Chapter 689: Jin Yu’s Plan
Rising from the floor, Wu Ruizhan said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Looking at his travel-worn clothes and tired expression, the emperor said, "Thank you for your hard work in bringing Zhen’s imperial elder brother and imperial younger sister back from the Yu Empire."
"This is what this subject should do," Wu Ruizhan responded calmly.
Satisfied with his answer, the emperor added, "Great General Wu, you must be tired after such a long journey. Your family must have been waiting for your return. Go back and get a good rest. Tonight, Zhen will hold a banquet to welcome you and the soldiers."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The emperor waved his hand in response.
Wu Ruizhan then added, "This subordinate will take his leave."
After saying that, he bowed once more to the emperor, then turned around and left the Hall of Benevolence. As he passed Jin Cen, Jin Yan, and Shi Yixi, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed at their lack of response.
On his way out, Wu Ruizhan thought, ’Looks like even the Second Prince cannot contend with this new emperor. I need to hurry and inform the Great General. We might need to speed up our plan.’
With that in mind, Wu Ruizhan’s expression hardened as he walked toward the iron cage below the long stairs.
Seeing him return alone, Zhong Zi’an asked curiously, "General Wu, how is it? Who is the new emperor?"
As he spoke, Wu Ruizhan glanced at the imperial guards and eunuchs standing at the side.
Realizing his mistake, Zhong Zi’an stopped talking.
Standing beside the iron cage, Wu Ruizhan tapped the iron bars twice.
Ding. Ding.
Inside the iron cage, Feng Xiyan tapped twice in return.
Ding. Ding.
Receiving his permission to speak, Wu Ruizhan whispered while pretending to stare at the ground, "Great General, the new emperor is the Seventh Prince of the Jin Empire, Jin Yu."
When Feng Xiyan heard this, he showed no surprise and muttered, "What a brilliant move—the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind."
"Mhm." Wu Ruizhan hummed in agreement, then added, "Based on this subordinate’s observation just now, Jin Cen’s chances of defeating Jin Yu are very slim. Even without the support of Imperial Teacher Shi, Jin Yu’s position as emperor has basically been secured."
After listening to his words, Feng Xiyan fell into deep thought.
Wu Ruizhan was silent for a moment, then said, "Great General, this subordinate thinks we need to speed up our plan."
Coming out of his thoughts, Feng Xiyan said, "Inform the others. As soon as the second team rescues the family members, we begin the plan."
"Yes, Great General."
After making their decision, Wu Ruizhan gestured to the other generals to come closer.
Forming a small circle, Chi Minghao asked, "General Wu, what did the Great General say?"
Wu Ruizhan looked at them and lowered his voice. "The new emperor is Jin Yu."
When the others heard this, they looked surprised.
Before they could react, Wu Ruizhan continued, "Speed up the rescue mission. After our families leave the Jin Empire’s border, we will begin our plan right away."
With countless eyes on them, the generals could only nod in response.
While they were discussing in hushed voices, inside the Hall of Benevolence, Jin Yu finally said, "Rise."
Receiving his permission, Jin Cen, Jin Yan, and Shi Yixi said in unison, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Looking at Jin Cen’s dark expression and Jin Yan’s arrogant demeanor, Jin Yu calmly said, "Welcome back, Second Imperial Elder Brother. Zhen hopes that you did not suffer too much on the way."
Pausing for a second, he scanned Jin Cen’s dusty appearance and pale face, then added, "It’s good that you could return alive. Second Imperial Elder Brother, you should go back and recuperate."
After saying that, Jin Yu waved his hand and ordered, "Someone, come."
Before long, a young eunuch came, knelt beside the dragon throne, then kowtowed to Jin Yu. "This servant is here. What are your instructions, Your Majesty?"
Without looking away from Jin Cen’s dark face, Jin Yu calmly ordered, "Send the Second Prince and the Seventh Princess back to their residences. Also, take some nourishing medicinal herbs from Zhen’s private treasury and send them along."
"This servant accepts the order," the eunuch said, then stood up and walked down the stairs.
Bowing to Jin Cen and Jin Yan, he respectfully said, "Your Highness the Second Prince, Your Highness the Seventh Princess, please come with this servant. Your carriage has been prepared."
Knowing that it was not the right time to oppose Jin Yu, Jin Cen looked at him and said, "Then, this prince thanks Your Majesty for your generous gifts."
Flinging his sleeve, he left the Hall of Benevolence angrily.
Glancing at her second elder brother, Jin Yan thought for a moment, then looked at Jin Yu and said, "This princess also takes her leave."
Leaving those words behind, she raised her chin arrogantly and walked out of the Hall of Benevolence.
After the two of them left, Jin Yu looked at Shi Yixi.
A cold glint flickered in his eyes as he asked, "Imperial Teacher Shi, have you made your decision?"
Hearing this, Shi Yixi knew that there was no way out for him. Clasping his hands, he bowed deeply to Jin Yu and replied, "This subject only serves the throne, never a prince."
Receiving his answer, a slight smile finally appeared on Jin Yu’s cold face. "Very well. Imperial Teacher Shi must be tired now. You may retreat."
"This subject takes his leave."
After Shi Yixi left, the new prime minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, what should we do with Feng Xiyan?"
Jin Yu pondered for a few seconds, then said, "In the past months, Zhen has heard an interesting rumor about the Feng Army."
Hearing this, the prime minister pondered for a second, then asked, "Your Majesty, do you mean Heaven’s Blessing?"
"Mhm," Jin Yu hummed, then continued, "Since they all say that the Feng Army has been blessed by Heaven, then Zhen wants to see if it is real or a mere rumor."
Knowing that he had something in mind, the prime minister asked, "Your Majesty, what is your plan?"