be less worried.

They waited in the tent, and soon after, the carriage stopped in front of it.

At this moment, a girl dressed in a light pink gown descended from the carriage, lightly veiled.

Seeing the representatives from Huan Tian City arrive, the rebel soldiers quickly guided them to the tent.

“The esteemed presence of Princess Pu Han is indeed an honor for me, Zhao!”

Zhao Lei feigned politeness, planning to use courtesy before military pressure later.

“Hmm, I pay my respects to Lord Zhao.”

Luo Xiaoxue returned the courtesy and took her place at the table.

She was well aware of Zhao Lei’s reputation—once a valiant general of Pu Han, now turned traitor.

And the strategist beside him—Hu Shu—had once been a court minister but had now also betrayed them.

Unforgivable!