"Nice idea, but it's impossible since his inauguration is today."

"WHAT?"

Yang Xian was calm as he lightly snuggled his head near Wei Liuying's shoulder. Since she was practically sitting on his lap, her small height didn't hinder him from putting his chin near her shoulder. Still a bit short, but not that much.

"I heard the news when I reached Dong Shan City. I'm sure that it'll be a matter of time for him to do a reorganize and then declared war against Prince Ji Sheng."

Shi Yan was stunned. "How… how are you so sure?"

"There's no point for him to keep me alive," Prince Ji Sheng said unhurriedly. "I'm sure Ji Shu will think of me as someone who will hinder his path to achieve the throne."

Even though Prince Ji Sheng was never interested in the throne, he knew that other people will never see it that way. They would want to push him to get the throne because his men preferred him over Ji Shu. Unfortunately, Prince Ji Sheng never had the chance to make a move in the capital city because his position as the general at the north.

It would be impossible for him to gather the necessary people to reclaim the throne even if he wanted it.

"The Imperial Family's life is very complicated," Shi Yan murmured.

Yang Xian glanced at Shi Yan and shook his head. "You already interacted with them occasionally when you want to trade, so I'm sure that you know the situation better than anyone else."

"… I can't possibly get close if not for your advice."

"Right, you still haven't paid me for my service."

Shi Yan's face darkened when Yang Xian brought it up. He could only look away and pretended that he didn't hear anything. Without Yang Xian's help and advice in his early stage of business, he would never be able to make it this far.

"What do you think will be the best move for us, Your Highness?" Wei Liuying chose to divert their attention once more.

"Strike first."

"That's not a bad idea," Yang Xian agreed. He smiled faintly. "I'm sure that Ji Shu will not be prepared for an all out war."

"Do you really want to have a war with him and possibly caused so many soldiers to lose their lives?" Wei Liuying asked back. She disliked the idea because it would make them lose so many Han Shi Kingdom's people. They were all people of one kingdom, so the thought of having internal war didn't sound really great to her.

Prince Ji Sheng looked at Wei Liuying. "We can find a way to make sure the soldiers stay away from this."

"Is that even possible?" Shi Yan chirped in. "I can't think of a way where it'll be possible for us to win the battle without so many soldiers."

In the first place, the only advantage Prince Ji Sheng had over Ji Shu was the fact that he had participated in numerous wars in the past. The accumulated experience was what made it possible for Prince Ji Sheng to keep calm even when his life was threatened.

Yang Xian sighed. "We didn't only win the battle with number but also wits, Yan."

"I don't understand."

"I mean, there's a way to make sure that the soldiers will not participate in the battle," Yang Xian replied and looked at Prince Ji Sheng. "That's why you wish that you can pull him on your side, right?"

Prince Ji Sheng kept his composure and nodded. "Yes."

"Wait, who are you talking about?"

"A person who has been moving in the shadow," Wei Liuying responded. She tilted her head. "It's not that hard to convince him to join you, Your Highness. I only need to have some light talk with him."

Yang Xian chuckled. He messed up with Wei Liuying's hair while his eyes glinted in ruthlessness. "In the first place, the only person who could possibly get close to him and he allowed so is you, Liu Ying."

"Me?"

"Yes."

Prince Ji Sheng could hear the displeasure in Yang Xian's tone. When he received the news and decided to send Wei Liuying, Yang Xian already knew what he planned to do. It was not something that Yang Xian liked, but since it was necessary, he didn't try to hinder Prince Ji Sheng's plan.

"So, what do you plan to do?" Shi Yan asked.

"I'll force Ji Shu to have a duel with me," Prince Ji Sheng replied.

Shi Yan's eyes widened. Comparing their martial arts skill, Prince Ji Sheng would not necessarily come at the top. After all, Prince Ji Shu was known to be exterminating the bandits around the capital city during his free time. He also had high martial arts.

If the two of them fought, it might not end until one of them die.

"But that…"

"It's a gamble too," Yang Xian admitted. "However, this is the best option compared to sacrificing so many soldiers in the war."

Prince Ji Sheng was silent for a moment. "Should I lose, you have to lead the soldier and declare war."

"And create the second rebellions?" Yang Xian shook his head lightly. "I'm sure the capital city is already in enough chaos after so many people die in the palace just a few days ago. If another rebellions strike, the tribes around our border, especially the north one, will not stay quiet."

"I know."

"If you lose, I'll make sure to support Lady Gao in avenging you and drag you back from hell," Wei Liuying added.

Prince Ji Sheng sighed. He looked at the pair in front of him with his dark eyes. "I won't lose."

"Good."

Yang Xian grinned. "Now that we had agreed in one thing, it's time for us to make the preparation to depart tomorrow morning."

"Wait, you haven't told me what I have to do!" Shi Yan protested.

Prince Ji Sheng passed a sidelong glance. "Your role is done. Good work bringing the additional weapons here. What you have to do is to stay in this city and make sure that the defense is secure."

"That…"

"Yes?"

"How do I do that?"

The others: "…"