Bab 84: Holding Hands with Bibi Dong?
Thirteen spoke with a hint of urgency: "The entire army of the Silvis Province has begun large-scale mobilization since yesterday."
"Their target is clear: our East Sea City, and the number is approximately fifty thousand."
Upon hearing this, Ye Tian's expression turned grim.
The Heaven Dou Empire has strict military regulations, and the mobilization of any army exceeding a thousand soldiers must be approved personally by the Emperor.
Such a large-scale movement of fifty thousand soldiers is not without purpose.
"Have you found out the reason for the mobilization?" Ye Tian asked, raising his head.
"No," Thirteen sighed. "Our intelligence agents tried discreetly to ask some mid-level officers, but they also didn't know the reason. All they knew was that Emperor Xue Ye personally issued the order and used the imperial seal to mobilize the troops."
Chen Jian remarked, "It seems that something major is about to happen in East Sea City."
"No, something's wrong." Ye Tian suddenly became alert and raised his head. "This military movement might be a forgery by Governor Qian Gu Nanfeng!"
How could the timing be so coincidental? Qian Renxue had just arrived in East Sea City, and then the troops were mobilized right after.
By law, even if Emperor Xue Ye wanted to mobilize the army, he should have appointed Qian Renxue, who holds the status of a 'prince,' to take command.
Hearing this, Thirteen was shocked: "Could it be that Qian Gu Nanfeng is preparing to rebel against the Heaven Dou Empire?"
It's important to know that Qian Gu Nanfeng's family is a thoroughly entrenched soul master family.
If they rebel, it would not be surprising.
"Very likely," Ye Tian mused.
Qian Gu Shizhen targeted 'Xue Qinghe' without a doubt, and it's impossible that he didn't inform Qian Gu Nanfeng.
Moreover, this whole plan might have been devised by Qian Gu Nanfeng in the first place, with Qian Gu Shizhen merely executing it.
After Qian Gu Shizhen failed to report back after the assassination attempt, Qian Gu Nanfeng would undoubtedly know that the mission had failed.
The consequences need not be explained—attempting to assassinate the imperial crown prince is enough to warrant the execution of one's entire clan.
Qian Gu Nanfeng could already be teetering on the edge of exposure.
This explanation makes it highly probable that he forged the imperial decree and seal to mobilize the army.
"What should we do now?" Chen Jian asked worriedly. "Should we deploy the Heavenly Strategy Army?"
"No need," Ye Tian raised his hand to refuse and then pondered for a moment. "This matter can be left to the Spirit Hall to resolve."
"Qian Renxue is an important figure in the Spirit Hall. This is a serious matter, and the Spirit Hall won't let Qian Gu Nanfeng act recklessly."
"It seems I'll have to personally go and inform She Long Douluo."
With that, Ye Tian took off his hat and instructed Chen Jian, "Leave the potato planting to you."
"Thirteen, come with me to East Sea City to meet She Long."
"Understood," Thirteen replied resolutely.
They prepared to ride off together towards East Sea City.
However, not long after they set off, they ran into She Long's party.
This surprised Ye Tian, but he kept his composure and inquired, "May I ask what brings Lord She Long here?"
She Long, always deeply scheming, laughed heartily, "I'm just here for a casual visit, to pay my respects, and to check on Nana."
In reality, he had come to meet Bibi Dong. But since Bibi Dong's current identity could not be exposed, he used this as an excuse.
Hearing She Long's words, Ye Tian pondered silently, realizing what his true intentions might be.
It was likely related to Qian Renxue.
Ye Tian couldn't help but admire the Spirit Hall's intelligence network. They already knew about Qian Renxue's presence here after just a single day.
But knowing this unspoken truth made it awkward to bring it up directly.
Ye Tian slightly bowed and said courteously, "It is an honor for my humble home to receive a visit from Lord She Long."
He waved at Thirteen, "Go inform Uncle Fu to prepare a fine meal. We must properly host Lord She Long."
Ye Tian gestured towards She Long, "My villa is just ahead, and Nana and the others are there as well. Why don't we continue our conversation there?"
"That suits me perfectly," She Long laughed and followed Ye Tian on horseback.
They quickly passed over a smooth paved road, crossed a small stream, and arrived at the villa.
At that moment, Bibi Dong and Hu Liena were pushing Qian Renxue outside to bask in the sunlight.
Qian Renxue's angelic spirit was quite special. Under the sun, it not only accelerated her cultivation but also sped up the healing of her wounds.
Seeing the trio, She Long's eyes flickered, but with Ye Tian present, he couldn't speak to the Pope directly.
He had to come up with a way to get Ye Tian to leave.
When Ye Tian dismounted and approached with a smile, he looked at Qian Renxue and said, "I didn't expect the Crown Prince to be a woman."
Of course, he couldn't reveal that he already knew this. Doing so would only complicate matters.
Qian Renxue had already been briefed by Hu Liena about Ye Tian, so in response to Ye Tian's 'surprise,' she remained calm and replied, "Everyone has their secrets. I hope you'll keep mine safe."
"And thank you for saving me."
Ye Tian smiled and shook his head, offering a well-prepared lie: "It wasn't me who saved you; it was Xuan Qiang Douluo."
"He showed up with others on Sorro Island and saved both of us."
Qian Renxue wanted to laugh but kept her expression composed, only showing a hint of surprise: "Oh, is that so?"
"Indeed," Ye Tian nodded seriously. "Xuan Qiang Douluo also said he doesn't wish to be involved in the continent's conflicts any longer, and hopes that you won't seek him out."
"I understand," Qian Renxue responded with a slight smile, masking her amusement.
After explaining to Qian Renxue, Ye Tian took hold of both Bibi Dong and Hu Liena's hands, saying, "Since we have both the Crown Prince and Lord She Long as guests today, let's prepare some ingredients and personally host them."
This was Ye Tian's way of providing space for She Long and Qian Renxue to talk.
However, he had no idea that She Long was actually there to see Bibi Dong.
Seeing Ye Tian's action, She Long's pupils shrank. Grabbing Hu Liena's hand was one thing, but he dared to hold Bibi Dong's hand as well?
Wasn't he courting death?
Yet Bibi Dong showed no anger, gently nodded, and followed Ye Tian.
She Long was left standing there, astonished.
What was happening? The Pope was being led by the hand, and she didn't even react?
This was unbelievable…
Of course, he wouldn't dare reprimand Ye Tian.
If the Pope herself didn't say anything, jumping in to scold Ye Tian would be asking for trouble.
If Bibi Dong got angry, a single slap would be enough to kill him.
(End of Chapter)
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