I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 517 Chu State's Plan Exposed

It is said that Princess Jiayang, only ten years old, was exceptionally intelligent and had proposed many beneficial plans for the country and its people in recent years. Her wisdom and talent not only significantly increased the grain production of the Qin Dynasty but also provided the people with warm heated kang beds during the cold winters, preventing them from suffering from the cold. Even more admirable was her advocacy for ordinary people to participate in the imperial examinations and enter officialdom; at the same time, she actively promoted women's education in schools.

These acts of kindness earned Princess Jiayang high praise from everyone in the Qin Dynasty. It is no exaggeration to say that many families enshrined a longevity tablet for Princess Jiayang, praying for her to live a long and healthy life.

Faced with such a respected and beloved figure, Qing'er truly didn't know how to begin. But if she didn't act, what would happen to her younger brother, Xiao Bao?

The rain poured down harder, the raindrops pelting Qing'er, sending a chill through her. She swung the broom mechanically, as if devoid of a soul. Deep within her heart, however, a fierce internal struggle was raging.

In her study in the inner courtyard, Ying Wuyou put down the bamboo slips in her hand and gently rubbed her temples. The desk was piled high with grain production reports and water conservancy drawings from various places, but her mind was not entirely on these official matters at the moment.

“That maid in the outer courtyard just now seemed a bit strange,” she suddenly said.

Cui'er, who was standing to the side, stepped forward: "Which one is the princess referring to?"

“The one holding the broom, with tears in her eyes,” Ying Wuyou said with sharp eyes. “I’ve been watching her for a while now. She’s sweeping absentmindedly, glancing at the inner courtyard from time to time, and her hand always unconsciously reaches for her sleeve, as if she’s checking something.”

Cui'er showed a hint of surprise on her face and said softly, "Your Highness is very perceptive. This servant will go and inquire right away."

However, Ying Wuyou raised her hand to stop her, and said in a deep voice, "There's no need to be in such a hurry, lest we alert the enemy." Although her voice was soft, it revealed a sense of composure and decisiveness.

Upon hearing this, Cui'er quickly nodded and replied, "Yes, this servant understands."

Ying Wuyou pondered for a moment, then said, "Let's quietly investigate her background first. After all, these are extraordinary times, and we need to be extra cautious about everything."

Cui'er replied in a low voice, "Yes, Princess. The Chu delegation has been staying at the post station for several days now, and apart from the last meeting, there has been no other activity."

Ying Wuyou's lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile, and he said slowly, "General Xiang Yan's personal delegation is probably not just for the sake of grain and expanding the economic zone."

Her words seemed to contain a profound meaning, prompting deep reflection.

Ying Wuyou paused for a moment, then continued, "Strengthen security within the manor, especially regarding food. All ingredients entering and leaving must be strictly inspected."

Cui'er's heart tightened, and she quickly asked, "Does the princess think they would poison us?"

Ying Wuyou sneered and replied, "Those who can't win on the battlefield will naturally resort to these insidious methods." Her tone was full of disdain and contempt.

“Although Xiang Yan is a dignified general, he may not dare to disobey the King of Chu’s orders.” Ying Wuyou’s gaze sharpened, as if he could see through people’s hearts.

In the rain-soaked inn, Xiang Yan was indeed facing a dilemma.

He stood under the eaves, gazing at the continuous autumn rain, his hand tightly gripping the Chu King's secret edict: "If negotiations fail, Princess Jiayang may be eliminated."

"General, the plan is in place," the lieutenant reported in a low voice. "We found a maid in the princess's residence, took control of her brother, and forced her to do it."

Xiang Yan frowned slightly: "What kind of maid?"

“There’s a cleaner in the outer courtyard named Qing’er. We’ve been observing her for a long time. She has a gentle personality and a deep affection for her younger brother. She’ll definitely give in.”

Xiang Yan paused for a moment: "Make sure no one is left alive after it's done."

After the deputy general withdrew, Xiang Yan remained standing under the eaves, his face grave. A general should fight on the battlefield, not commit such despicable acts. But the king's command was difficult to disobey. Qin's national strength had been growing in recent years, and Princess Jiayang had offered many strategies. If she were allowed to grow unchecked, Chu would be in grave danger.

"For the sake of Great Chu," he murmured to himself, as if trying to convince himself.

Inside the princess's residence, Qing'er finally finished her workday. Distracted, she returned to her maid's quarters. Her roommate, Xiao Lian, noticed her and asked with concern, "Qing'er, what's wrong with you today? You look so pale."

Qing'er forced a smile: "It's nothing, I'm just a little homesick."

After the lights were turned off, Qing'er tossed and turned in bed. The jade bottle in her sleeve felt like a branding iron, burning her with unease. Finally, she quietly got up, took the jade bottle, and went to a secluded spot in the backyard, intending to bury it.

Just as she crouched down to dig, a calm voice sounded from behind her: "What's that?"

Qing'er was terrified and turned around abruptly. She saw Ying Wuyou standing in the rain wearing a cloak, with Cui'er and two guards beside him.

"Princess..." Qing'er knelt on the ground, trembling all over.

Ying Wuyou stepped forward and held out her hand: "Let me see."

Qing'er trembled as she handed over the jade bottle, sobbing uncontrollably, "Princess, spare me! I didn't mean to... they captured my brother..."

Ying Wuyou examined the jade bottle with a solemn expression: "Cui'er, take it to the imperial physician for examination." Then he turned to Qing'er, "Tell me in detail. If there is even a single falsehood, you know the consequences."

Qing'er kowtowed repeatedly, recounting how her younger brother had been kidnapped and forced to be poisoned, only concealing the fact that the perpetrator was from Chu—she feared that if she revealed it, her brother would die immediately.

Ying Wuyou listened quietly, then said thoughtfully, "Get up. I will give you a chance to atone for your sins."

Qing'er looked up in disbelief.

"Pretend to follow the plan. Meet with them in three days and say you've succeeded. I will send people to secretly protect your brother." Ying Wuyou's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. "But if you dare to have any disloyal thoughts..."

"This servant would never dare! Thank you for your grace, Princess!" Qing'er kowtowed repeatedly.

Ying Wuyou turned and left, a cold glint in her eyes. Just as she had expected, the Chu delegation had ulterior motives for their trip.

Three days later, Qing'er arrived at a teahouse in the south of the city as agreed. The person she was meeting was a man with a scar on his face. Upon seeing Qing'er, he eagerly asked, "Did you succeed?"

Qing'er nodded and, following Ying Wuyou's instructions, said, "It's already been added to the princess's breakfast. Where's my brother?"

The man sneered: "The princess is dead?"

"This morning, the princess suddenly experienced excruciating abdominal pain, and the imperial physicians rushed there..." Qing'er said in a low voice, her palms covered in cold sweat.

The man nodded in satisfaction and was about to say something when suddenly a commotion arose outside. The doors and windows of the teahouse were violently smashed open, and Qin soldiers poured in.

"We've fallen for their trap!" the man roared, drawing his sword to fight, but was quickly subdued.

Qing'er was escorted to the rear and anxiously asked the officer beside her, "Where is my brother? The princess promised to save my brother!"

The officer remained expressionless: "The princess has her own plans."