Chapter 686 - 687: Negotiation

Chapter 686: Chapter 687: Negotiation

Li Ji didn’t want to wait another moment. If Li Liao hadn’t stopped him, he would have launched the attack right then and there.

At Li Liao’s urging, they finally set the attack for midnight tonight.

The dead of night, when people were most likely to let their guard down, was the perfect time for a surprise attack.

Next was to finalize the plan of attack.

Li Ji and Bian Ziming knew the city’s defenses like the back of their hands. As the saying goes, "know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat." With this advantage, they quickly formulated the best possible plan.

Just then, Chen Wangbei rushed in.

"Reporting to the Prince, Elder Zhong’an requests an audience."

Everyone in the tent was stunned.

Li Ji stood up. "Who did you say is here?"

Chen Wangbei explained the situation.

It turned out the new emperor had specifically appointed Elder Zhong’an as an envoy to negotiate with the Regent King.

As for why Elder Zhong’an was chosen as the envoy?

Li Ji understood the intention with a moment’s thought.

Elder Zhong’an was his father-in-law. If Li Ji, out of respect for old ties, didn’t kill him, Elder Zhong’an could successfully complete his mission to negotiate.

But if he had lost his mind and killed even his own father-in-law, the new emperor could easily brand him with the crime of being cruel, heartless, and a murderer of his elders, thereby ruining his reputation among the people.

Either way, the new emperor wouldn’t lose.

’He has to admit, the calculation was indeed well-played.’

Li Ji sneered. "Let him in."

Chen Wangbei cupped his fist. "Yes, sir!"

The others tactfully took their leave.

Only Li Liao remained. He looked at Li Ji and asked.

"Li Qiong’s intention in sending Elder Zhong’an to see you at this time is obvious."

Li Ji said expressionlessly, "I know. Manman is still in his hands. She’s his last trump card."

Li Liao was actually filled with regret.

’If I had known Manman would fall into Li Qiong’s hands, I never should have agreed to let her go to Tianjing in the first place.’

But then again...

If Manman hadn’t gone to Tianjing, his men there alone wouldn’t have been able to rescue Li Xun from the palace.

It was a trade-off, and it was hard to say which outcome would have been better.

Li Liao asked, "What do you plan to do?"

Li Ji replied, "Let’s see what their attitude is first."

Li Liao’s heart was filled with worry.

’Knowing Li Ji, that kid values Manman more than his own life.’

If Li Qiong really used Manman’s life as a threat, Li Ji was capable of doing anything.

Soon, Elder Zhong’an was brought into the tent.

Hua Dingzong’s heart was pounding with anxiety.

When the new emperor had named him as the envoy, his first thought was to refuse.

’Are you kidding me? The Regent King is the commander of a rebel army who kills without batting an eye. Countless souls have died at his hands. What’s more, he has a terrible temper and a devious mind that can’t be fathomed by ordinary logic.’

’What if he suddenly flew into a rage and decided to kill his own father-in-law?’

However, when the sovereign commands, a subject must obey.

Even knowing he might be walking to his death, Hua Dingzong had to brace himself and go.

Hua Dingzong spoke, his voice trembling.

"Regent Prince, it has been a long time."

To make himself seem more composed, he forced a smile.

But in Li Ji’s and Li Liao’s eyes, that smile was uglier than tears.

Li Liao sighed inwardly. ’Sending such a useless man to negotiate... it’s clear the new emperor is very confident about the outcome. He doesn’t care if Hua Dingzong has any negotiating skills; he just needs Hua Dingzong to deliver the message to Li Ji.’

As it turned out, Li Liao’s guess was correct.

After a brief silence, Hua Dingzong saw that Li Ji had no intention of responding. Realizing any attempt at small talk would be painfully awkward, he resentfully stated his purpose.

"To be frank, I have come this time under imperial orders to deliver a secret letter to the Prince."

Hua Dingzong took a letter from his robes and presented it with both hands.

Before his departure, the new emperor had summoned Hua Dingzong, personally handed him this secret letter, and repeatedly instructed him to ensure it was delivered into the Regent King’s hands.

The new emperor had told him that as long as the Regent King saw this letter, he would certainly agree to all of his requests, so he should speak with confidence.

Hua Dingzong remained skeptical about this.

’Given how difficult the Regent King is, he probably wouldn’t compromise so easily.’

The envelope was sealed with wax.

Li Ji tore the envelope open and pulled out a thin sheet of paper. On it were written just two simple lines—

Your wife’s life is in Our hands. If you wish to spare her, come to the palace alone before dark. We await good news.

Included with the letter was a light silk handkerchief.

Li Ji brought the handkerchief to his nose and sniffed. The familiar scent still lingered on it.

It was Manman’s scent.

He folded the handkerchief, tucked it into his sleeve, and casually handed the letter to Li Liao.

After reading the letter, Li Liao’s expression changed.

"You can’t go!"

Although the new emperor didn’t state his purpose in the letter, you didn’t need to be a genius to figure it out. If Li Ji went to the palace alone, it would be like sending a lamb into a tiger’s den—he would surely never return!

Once Li Ji was dead, the Xuanjia Army would be a dragon without a head and would surely fall into disarray.

Then the new emperor could easily crush this rebellion and secure his throne.

Of course, Li Ji knew this as well.

But with Manman’s life in the new emperor’s hands, Li Ji couldn’t just ignore it.

He looked at Elder Zhong’an and asked.

"Besides bringing the letter, what else did Li Qiong tell you?"

Hua Dingzong said cautiously, "The Saint wishes that when you enter the city, you do not bring anyone with you, remove your outer coat, and carry no weapons..."

As he spoke, he too seemed to realize how absurd the request was. He lost his nerve, and his voice trailed off.

He thought the Regent King would surely fly into a rage and curse them for their wishful thinking.

But the next moment, he heard the Regent King’s cold reply.

"Fine."

Hua Dingzong thought he had misheard.

His eyes widened in disbelief as he asked.

"Y-You agree?"

Li Ji didn’t want to waste words on him. "You may leave. Allow Us to prepare."

Hua Dingzong was escorted out in a daze.

As soon as the man was gone, Li Liao spoke impatiently.

"Li Qiong is obviously trying to send you to your death! You can’t fall for it!"

Li Ji said, "If I don’t go, Manman will die."

Li Liao countered, "We can find another way to save her."

Li Ji retorted, "What other way? Send men to sneak into the palace? That boy Li Qiong might not have great wisdom, but he has his petty cleverness. He knows exactly how important Manman is and will certainly tighten security, leaving us no opening."

Unwilling to give up, Li Liao pressed, "Let’s at least try. We might succeed."

Li Ji said, "If we try and fail, it will be Manman’s life that is lost. I can’t take that risk."

Li Liao tried to persuade him further, but Li Ji cut him off.

"Say no more. My mind is made up. Since Li Qiong insists on meeting me, I will go and see him myself.

If I haven’t returned by midnight tonight, you will order the attack on the city.

The attack plan is already decided. Just proceed as planned.

After it is done, you will enthrone Gou Dan as emperor.

Gou Dan is a bit mischievous, but he’s clever enough. As long as you guide him well, he may yet accomplish great things in the future."

Seeing he had arranged everything so thoroughly, Li Liao couldn’t help but ask.

"And what about you?"

Li Ji took out the small green pouch from his robes and caressed it gently.

"I will find Manman. If she lives, I live. If she dies, I die."