Chapter 382: Actually, I Was Forced
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“I’m a student of the Qiankun Academy! My name is Xiao Jingye, the son of Prince Yun from the Kingdom of Dingyang.”
Xiao Jingye revealed his identity.
His status within the Dingbei Army was known to only a few, but it would soon be exposed by those old folks led by Chen Chong. He couldn’t hide it even if he wanted to.
“It’s actually you!” Qitian You was extremely surprised.
“So, he’s a member of the royal family of Dingyang! No wonder the Dingbei Army rebelled!”
“How did this guy manage to infiltrate the Dingbei Army? And everyone actually listens to him! It’s unbelievable!”
“Doesn’t the Dingbei Army have anyone left? Don’t they know that he’s a spy from an enemy country?”
Everyone was furious, and the way they looked at Xiao Jingye seemed as if they wanted to tear him apart.
Xiao Jingye, on the other hand, remained fearless, showing no hint of fear on his face.
Gu Qingluan scrutinized him for a moment and calmly said, “So, you’re Young Master Yun. I’m quite curious how a member of an enemy royal family became the commander of the Dingbei Army. Did Duke Dingbei and your group conspire together to rebel long ago?”
Xiao Jingye shrugged and said, “Well, you’ve got it wrong. In reality, 1 was coerced.”
“Coerced?”
“Ridiculous! Duke Dingbei is already dead, how could he have coerced you?”
Sighing, Xiao Jingye continued, “Well, he’s already dead, and I didn’t want to speak ill of him, but since you all insist on hearing it, I’ll tell you.”
After listening to Xiao Jingye’s description, everyone found it quite absurd.
Xiao Jingye claimed that Duke Dingbei poisoned him, forcing him to obey his orders, or else he would die from the poison.
Duke Dingbei was interested in him because he had a Saint by his side.
Of course, Duke Dingbei was also interested in the support of the Kingdom of Dingyang that came with him.
If the Fifth Prince attempted to seize the throne, Dingyang would have to step in to support Duke Dingbei.
Xiao Jingye was the beloved son of the Prince Yun, who was the most trusted and favored imperial brother of the Emperor of Dingyang. As long as Xiao Jingye was in the hands of Duke Dingbei, Dingyang would be compelled to support him.
The story sounded incredibly bizarre, and no one believed it.
Gu Qingluan asked, “You have a Saint accompanying you, and Duke Dingbei could threaten you?”
Xiao Jingye smirked. “I did try to resist his threats, but that old man Duke Dingbei was quite stubborn. More importantly, I value my life. He’s already in his seventies or eighties, and his death wouldn’t be a big loss, while I’m in the prime of my life. I couldn’t let us both meet our end. Besides, Duke Dingbei’s plan didn’t actually harm me, so I just went along with it.”
After explaining, he winked at Gu Qingluan. “Honestly, your treatment in our Kingdom of Dingyang will be much better than in Chengyuan. We will definitely treat you as an honored guest…”
Attempting to poach someone so openly was quite unusual.
Qitian You immediately interrupted him, saying, “Young Master Yun, you’re joking! We in Chengyuan won’t mistreat Miss Gu!”
He turned to Gu Qingluan with a serious expression and said, “Miss Gu, rest assured, after this battle, your strength and loyalty are evident to all. Royal Father, the Emperor, will surely reward you generously and provide you with the treatment befitting a Saint.”
Concerned that Xiao Jingye might say something unexpected again, Qitian You had him taken away.
Tianjing City was now out of danger, and there were people to handle the follow-up matters, so Gu Qingluan took her leave.
She and Feng Tianlan returned to the Jun Residence, but suddenly, a slight stabbing sensation reached her soul.
Feng Tianlan immediately noticed her unusual behavior and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Gu Qingluan said in a low voice, “Damn it, something’s happened to Su Meng!”
She swiftly entered the residence.
She had a soul contract with Su Meng, and she sensed Su Meng’s location and quickly sought him out..