The fake prince was exposed at the beginning, and I took office as emperor on the spot

Chapter 166: Now that we've covered the rewards, what about the punishment? (Three-in-one)

Xiao Ying had been fighting the Qingman on the border for nearly fifteen years, so she had a good understanding of the current situation of the Qingman army. However, what was drawn on this map was somewhat different from what she knew.

She frowned, looked closely, and became increasingly alarmed.

Because it not only drew a defense map, but also described the detailed situation of the opposing army, from the general's cultivation level, age, hobbies, and number of family members, to one of the scouts who liked to catch crickets in his spare time.

Below are several other defensive line adjustments that may arise under different circumstances...

Upon closer inspection, the top of the defense map reads "A baby-friendly guide to the Qingman route that even infants can understand."

"?"

The princess looked up and found that Gu Fangchen hadn't stopped after giving her the picture; instead, she concentrated on recalling it and drew a total of seventy or eighty pictures in one go.

She suppressed her urge to rebuke the nonsensical headlines, picked up the pages one by one, and gradually went from being terrified to feeling somewhat numb.

These nearly one hundred defense maps simulated nearly one hundred possible scenarios during the battle between the two sides, especially the reactions that the Qingman might make. They were so detailed that it almost made her feel as if the person standing opposite her was the Qingman Khan!
Every change made her feel as if she were truly fighting against Qingman.

Furthermore, based on the information she currently possesses and her own experience, Xiao Yinghao can confirm that there is at least an 80% chance that the situation is feasible!

In particular, Xiao Yinghao only recently obtained some of the intelligence, so there was absolutely no possibility that it would have reached Gu Fangchen!
How does this guy know?
Xiao Yinghao squinted, stroking the paper in her hand, and then thought of Gu Fangchen's White Dragon Army formation...

Even compared to the Qingman's defense deployment map, this is actually the most puzzling thing, and it is really hard to explain using common sense.

The White Dragon Formation was her own creation. How could she not know whether she had taught it to others or not?

Gu Fangchen knew that the Princess's summons in the middle of the night wasn't really to ask him to be her male concubine for amusement. He coughed lightly and said:

"Is the Princess wondering how I knew?"

Xiao Ying looked at him and said slowly:

"I am indeed curious. You have been in the Great Wei since childhood and have never even been to the border. How do you know so much about the Qingman?"

"Furthermore, where did you learn my White Dragon Army Formation?"

This was actually the answer to the question she most wanted to know when she summoned Gu Fangchen.

If it weren't for the White Dragon Army formation, Gu Fangchen would have had no chance of impersonating her consort and commanding her White Dragon Army.

Therefore, the incident of her counterattacking Qingman and allowing her to break through the formation ahead of schedule would not have happened.

Objectively speaking, the methods he used were extremely unethical and underhanded.

However, from a subjective perspective, it was indeed a genuine rescue of Xiao Yinghao. The Blood River Repentance Array was specifically designed to trap her, and its power was truly remarkable. If Gu Fangchen hadn't been there, she would have been seriously injured if she had been trapped for a few more days.

Even if the situation is salvaged, Gu Yuye will still seize control of Qiu'an Road.

Xiao Yinghao was grateful for this.

On the other hand, Xiao Yinghao has always been arrogant and never thought that anyone of her generation could compare with her in terms of military strategy.

The sudden appearance of Gu Fangchen, who actually knew the White Dragon Army Formation, naturally aroused her curiosity and competitiveness.

Gu Fangchen blinked and began to make things up:
"Actually... when I was three years old, my master began to teach me miscellaneous subjects, including formations, military strategy, and hunting. Gu Yuye's study was never guarded by me, so I saw some information about the Princess, including the White Dragon Army formation."

"As for these Qingman defense maps, they are actually intelligence obtained by my master through his undercover work. I have been deducing and compiling them over the years."

Hmm...that's right. Given how useless Gu Fangchen used to be, he could freely enter and leave such a confidential place as the Prince's study and look around at will.

