CHAPTER 280: CHAPTER 277: SETTING A TRAP

Zhenzhou.

Amidst the cover of trees stood an ancient temple steadfastly.

Since the Daqi forces began their attack on the eight states, many have come to burn incense, praying for the army’s swift victory and return.

Madam Rong donated money for the incense and allowed Kun Dao to lead her into the backyard to rest.

Kun Dao went to prepare a vegetarian meal while Madam Rong picked up the tea and drank. Although she seemed calm like this ancient temple, her fingers couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

She was waiting for someone.

Finally, the door was pushed open, and Kun Dao placed the food on the square table, yet this time she didn’t hurry to leave, instead standing by Madam Rong’s side.

"Madam," Kun Dao whispered, "everything is ready. The forces have reached the Juma River. When the time comes, they will attack the checkpoint to hold off the National Guardian General’s troops."

Madam Rong’s hand curled up, having finally reached this point. The image of Song Qizheng emerged in her mind as she thought of the years of marital affection, but soon it was drowned by the death of Song Min.

Song Qizheng forced her into this.

Song Qizheng suspected her and her son, fully supporting Song Xian. For many years she painstakingly managed the Song Family’s inner courtyard, yet she could not surpass that despicable woman and that illegitimate child.

She watched as Song Qizheng spared no effort to prepare supplies for Song Xian, dispatching the best soldiers of the Song Family Army to Song Xian’s side.

When Song Xian returns triumphant, everything would belong to Song Xian, leaving no place for her and her son.

"Madam," Kun Dao spoke again, "Master asked me to ask you, have you made up your mind? If you don’t wish to proceed, the forces will withdraw to the new city."

Madam Rong’s heart trembled: "Then how would he explain to the Empress Dowager of Liao?"

Kun Dao shook her head: "Master merely said, everything follows Madam’s arrangement."

Madam Rong felt a pang in her heart, him willing to do anything for her, how could she still hesitate?

Back then, when she met Zhao Xingzong, she and Song Qizheng were already engaged. If she had met him earlier, perhaps she would have defied her elders to reject the marriage with the Song Family.

From the Capital City to the Northern Border, she could feel Zhao Xingzong’s care for her, especially during the northern turmoil when she was returning to the ancestral home in Dingzhou. On the way, they unexpectedly encountered the Liao people, and it was Zhao Xingzong who rescued her.

That night, she curled up in the cave, shivering from the cold, only feeling warmth in the middle of the night.

Zhao Xingzong found a cloak and draped it over her.

That day, she watched the silhouette outside the cave stand guard over her until dawn.

Zhao Xingzong said he protected her for Song Qizheng’s sake, but when she looked at Zhao Xingzong, his eyes avoided hers. At that moment, she knew Zhao Xingzong had developed feelings for her.

Though she was somewhat ashamed and annoyed, her heart was also delighted.

Who would not want to be cherished?

Thinking of this, Madam Rong felt even more distressed. Her treatment of Song Qizheng was in vain as Song Qizheng neglected her concerns.

Especially after Song Yu and Song Min were taken by the Liao people, Song Qizheng was preoccupied with how to attack the Liao, indifferent to their sons’ fate.

Yet Zhao Xingzong sent people to console her, assuring her that her two children would be rescued. She waited with hope, only to receive news that Zhao Xingzong was captured.

She was shocked and panicked, uncertain if Zhao Xingzong had made this sacrifice to save her children. Her premonition proved true as Zhao Xingzong found a way to rescue Song Min and Song Yu, bringing them back to Daqi, but he remained forever in Liao territory.

When she received the news, she was indescribably distressed.

Later, Zhao Xingzong became Xiao Xingzong, from a Daqi general to a traitorous villain.

No one knew why Xiao Xingzong fell so far, except her.

Afterwards, Xiao Xingzong sent people several times. Initially, she didn’t dare to meet, but over time she understood that Xiao Xingzong sought nothing from her, only wishing to help her.

He reminded her to be wary of Song Xian and those around him, revealing that when Song Min and Song Yu were captured by the Liao, it was due to someone leaking their whereabouts, likely from Song Xian’s camp.

Song Xian was young, but he had those willing to support the legitimate eldest son. As long as Song Xian was around, her son would gain nothing.

Previously, she just wanted Song Qizheng to dislike the legitimate eldest son, but that was clearly insufficient to suppress Song Xian. She had to make Song Qizheng and Song Xian enemies.

And so... that time Song Qizheng was "assassinated."

That assassination was fake, meant to frame Song Xian. This time it’s real; she wants to kill Song Qizheng. Once Song Qizheng is dead, and Song Xian perishes in the Northwest, her son Yu can take command of the Song Family Army, allowing her to live in peace thereafter.

Madam Rong looked at Kun Dao: "How many people do you have left?"

Kun Dao reported in a low voice: "We’ve lost quite a few recently. Two of our Thirteen Grand Protectors under Master’s command are gone, and He Kuan and Mrs. Zhao have been imprisoned; we’re shorthanded to confront Song Qizheng directly."

Madam Rong said: "I know that naturally. I’ve placed someone in the old lady’s quarters. When the old lady suddenly falls ill, Song Qizheng will surely take his people to Zhenzhou, and you can ambush them along the way."

Song Qizheng would die at the hands of the Liao people, and no one would suspect her.

Once Song Qizheng is dead, the Liao forces can seize the opportunity to pass through the Yizhou checkpoint. Xiao Xingzong will go west to confront Song Xian, uniting with the former dynasty people to kill Song Xian in the eight states.

The famous Prince Guangyang was also killed in battle this way, let alone a young Song Xian.

The military camps in Dingzhou, Zhenzhou, and other places would naturally fall into Song Yu’s hands. The Liao under Xiao Xingzong’s command would not trouble Song Yu, and Song Yu could quickly stabilize the Northern situation, guarding the checkpoint.

Then whose merit would the military achievements be?

Kun Dao replied, "It all depends on Madam’s arrangement."

"Then let’s proceed," Madam Rong said, "when Song Xian enters the eight states, we’ll act."

Kun Dao rose and exited the room. Madam Rong breathed deeply, as if having completed the most important task of her life. Once everything went smoothly, she would no longer have to live a subservient life.

Madam Rong caressed the jade token at her waist. The unassuming jade token was actually Xiao Xingzong’s device for mobilizing troops. As long as she held this token, the Liao forces would heed her commands.

Didn’t her Min just use Song Qizheng’s token once, yet he was taken to the Capital City and met his demise?

This time, she wanted Song Qizheng to pay with his life for her Min.

Remembering Song Min, Madam Rong’s mind drifted to Chen Family Village. Once the big matter was settled, she would still need to deal with Chen Family Village and make those people pay the price.

...

Song Yu exited the government office, and the household general beside him whispered, "Madam has returned from the temple."

Song Yu nodded, realizing his mother had resolved to act against his father.

Then he would feign ignorance, as the one who benefits in the end would always be him.

Song Yu said, "Send a message to Jia...Miss Yang, telling her that everything is going well here, and she need not worry."

Once he controlled the Song Family Army, he could secure the North, launch attacks towards the Northwest, and claim the eight states, making the commandery princess Jiahui his own.