Can't a girl be a traitor like Cao Cao?

At the same time, a "crackling" sound came from above their heads, like the sound of a bowstring being taut.

Although they couldn't see anyone in the darkness, Wan Zhaoji and the others immediately realized that no fewer than ten longbows were already aimed at them from above.

Cold sweat immediately broke out on the foreheads of the group.

Standing at the alley entrance, Chizagu spoke slowly with murderous intent, uttering only eight words in a cold tone.

"Lay down your weapons, and I will spare your life."

The group exchanged glances; now they truly had no way to escape.

Wan Zhaoji could only sigh and say, "We surrender."

The knife hilt clattered to the ground.

The martial arts masters that the Lou family had placed in the capital were all wiped out.

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.

Half an hour later.

Near the Imperial Palace.

Chizagu personally carried Yuan Zhaoji into the palace gate.

She saw many soldiers lined up in formation, moving in and out of the palace area under the command of their respective leaders.

Although the city was under curfew, this place was ablaze with fire, as bright as day.

A lieutenant general is issuing orders from a high platform.

Clearly, the Zhenbei Army's actions tonight were not only aimed at Yuan Zhaoji and her party.

Chi Junlin intends to wipe out all opposing forces within the city that pose a threat to her.

What's truly chilling is that she actually possesses that ability.

Chizagu silently led Yuan Zhaoji into the palace.

This is her first time visiting the palace, and perhaps the last.

Yuan Zhaoji was already mentally prepared.

Four years ago, when she witnessed Jiang Hao order the extermination of her entire clan and vowed to avenge them for the rest of her life, she knew in her heart that this day would eventually come.

Unfortunately, he will die here before he can avenge all his grievances.

I can only go to see my parents with regret in my heart.

The last question now is how I will die.

She roughly guessed that Chizagu was going to take her to see Chijunlin.

However, she did not know why Chi Junlin wanted to see her.

She wanted to show off her power. Despite all her scheming, Wan Zhaoji was still outmaneuvered by her.

Or should I refute her for her treason, leading a bunch of insignificant soldiers and generals in an attempt to oppose the powerful and prosperous dynasty?

Perhaps none of it matters.

Even Yuan Zhaoji was unable to resist.

Aside from her schemes and calculations, Yuan Zhaoji was just an ordinary woman.

There are no unparalleled martial arts skills or invincible abilities.

Now that he's been captured, he can't cause any more trouble.

However, she still harbored some curiosity about Chi Junlin.

What kind of person was this extraordinary woman who made great achievements on the battlefield, destroyed a country, led troops into the capital, and held the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords?

With this thought in mind, Wan Zhaoji finally met Chi Junlin in the deep courtyard of the palace.

This is a scenic garden with pavilions and terraces nestled against the mountains and beside the water.

Chi Junlin, clad in silver armor and a red cloak, with a sword strapped to his back, appeared in Yuan Zhaoji's sight.

Previously, Chi Jun entered through the Jinhua Gate, and on the day he took power, Yuan Zhaoji had seen her once.

At that time, she was sitting in a teahouse not far away, looking down at all the officials of the court.

At that time, Chi Junlin was dressed in white, as graceful as jade.

Yuan Zhaoji was unaware that the jade-like man was none other than Chi Junlin, the all-powerful commander-in-chief of the Zhenbei Army.

Now that we've parted, we meet again.

Chi Junlin has already seized power and is issuing decrees to the world.

Her own life and death were in her own hands.

But none of this prevented Wan Zhaoji from thinking that the woman in front of her was indeed exceptionally brave and beautiful.

I may never see such a charming and extraordinary woman again in my life.

When Chi Junlin turned around, his handsome face with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, full of heroic spirit, surprised Yuan Zhaoji even more.

At this time, Chi Junlin had already dismissed all the palace maids and eunuchs around him.

After bowing to Chi Junlin, Chizagu left on his own.

So only Chi Junlin and Yuan Zhaoji remained.

Chi Junlin did not introduce himself, as both of them were intelligent and thus skipped the pointless probing and small talk.

But to Wan Zhaoji's surprise, Chi Junlin gestured for her to sit down by the fire.

Then offer tea.

Yuan Zhaoji did not know martial arts, so when Chizagu captured her, he did not bind her with ropes.

Although still puzzled, I sat down as instructed.

He then accepted a cup of tea that Chi Junlin had placed on the stone table.

It was getting a bit chilly, and the steaming rim of the teacup brought a touch of warmth to my slightly cold fingertips.

Wan Zhaoji noticed that Chi Junlin had a faint smile on his face.

