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

Upon hearing Ye Qiancao's words, everyone present, including Lou Xiangfei, couldn't help but freeze in place.

Chi Junlin couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Who would have thought that instead of breaking ties with the Lou family at this time, "Red Emperor" would make such a strange request.

Ye Qiancao, you truly are a bewitching woman who brings endless surprises!

Suddenly, the entire banquet hall became noisy, with guests discussing among themselves, seemingly at a loss for what to do.

Lou Xiangfei was also a little confused.

Chi Junlin is already a powerful general with immense authority, so why would he still be interested in such a minor martial arts alliance leader?

This doesn't make sense!

Ye Qiancao was overjoyed to see this.

But his face hardened, and he feigned displeasure, saying, "What? What does Madam mean? Am I, Chi Junlin, not fit to be the leader of the martial arts alliance?"

Lou Xiangfei was silent for a moment, but still smiled and said, "This... I certainly deserve it."

"Then it's over!"

Ye Qiancao immediately made the decision, "It's settled then. I'll find the governor for you, and in return, you'll let me be the leader of the martial arts alliance!"

As he spoke, he casually tossed the official seal on the table to Chi Junlin, who was standing to the side.

After Chi Junlin accepted the order, Ye Qiancao yawned again and said to Lou Xiangfei, "This general is tired. Settle my men down and then find two pretty maids to come over."

Upon seeing this, Consort Lou immediately stood up and respectfully said, "Lady Lou respectfully sees off the Great General!"

Then, he had the steward lead the way, guiding Ye Qiancao deeper into the mansion.

The seemingly critical situation was resolved by Ye Qiancao's words, but in reality, the conflict was only temporarily hidden, waiting to be unleashed.

Because the current situation is truly perplexing, and Ye Qiancao's words and actions are too rebellious and unpredictable.

From Ye Qiancao's words and actions after entering the room, Lou Xiangfei increasingly felt that she was not quite like Chi Junlin.

But she couldn't figure out Ye Qiancao's true purpose.

For now, we can only tolerate their flippant teasing and wait and see.

At this moment, Jiang Mao, the military governor, also stood up from his seat and followed behind Lou Xiangfei with a cold expression, together respectfully seeing off Ye Qiancao.

The group walked out of the banquet hall and along the corridor toward the inner courtyard. Along the way, they encountered maids who stood waiting and all bowed respectfully to Ye Qiancao and Lou Xiangfei, who were at the head of the group.

However, somewhat unexpectedly, when they reached a corner of a corridor, an unfamiliar maidservant looked at Ye Qiancao with a trembling expression of fear.

She had her hands behind her back, as if she were hiding something.

Ye Qiancao glanced at the maid, seemingly finding it amusing, and said, "You."

The maid froze immediately, looking at Ye Qiancao with extreme panic.

"You will serve me tonight."

Ye Qiancao said casually.

The maid opened her mouth, then shook her head repeatedly, her face filled with extreme fear, as if Ye Qiancao were some terrifying monster ready to devour anyone.

Ye Qiancao was slightly puzzled, and Lou Xiangfei was about to reprimand her.

Little did anyone know that Chi Junlin, who was walking behind, suddenly spoke up to Ye Qiancao with a smile, "This girl is clumsy and doesn't seem very bright. I'm afraid she might offend the Commander-in-Chief. Commander-in-Chief, why don't you replace her with another maid?"

Upon hearing Chi Junlin's words, Ye Qiancao turned and glanced at her.

Thinking about what had just happened, he nodded and gave her face.

He then said, "Then let's choose another one."

After saying that, he continued walking inside, led by Lou Xiangfei.

Afterwards, Ye Qiancao entered the courtyard of the superior guest room that the Lou family had prepared for her.

Chi Junlin then turned around and approached the maid who had been standing in the corridor.

It was Fu Ruiying.

Upon seeing Chi Junlin appear, Fu Ruiying did not hesitate at all and immediately threw herself into his arms.

As the soft, fragrant flesh nestled in his arms, Chi Junlin felt a tremor emanating from Fu Ruiying's body.

Chi Qianjun felt her sobbing and gently held her in his arms.

"Ms. Lin... I... I'm so scared..."

Sobbing uncontrollably, Fu Ruiying said to Chi Junlin, "I...I want to avenge my family...but...I'm so scared..."

I really don't want to die... I can't do that... I really can't...

What should I do?

Chi Junlin remained silent and gently lifted Fu Ruiying's face.

Look at her tearful face under the lamplight, so pitiful.

Then he wiped away her tears and said softly, "If you can't do it, don't do it. Sometimes, running away is also a choice."

"Lin Jun... Waaah..."

Fu Ruiying burst into tears, with large, bead-like tears rolling down her face.

She couldn't help but hug the woman in front of her tightly, as if at this moment, the person in front of her was the only person in the whole world who cared about and loved her.

A crisp "snap" sounded.

Along with the hatred she let go of, there was also the hatred in her heart.

And there was the dagger that had unknowingly slipped from his hand.

At this moment, Fu Ruiying felt extremely cowardly.

But while feeling cowardly, I also felt a sense of relief and peace of mind.

She breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself that from now on, she would never have to seek revenge against Chi Junlin again.

I don't want to see her again.

Because Lin Jun was there to protect her.

As long as Lin Jun held her like this, Fu Ruiying felt that there was nothing left to be afraid of.