Because he simply couldn't understand it!
Xiao Yinghao was stunned for a moment: "Master... Senior Ding?"

Although the news of Gu Fangchen becoming Ding Xingfeng's apprentice has not yet spread and not many people know about it.

However, Gu Fangchen initially gained the trust of the White Dragon Army by claiming to be a disciple who followed Ding Xingfeng in seclusion and cultivation.

Xiao Yinghao naturally knew about this as well.

but……

The eldest princess's eyes held a hint of suspicion:

"And then you learned the White Dragon Formation based on that little bit of intelligence?"

Gu Fangchen's expression was serious, and she spoke with absolute certainty:

“The Princess can question me, but she can’t question the Marquis of Yizhou, can she? I have been secretly following my master to cultivate since I was a child. He personally certified me as a military genius. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him.”

Old Ding is such a useful scapegoat!

From any perspective, Ding Xingfeng is the perfect candidate to shift the blame.

Firstly, he was famous and highly respected back then, so no one would question his cultivation and abilities. Even though he had never taken on any disciples, no one would doubt his teaching ability.

Secondly, he had been in seclusion for a long time, which meant that among the living masters, there were actually not many who truly knew him.

My impression of the name Ding Xingfeng is entirely that of a legendary martial saint who killed without hesitation, and I hold him in absolute awe.

Moreover, although Ding Xingfeng was famous for his unparalleled martial arts skills back then, he did indeed know a bit about military strategy; otherwise, how could he lead troops into battle?

However… his level of understanding is, to put it simply, like having nine out of ten orifices open—

Completely ignorant.

Relying solely on individual strength, one can first charge forward, then behead the enemy.

After this one attack, the enemy troops were terrified. Without anyone to command them, they naturally collapsed...

Only in front of Emperor Yong'an or the Confucian sage could he not get rid of this blame; at other times, he could easily get away with it.

Fortunately, Gu Fangchen's cultivation level has increased, and the most convenient thing about a high level of divine cultivation is that one's spirit becomes more stable and powerful, allowing one to lie without batting an eye.

It's not difficult to deceive others, especially martial arts practitioners.

Unlike at the beginning, when he had to be very careful with his words and use clever tricks to cover up his lies, otherwise the other party could tell the truth just by sensing his physical condition.

Seeing his unwavering confidence, even a hint of seriousness and anger, Xiao Yinghao, recalling Ding Xingfeng's past reputation, began to believe him to some extent.

However, the claim that he was a military genius is still a bit far-fetched.

The eldest princess narrowed her eyes:
"I know that some people can draw inferences from one instance to another and apply what they have learned to other situations, but how can one understand military formation simulations at a glance?"

In her opinion, the guy in front of her was indeed a genius, but he must have exaggerated his abilities.

Secretly working hard behind the scenes, but claiming to have learned it in a day...

Kids this age love doing this kind of thing.

Strangely enough, Xiao Yinghao, who usually despises glib-tongued people, didn't find Gu Fangchen's concern for face distasteful.

On the contrary, I found this guy to be somewhat boyish and prone to showing off, which made him rather endearing.

Hmm... probably because Gu Fangchen is indeed pregnant.

Unlike those guys who are all talk and no action but are actually useless.

Gu Fangchen was least afraid of theoretical exchanges on paper, so she immediately raised an eyebrow and said:
"If you don't believe me, the Princess can try it."

Xiao Yinghao glanced at him, her cold and aloof phoenix eyes filled with a smile, and said:

"Alright, let's have a match, best two out of three."

Among the younger generation, there was no one who could rival her in military skills. Seeing Gu Fangchen take the initiative to provoke her, she also became interested.

With a wave of her hand, Xiao Ying conjured up a battlefield illusion before her eyes, with military formations unfolding and the two standing on opposite sides, each "holding a piece."

Gu Fangchen knew that this was a simplified version of a military formation sand table, used for daily simulations and practice.

The actual military formations in real-world operations are quite different from those in the game.

But this simplified military formation is almost exactly the same as the gameplay in the game.

