As Ling Ye left the Eastern Palace, he glanced back at the majestic palace, a meaningful glint flashing in his eyes.
"Qian Renxue... truly lives up to her reputation, her disguise is almost flawless. Too bad you've met me." He thought to himself, "Very well, let me see what kind of show this 'Crown Prince' of the Spirit Hall is planning to put on in the Heaven Dou Empire. Perhaps we can cooperate and put on a grand show for Bibi Dong?"
His plans quietly changed after he came into contact with Qian Renxue.
Over the next few days, Ling Ye stayed in the Heavenly Dou Imperial City. He was arranged by the Crown Prince's men to stay in an elegant and unique guest courtyard, where he was treated with the highest level of hospitality, as if he were truly a distinguished guest of the Crown Prince.
During this time, Qian Renxue, under the alias "Xue Qinghe," "coincidentally" met and hosted banquets for Ling Ye several times.
At the banquet, the two chatted about everything under the sun, from Soul Master cultivation to the situation on the continent, from strange tales to poetry and songs. They seemed to be having a pleasant conversation, but in reality, every conversation was full of witty remarks and probing.
Ling Ye's extensive knowledge and unique insights even made Qian Renxue, who considered herself a genius, secretly startled.
Ling Ye also held Qian Renxue in higher regard for her due to her erudition and wisdom, which she concealed.
She is indeed an extremely difficult woman.
A few days later, during a seemingly casual moment alone in his study, Ling Ye felt the time was right and finally threw out the real collaboration proposal.
"Your Highness," Ling Ye put down his teacup, his expression becoming slightly serious, "I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's hospitality these past few days. Your Highness's diligence and ambition are a blessing to the Heavenly Dou Empire. However, the Spirit Hall is powerful, and its ambitions are known to all. In recent years, its infiltration and oppression of the two great empires have intensified. Although Your Highness is wise, you cannot stand alone. I imagine you are feeling the pressure."
Qian Renxue, playing the role of "Xue Qinghe," frowned slightly, perfectly conveying a sense of solemnity and helplessness: "What you say is very true, sir. The Spirit Hall is indeed a thorn in the side of our Heavenly Dou, its strength is unfathomable, and its actions are becoming increasingly domineering. Although I am willing to resist, I often feel powerless. Alas..." She perfectly portrayed a wise prince who was deeply worried about the affairs of the country.
Ling Ye chuckled inwardly, but said solemnly, "I am not very talented, but I am willing to lend Your Highness a hand."
"Oh?" Qian Renxue's eyes revealed a suitable look of interest. "What are your thoughts, sir?"
"I wouldn't call it a brilliant insight," Ling Ye said calmly. "I have some personal grudges against certain people in the Spirit Hall, and I despise their ways. As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I can secretly provide Your Highness with some things that Your Highness might be interested in."
He paused, then continued, "For example, some 'insignificant' rumors about the movement of personnel and the transportation of resources within the Spirit Hall; for example, I have some knowledge of alchemy and may be able to cultivate some loyal and reliable people for Your Highness; and for example, if Your Highness needs it, I may be able to contact some 'friends' who are also dissatisfied with the Spirit Hall and provide some assistance to Your Highness."
His terms were very tactful, consisting of things that seemed useful but didn't involve core secrets. This showed his sincerity while leaving maximum room for maneuver, making it impossible for anyone to refuse.
Qian Renxue quickly weighed the options in her mind.
What Ling Ye suggested were indeed things she needed.
Pills can enhance the strength of her subordinates, intelligence can help her better understand the Spirit Hall's movements, and those "friends" may become her pawns in the future.
More importantly, this is a golden opportunity to keep this mysterious man under her watchful eye, slowly figure out his background, uncover his secrets, and even use him to deal with her greatest enemy.
Bibi Dong!
From any perspective, agreeing to cooperate is more beneficial than harmful.
As for the risks?
Qian Renxue has absolute confidence in herself; she believes she can control the situation.
She pondered for a moment, then a sincere smile appeared on her face: "What you say, sir, has struck a chord with me. To have your help is truly a blessing from heaven! In that case, let us swear an oath by striking our hands, forming a secret alliance to fight against the Spirit Hall together!"
She stood up and extended her hand.
Ling Ye also stood up and gave her three high-fives.
"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Your Highness."
"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Ling."
The two looked at each other and smiled, but beneath their smiles lay completely different thoughts.
Qian Renxue's plan was: I'll use you for now, and once I figure out your background and value, I'll either subdue you or get rid of you. I'll use you to cause some trouble for that bitch Bibi Dong.
Ling Ye's plan was: first, use your influence to gain a foothold in Tiandou and acquire resources and intelligence. Perhaps after you and Bibi Dong have fought to a standstill, or after I expose your disguise, I might reap unexpected surprises? This "Crown Prince" is himself a huge bargaining chip.
A superficial alliance has thus been formed.
To demonstrate his "sincerity," Ling Ye immediately provided the first piece of intelligence: "I have learned by chance that the Spirit Hall seems to have recently sent many spies into the Barak Kingdom, seemingly with the intention of winning over the country's nobles and gradually eroding its economy. Your Highness may wish to take note."
This intelligence was a combination of information he obtained from Hu Liena and Dugu Bo, and it was half true and half false, insignificant, but it fit his persona of "having inside information".
Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's eyes flashed with surprise. This message matched some clues that her subordinates had discovered, and her assessment of Ling Ye's "value" rose even higher.
"Thank you for the reminder, sir. I will send someone to check immediately." She thanked him solemnly, her acting impeccable.
After chatting for a few more minutes, Ling Ye took his leave.
Watching Ling Ye's departing figure, Qian Renxue's smile gradually faded, turning into a cold calculation.
"Pass down the order to closely monitor the movements of the Barak Kingdom. Furthermore, intensify surveillance on Ling Ye; I need to know everyone he contacts and every word he says. Also, send men to thoroughly search the place he mentioned as having 'seized an opportunity'; I need to find out the true source of his power!"
She would never fully trust Ling Ye; cooperation was merely the beginning of a more sophisticated exploitation.
Back in the guest courtyard, Ling Ye leisurely brewed a cup of tea.
He knew that Qian Renxue would definitely investigate and would monitor him even more closely.
But that's exactly what he wanted. Only by getting his opponent moving could he find weaknesses and opportunities.
"Mutual exploitation? How interesting." Ling Ye took a sip of tea, his eyes gleaming with an all-knowing light. "I wonder what your expression will be when you find out that I not only know your background, but also have a deeper relationship with your 'godmother'?"
This collaboration was destined to be full of lies and scheming from the very beginning.
Ling Ye was eager to see how the scene would unfold next.
Perhaps he should find an opportunity to give this "Crown Prince" a more special "surprise"?
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(End of chapter)