Looking through the air at a certain place above their head.

This made her feel a little strange.

Chi Junlin moved slightly, and the sound of his silver armor rubbing together could be heard.

When Wan Zhaoji saw her lift her teacup, take a moment to inhale the aroma of the tea, and appear to be thoroughly enjoying herself.

However, he did not drink the tea.

Could the tea be poisoned?

Yuan Zhaoji thought to herself.

However, she thought to herself, even if Chi Junlin wanted to kill her, he wouldn't go to such lengths as poisoning her tea.

So he drank the water in the cup without any qualms.

At this moment, Chi Jun looked at Yuan Zhaoji and stared at her face with a slightly scrutinizing gaze.

She watched for a long time, until Wan Zhaoji began to feel uneasy.

Chi Junlin smiled and then said, "Is the hatred of annihilating a clan irreconcilable?"

Yuan Zhaoji, I have a question for you.

If you really have the chance to take revenge, you should kill Jiang Hao with your own hands.

After that, what do you want to do?

Upon hearing Chi Junlin's words, Yuan Zhaoji immediately understood that the person before her already knew everything about her.

Whether it's her own background, her position within the Lou family, or even their ultimate goal.

Wan Zhaoji couldn't help but sigh, the Zhenbei Army's spies were indeed powerful.

It's amazing that they found out so much information in such a short time.

It seemed that all his actions were exposed before Chi Junlin.

However, she wasn't afraid.

After all, the worst outcome right now is nothing more than death.

Therefore, Yuan Zhaoji began to seriously consider the question raised by Chi Junlin.

Chapter 33 Because I admire you

"If I could kill Jiang Hao, what would I want to do afterward?"

After a moment's thought, Wan Zhaoji smiled bitterly and replied to Chi Junlin, "To be honest, I never thought about what would happen after that."

The plot to deal with the powerful court and assassinate Jiang Hao had already exhausted my mind and energy.

Moreover, after I complete this task, I will likely be caught and executed.

What's the point of thinking about what happens after that?

Upon hearing this, Chi Junlin nodded, somewhat understanding Yuan Zhaoji's thoughts.

With the determination to fight to the death, they launched a desperate charge against the reigning emperor.

It's also rare that she's not love-struck in the story; instead, she uses Ding Xia at every turn to achieve her own schemes.

Its body is like a firefly, yet it can burn with life and burst forth with a bright light like the moon.

With such personal charm, it's no wonder she's loved by so many readers and remains unforgettable to them.

Chi Junlin remained silent for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face.

Then he continued speaking to Wan Zhaoji, "So I think I understand now, the person you want to take revenge on isn't just Jiang Hao, right?"

The massacre of Lady Yuan in the case of the Guanglu Temple Minister's rebellion was not solely the work of Jiang Hao.

Fu Wen should be the mastermind, and other officials from the Crown Prince's faction were also involved.

You have a very deep plan in order to take revenge on these people at the same time.

They even went so far as to provide information to the Zhenbei Army. Am I right?

Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhaoji did not respond.

Chi Junlin then produced another letter, an anonymous report that the Zhenbei Army had previously received.

The content is a report accusing the Minister of Rites of conspiring to betray the country and plotting a rebellion.

Chi Junlin continued, "Actually, Chen Tailai's body could be buried anywhere, but you insisted on burying it in the Minister's Mansion."

With your intelligence, you must have expected that I would have people keeping an eye on the Minister's residence.

So, you don't actually want to cooperate with them; you want to use me to eliminate all the civil and military officials loyal to Jiang Hao.

If we can fight to the point of mutual destruction, you will be able to reap the benefits.

They would seize any opportunity to launch an attack and eliminate Jiang Hao.

Good calculation, good planning.

As expected of the cunning and resourceful Consort Yuan Zhaoji.

Yuan Zhaoji looked into Chi Junlin's eyes, as if she could read something from them.

She said softly, "So... you guessed it all along."

It's so much easier to talk to smart people.

Chi Junlin casually tossed the letter aside.

He then asked Yuan Zhaoji, "Do you know why, even though I know all your plans, I am still willing to help you eliminate those civil and military officials who are loyal to Jiang Hao?"

Yuan Zhaoji looked puzzled and shook her head slightly.

Admittedly, Fu Wen's faction of court officials stood on the opposite side of Chi Junlin, and killing Fu Wen to establish authority would be extremely beneficial to Chi Junlin.

But the extermination of the clan should stop with Fu Wen's lineage.

The subsequent expansion of the purge under the guise of the imperial edict was actually unnecessary for Chi Junlin at that time.