He knew he had it in the bag as soon as he saw it.

So he couldn't help but raise his head and look at the eldest princess opposite him.

The princess had just finished bathing and was now wearing a very casual, homely peony-colored long dress and white trousers.

Both the long skirt and thin trousers are made of gauze as the main material, which is soft and clings to the body, outlining the princess's proud figure in every detail, with a great difference in the height of the draped fabric.

As for how big it was, Gu Fangchen, who had just experienced the crushing weight of a mountain, could only say that she couldn't bear it.

Having just rewarded Gu Fangchen, her stunningly beautiful face was flushed with a slightly tipsy blush, yet her gaze remained as haughty as a Persian cat.

Above her slender, snow-white collarbone, a small mole stood out conspicuously, incredibly alluring.

Gu Fangchen licked her lips and said:

"Since there are winners and losers, there has to be some stakes involved, right?"

Xiao Yinghao sensed his hidden meaning and said with a smile:
"So what do you want to bet on?"

Gu Fangchen knew that what had just happened was merely an accident, and that Xiao Yinghao had only rewarded him because she was a little provoked by him. She felt their relationship wasn't quite there yet, and taking it any further would inevitably cross the line and become offensive. Therefore, she added:

"I don't know either, let the eldest princess decide..."

Xiao Yinghao was somewhat surprised, but when she looked at him, she found that the young man's eyes were wandering, glancing over her but not daring to linger.

Seemingly having tasted the sweetness, he impulsively spoke up, but then hesitated, fearing she might not agree.

The princess's heart stirred, and she felt a sudden urge to play.

Hmph, you were so arrogant and confident when you mentioned military formations earlier, how come you don't even dare to look at her now?

She's still too young...

Xiao Yinghao narrowed her eyes, her smile deepening, and said:

"Everyone knows that I am known as the 'God of War,' and my greatest skill is military formations. Even in simulations, it is a battle between two armies, not a game. If you win, I will naturally be your prisoner, and you can do whatever you want with me."

She really is good at it... even role-playing.

This character is so realistic, the immersion is off the charts!

Gu Fangchen's imagination ran wild at the thought of the proud princess general being defeated and becoming her prisoner. She imagined that even if she were hung up and whipped, the princess would probably still bite her lip and remain proud, disdainful, and stubborn...

But obviously, if he really made such a request, he would be the one who gets hung up and whipped.

Gu Fangchen pondered for a moment and said:

"What if I lose? I'll be at the mercy of the Princess?"

"nature."

"Hmm... Now that you've talked about the reward, what about the punishment?"

"?" "Ahem...it's nothing."

Gu Fangchen's expression turned serious, and she said:
"In that case, please proceed."

He reached out, allowing Xiao Ying to make the first move.

Xiao Yinghao narrowed her eyes, feeling that Gu Fangchen was really bold to let her go first...

Whether it was due to underestimating her opponent or because of the previous ambiguous interaction, the princess could only snort coldly, feeling somewhat dissatisfied.

She was a dignified "military goddess," not some ordinary young lady; how could she possibly have any affection for such behavior?

She didn't care why Gu Fangchen did this; she would only make the other party understand that doing so would not only fail to make her feel considerate, but would also result in a very embarrassing defeat in front of her.

Xiao Yinghao didn't hold back and immediately placed her piece.

Gu Fangchen thought for a moment, then continued.

He didn't want Xiao Yinghao to be good, but the strategies he learned for fighting Xiao Yinghao all involved winning by using the second move.

Because Xiao Yinghao's style is too obvious, too aggressive, and unpredictable, the beginning is often uncertain.

We need to take a few more steps to determine the appropriate response strategy...

Xiao Yinghao initially watched Gu Fangchen retreat with a smile, but soon the smile on her face disappeared.

After about fifteen minutes, she stopped making casual moves as easily as before and started thinking for thirty seconds after each move.

As time went on, Xiao Yinghao's expression turned completely serious as she became engrossed in the game.

