Chapter 463: Bow in Submission, She Was Terribly Mistaken

Ji Qingwu looked at him and said, "Come apply this medicine."

A Black Eagle was perched on Chi Rui’s left shoulder.

Although he had been locked in a fierce battle with this eagle just moments before, he had a natural fondness for the raptor and knew its earlier attack hadn’t been of its own volition.

Chi Rui raised his arm, touching a scrape near his ear. He grinned and took half a step back.

"Miss Ji, I’m fine. No need for medicine. This scratch will heal in a couple of days."

Ji Qingwu pointed to his left shoulder. "I meant the Black Eagle’s wing needs medicine."

Chi Rui let out an "ah" and scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. "I can do it."

The Black Eagle’s wing hung limply. Ji Qingwu stepped closer and gently lifted the feathers at the base of its wing.

Chi Rui asked nervously, "Miss Ji, how is it?"

As if it knew she was concerned about its injury, the Black Eagle also stared at Ji Qingwu with its small, bean-like eyes.

Ji Qingwu lowered her hand and said softly, "It’s not too serious. Here is some medicinal powder. Just help it apply this to the wound. Remember to reapply it every four hours."

Chi Rui carefully took the medicine bottle and immediately started fussing over the Black Eagle, applying the medicine and muttering nonstop, "You little rascal, it’s your lucky day you met me..."

Ji Qingwu scanned the area again. After confirming there were no other untreated injuries, she neatly packed the medicine bottles into her small bundle.

Li Yuzong perceptively took it from her. "Allow this old servant."

Seeing Ji Qingwu walk down from the high platform, Gao Zhao Yue said, "Is it finally my turn?"

However, Ji Qingwu merely walked past her, her expression clearly showing she had no desire to speak much with her.

"Is there anything for us to discuss? Why don’t you wait for His Majesty to return and talk to him?"

’She would keep the woman here and let Emperor Wu Su deal with her upon his return to camp. That way, everyone fulfills their own duties. Perfect.’

When Gao Zhao Yue heard her casually mention the Emperor of Beili, her gaze shifted. "Are you so sure your Emperor will be able to return?"

Ji Qingwu tilted her head slightly. "And why wouldn’t he?"

Gao Zhao Yue’s red lips curled into a smirk. "Yu Wen Tiancheng isn’t so easy to deal with. His methods are far more insidious than you can imagine. If you want to defeat him, I can reveal one of his weaknesses to you."

Although she was trapped here, Gao Zhao Yue was confident she possessed something Ji Qingwu wanted, so she remained composed.

There are no permanent allies, nor permanent enemies.

Ji Qingwu gazed back into Gao Zhao Yue’s bewitching, seductive eyes.

Hearing her eagerness to share intelligence about Yu Wen Tiancheng, Ji Qingwu said faintly, "Now I’m starting to believe you really did come to sue for peace."

’Gao Zhao Yue desperately wants Yu Wen Tiancheng to be defeated, even to die on the battlefield.’

Ji Qingwu asked, "You two were once close. After you faked your death, he must have been the one looking after you, right? Is there truly not a shred of affection left?"

Gao Zhao Yue’s expression froze for a moment, but she quickly recovered and said nonchalantly, "He nearly got my son killed in Beili and has been deceiving me to this day. How could I possibly tolerate him any longer?"

Ji Qingwu asked, "You want him dead?"

Gao Zhao Yue lifted her chin and replied, "Only when he is dead can my son ascend the throne. Then I will be the Empress Dowager of Xijin. It’s a transaction I understand perfectly."

Ji Qingwu nodded. "That’s your business. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be taking my leave."

Gao Zhao Yue’s eyes widened in disbelief. This was the first time she had presented such a tempting offer only for the other party to act as if they hadn’t heard and turn to leave.

She raised her voice. "Are you a fool, girl? I can tell you Yu Wen Tiancheng’s weakness and help you defeat him!"

Ji Qingwu stopped walking. She turned back, her eyes shining brightly as she said, "Your help only comes as part of a transaction. We in Beili do not need your assistance."

’It’s better to stay far away from her from the start than to risk being bitten by a venomous snake at some unknown time.’

Ji Qingwu continued, "I believe His Majesty’s talent is unparalleled. He will certainly not fall for Yu Wen Tiancheng’s crude schemes."

Gao Zhao Yue was about to mock her for her arrogance when she saw Ji Qingwu’s eyes narrow into a smile.

"Have you not yet understood your own position?"

Gao Zhao Yue froze. "What do you mean?"

Ji Qingwu’s gaze swept from Gao Zhao Yue’s chained hands and feet to her face.

"Just because I haven’t ordered you to be locked in a cell doesn’t mean you aren’t a prisoner. On what grounds do you think you can speak to me? What leverage do you possibly have to negotiate with me?"

Her voice was light and pleasant in the night air, her tone still calm and composed.

"You should consider this: if Yu Wen Tianqing wants to rescue you, will he offer a few cities in exchange, or a million gold coins?"

Ji Qingwu then suddenly raised her voice, loud enough for every soldier in the training ground to hear her words clearly.

"Or perhaps, for Xijin to bow and submit to us, Beili!"

For Xijin to bow and submit...

That single sentence struck everyone like a clap of thunder, and all eyes focused on Ji Qingwu.

Before this night, the soldiers of Beili had never even considered such a thing. They had only hoped to win the war soon, push back Xijin, and restore peace between the two nations.

But after Ji Qingwu spoke those words, they realized an opportunity had appeared. Beili now had a high chance of conquering Xijin in one fell swoop.

Li Yuzong’s scalp tingled, and goosebumps erupted all over his body.

Of everyone present, he was the one who best understood Emperor Wu Su’s ambitions. While serving in the Diligent Governance Hall, he had seen the Emperor’s military maps.

What Emperor doesn’t dream of uniting the lands under one rule?

But Beili was a new dynasty. Its army wasn’t large, its military funds were insufficient, and it faced too many constraints.

But now, favorable timing and geography were on Beili’s side. Even the final condition, "the support of the people," was fulfilled...

Chi Rui’s hand trembled, spilling the powder all over the Black Eagle’s wing. The eagle flapped, sending the powder onto his face. He wiped it away, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

’So this is the woman Emperor Wu Su holds so dear.’

’She looks delicate and gentle, but she faced the siege of wild beasts without fear. She resolved the crisis all by herself. Not only that, she even captured the Beast Tamer behind the Xijin forces.’

’A single, casual sentence from her has ignited a fire in everyone’s hearts.’

Ji Qingwu didn’t seem to realize the shockwaves her words had sent through the crowd. She instructed, "Vice General Chi, assign some men to watch her. She must not be left alone for a moment, and her chains must not be loosened."

Chi Rui stood up straight and bowed respectfully. "Miss Ji, rest assured!"

A chill ran through Gao Zhao Yue’s heart. Before leaving, Ji Qingwu had turned back to give her one last look—a look that made her feel like a caged animal being watched by a predator.

’I was completely and utterly wrong.’

’How could a woman with eyes like that be a fool?’