Chapter 120 Night Visit to the Study

Outside the courtyard corridor.

As Lou Xiangfei watched Ye Qiancao enter the room accompanied by two beautiful maids, her expression turned cold.

He glanced coldly at the closed door.

Then, he turned to Jiang Mao, the military governor of the Southern Kingdom, who was about to leave, and said softly, "Governor, would it be convenient for us to speak in private?"

Jiang Mao turned to look at Lou Xiangfei, his expression cold and stern, seemingly not treating Lou Xiangfei well either.

But seeing Lou Xiangfei's serious expression, he thought for a moment and nodded.

Then, after a short while...

In the Lou family's tea room for receiving guests.

Lou Xiangfei dismissed the servants accompanying her and personally poured Jiang Mao a cup of tea.

Seeing that Liu Er was no longer present, Lou Xiangfei became serious and said to Jiang Mao, "Commander, I have a question. Would you mind answering it?"

Jiang Mao glanced at her, seemingly knowing what Lou Xiangfei wanted to ask, and thus remained silent.

Lou Xiangfei then asked Jiang Mao, "Is the person on the throne today truly... Chi Junlin?"

Lou Xiangfei asked Jiang Mao this question to verify because, in fact, the two were not of one mind.

Although Lou Xiangfei and Jiang Mao both lived in the Southern Capital, Lou Song and Jiang Mao were both high-ranking officials in the Dazheng Dynasty.

However, due to the inherent conflicts between the Lou and Jiang clans regarding their respective local and imperial lineages, their relationship has not been good over the years.

If it weren't for Ye Qiancao's arrival in Nandu today, Jiang Mao probably wouldn't have bothered with Lou Xiangfei at all, and naturally wouldn't have come to this banquet.

Upon hearing Lou Xiangfei's question, Jiang Mao remained silent for a moment.

Then he replied, "I don't know."

Lou Xiangfei was stunned, her face showing disbelief.

"Don't know? How could that be? Lord Jiang just came to the capital to report on his duties two months ago. At that time, Chi Junlin was still in court, at the height of his power. How could Lord Jiang not recognize her?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mao sneered, looking at Lou Xiangfei with a disdainful expression, and said, "Are you an official of the imperial court? Do you know what the imperial court is like?"

Don't underestimate me just because I'm a regional military governor. Above me are the officials of the Three Provinces, the Six Ministries, the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, and other high-ranking officials of the court.

When I went to Beijing to report on my work, I wasn't even worthy to have a face-to-face conversation with Chi Junlin; I could only catch a glimpse of him from afar, separated by more than 120 steps.

How could I know what Chi Junlin looked like with just one glance?

How can I recognize her?

"Isn't it ridiculous for a lady to ask such a question?"

Lou Xiangfei couldn't help but frown after hearing Jiang Mao's words.

So, no one can confirm Chi Junlin's identity yet, or whether the person inside the house is Chi Junlin himself?

She hesitated for a moment, then looked at Jiang Mao, whose expression was uncertain.

After thinking for a moment, he continued to say to Jiang Mao, "Your Excellency, I know that we used to have some disagreements because of my elder brother."

But now that a formidable enemy is at hand, it would be better to put aside past grievances and unite against the foreign foe.

As she spoke, Lou Xiangfei explained the advantages and disadvantages to Jiang Mao again, repeating the same things she had said to the Five Great Sect Leaders.

Jiang Mao thought for a moment, then asked Lou Xiangfei, "What do you plan to do?"

Lou Xiangfei then revealed a deep expression and said to Jiang Mao, "Now that Chi Junlin is in my residence, he is as if he has imprisoned himself."

Her greatest reliance was simply the belief that since Lou Song was in her hands, I wouldn't dare to touch her.

But if she thinks that way, she's seriously underestimating me, Lou Xiangfei!

Lou Xiangfei said, letting out a cold laugh.

Jiang Mao then looked at her properly, waiting for her to say what she was about to say.

Lou Xiangfei then continued, "Lord Jiang also holds military power. If he could lead the troops forward, he could quickly resolve the situation..."

As she spoke, she made a throat-slitting gesture.

Jiang Mao remained silent.

Lou Xiangfei then continued, "Chi Junlin is, after all, highly skilled in martial arts. We can't discern the true strength of her men. We need to investigate further."

Our Lou family can certainly do this too, but it's not a reliable option.

I also know what the general is worried about.

It's simply a matter of whether the Crimson Emperor's Arrival is real or fake.

Even if she is an imposter, it doesn't matter. Even if we kill her, we can just say that we saw through her identity and take her head to give the court an explanation.

If that's true... that would be even better!

Given Chi Junlin's current situation of coercing the emperor, once she dies, the imperial city will fall into chaos on its own.

At that time, taking advantage of the chaos in the court, the military governor, being a member of the imperial family and holding military power...

Perhaps he can achieve great things; however, that remains to be seen.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Liangmao slightly raised his eyes, looked at Lou Xiangfei, and said softly, "Madam, please be careful with your words."

But judging from his expression, Lou Xiangfei knew that she had persuaded him.

So he smiled and said no more.

Then he left with the words, "Please take your time to consider this, sir."

After saying that, he turned and left the tea room.

Jiang Mao sat in his seat, lost in thought.

He pondered Lou Xiangfei's words and understood perfectly well that Lou was not incapable of dealing with "Chi Junlin" on her own.