Gu Fangchen remained steady and methodical, recalling the strategy and proceeding step by step.

……

An hour later.

"I lost."

Xiao Ying remained silent for a long time before finally lowering her hand to admit defeat. A fine layer of sweat covered her forehead, and she was momentarily dazed.

She looked up and saw Gu Fangchen standing calmly before her, as if everything was as expected.

In fact, that was indeed the case during the game just now.

Xiao Yinghao felt like prey caught in a spider's web. Everything was going according to plan, but she had unknowingly fallen into a trap.

All her actions were completely seen through by the other party.

Now she really believes it...

This guy has definitely done a thorough study of himself, inside and out.

No wonder he was able to learn the White Dragon Formation!
"Fortunately, you're not a Qingman..."

Xiao Yinghao gave Gu Fangchen a deep look.

Gu Fangchen's eyes widened: "The Princess isn't planning to renege, is she? If I lose, she'll label me a Qingman spy, arrest me, lock me in the basement of the Princess's residence, and then torture me severely..."

Xiao Yinghao snorted: "The princess's residence does not have a basement."

Gu Fangchen breathed a sigh of relief, then heard Xiao Yinghao continue:
"But one can be built specifically for His Highness the Crown Prince."

Gu Fangchen: "..."

Xiao Yinghao was just trying to scare him; her tense face lasted for two seconds before turning into a cold snort.
"Do you think I, the princess, am so petty? So unable to accept defeat?"

Gu Fangchen chuckled and said:
"The Princess's 'military formations' are unparalleled. This art of deduction is nothing but theoretical knowledge. I can only counter and disarm according to theory... If I were to go to the battlefield, I would definitely be inferior to the Princess."

Xiao Ying crossed her arms irritably and said:
"You can command my White Dragon Army Formation with ease, so stop with this kind of pretentious, scholarly flattery."

Gu Fangchen sighed:
"I am telling the truth. Back in Qiu'an Road, if my cultivation level hadn't been insufficient, why would I have needed to borrow the power of the mine protection formation?"

Xiao Yinghao glanced at him and said with a forced smile:

"So, if your cultivation level is high enough, you can still turn theory into practice and easily defeat me?"

Gu Fangchen could only blink and remain silent.

Xiao Yinghao, who had never lost before, was indeed unwilling to accept it, but after Gu Fangchen's witty banter, she didn't find it hard to accept.

A defeat is a defeat.

If one's skills are inferior, what is there to say... This prodigy started learning at the age of three, and secretly learned under the very nose of the Prince of Zhenbei, yet he has reached such a level, it is simply unbelievable!
Xiao Yinghao's understanding of Gu Fangchen was refreshed once again.

Gu Fangchen's command on Qiu'an Road was indeed simple and unpretentious, without any particularly sophisticated techniques, and it also relied on the sudden surge in the White Dragon Army's combat power.

It's easy to get the impression that his actual skill level is just so-so, and somewhat forced.

But now Xiao Yinghao has realized that this is Gu Fangchen's style.

There are no fancy military tactics or techniques involved; it's purely about prediction, placing pieces, and then winning.

But it was precisely because of this that Xiao Yinghao was able to feel the terror of this person even more...

It's practically a ruthless deduction machine!

The eldest princess could afford to lose; with a wave of her hand, the illusory deduction vanished, and she looked at Gu Fangchen:
"Alright, now I am His Highness's prisoner. What does His Highness intend to do to me?"

She even reached out her hand, indicating that Gu Fangchen could tie her up, but at the same time, she arrogantly raised her chin.

The eldest princess really knows her stuff...

Gu Fangchen sighed inwardly again, whether forced or forced, the Princess was suitable on either side.

But clearly, it is precisely at this time that we must not expose ourselves.

Otherwise, the persona he had built up in the Purple Palace would have collapsed... His purpose in interfering that day would have been completely untenable, and he would have been hanged and whipped by the princess who discovered the truth.

Gu Fangchen thought for a moment, then reached out and gently grasped the princess's slightly cool hand.

He loosened her tightly clenched fingers, took her hand, and pulled her towards him.

Xiao Yinghao was slightly taken aback. As Gu Fangchen moved, the two of them got much closer, almost touching.

Gu Fangchen's hands were a size larger than hers, but they were pampered, fair and beautiful. However, if you touched them personally, you would find that they were actually more bony than a woman's.

The unfamiliar sensation of her palm pressed against his was vivid and tingling, and Xiao Yinghao even had an urge to pull her hand back, but she forcibly suppressed it.

She boasted that she would one day ascend the throne, possessing the boldness and magnanimity of an empress, but from childhood to adulthood... she had indeed never held a man's hand.

If Gu Fangchen is simply regarded as an entertainment tool, she naturally has no obstacles in her heart and is not shy at all.

However, the current situation is clearly far from using "tools".

Xiao Yinghao moved closer to Gu Fangchen, slightly raised her head, and saw Gu Fangchen's burning gaze. She could feel the scalding heat in Gu Fangchen's palm, and a subtle flutter rose in her heart.

Gu Fangchen lowered her head, looking at Xiao Ying's naturally red, soft, and pink lips, and whispered:

"Your Highness, is that alright?"

Xiao Yinghao naturally understood his meaning, but felt a strange sense of annoyance and bit her lip.

The two had clearly been much more intimate than this, so this request was theoretically a step back. But for some reason, Xiao Yinghao felt that the other party was pushing their luck.

But seeing Gu Fangchen's direct and passionate gaze, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.

She's a woman who accepts defeat and doesn't cheat.

Xiao Yinghao nodded, and said in an annoyed tone:
"Weren't you quite bold just now? Now that I'm your prisoner, why do you need to ask my permission before doing anything... um!"

Before she could finish speaking, Gu Fangchen pulled her close and placed her hand on her waist.

Xiao Yinghao's cold and aloof phoenix eyes instantly transformed into a misty, watery haze, making the red at the corners of her eyes even more vivid and alluring.

Gu Fangchen paused for a moment, attempting to taste the flavor of the Eldest Princess.

Unfortunately... the eldest princess was far more powerful than him, more than ten times stronger, and under his tense defense, he couldn't shake her at all.

Gu Fangchen had no choice but to give up and retreat.

Xiao Yinghao's eyes were brimming with emotion, and she seemed somewhat lost in thought.

Afraid that she would realize her mistake and get angry, Gu Fangchen immediately coughed and slipped out the window.

Of course, Gu Fangchen didn't forget to remind him:
"Princess, remember to try my strategy; it's incredibly effective against the Qingman!"

This is his strategy guide, he's sharing it all.

The display of military strength just now was also intended to gain the trust of the Princess.

In this way, the Qingman's defenses will surely collapse, forcing them to retreat at least a thousand miles. At that point, the Qingman's attention will be entirely focused on the front lines, making it easier to penetrate deep into their territory...

……

Xiao Yinghao, who was left behind, came to her senses and was about to put on a stern face when she found that Gu Fangchen had already slipped away.

The eldest princess: "..."

She stared silently at the creaking window, the feigned anger on her face vanishing.

She reached up and touched her lips in a daze, then couldn't help but stick out her tongue and lick them, tasting their moisture...

Just now, was this guy trying to stick his leg in?

Hmph, they really are pushing their luck!

Xiao Yinghao, with a cold face, waved her hand and slammed the window shut.

But turning around, he still picked up the seventy or eighty drawings, sat down, and bent down to carefully organize them.

……

The next day.

Gu Fangchen opened her eyes and saw Xuexiang, who was supposed to be by her bedside, standing by the window.

Xuexiang was standing with her hands behind her back, looking out the window with a calm expression. When she heard him wake up, she was about to turn around.

"Hey, wait... wait a minute!"

Gu Fangchen quickly bent over and pulled the blanket up.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: 5800... I guess that's a three-in-one total, lol. Requesting monthly votes, I'll try harder tomorrow.
(End of this chapter)