The female anchor turned into the dean of an ancient academy

"Lord Cen, you're joking," Li Yusheng slammed his teacup down on the table with a thud, trying to cover up his panic. "Everyone in our Zhenxi Army is loyal to Your Majesty," he said sternly, with unquestionable authority. "Lord Cen, please don't slander our Zhenxi Army out of thin air!"

Cen Jiexiao feigned surprise and covered her mouth. "Hey, look at my mouth, General Li, please don't be angry. I just arrested dozens of assassins a few days ago, and they told me that some of them might have slipped through the net and infiltrated Yuyang Province, so I asked. Since General Li is so sure, I guess he must have been prepared for this."

"Of course," Li Yusheng replied in a cold tone, as if Cen Jiexiao's words had angered him. However, he concealed it very well. Only he knew that Cen Jiexiao's words were like a sharp thorn, piercing his heart fiercely and causing waves of panic.

He tried his best to suppress the rage within him, not letting his emotions show. How much do they really know? Has my plan been exposed? This thought swirled through his mind like a venomous snake. He observed Chen Zigui calmly, trying to read something from his calm face.

Chen Zigui watched the exchange unfold. He casually toyed with the jade pendant at his waist. It was a piece of fine white jade, becoming even more lustrous as his slender fingers caressed it. He took in Li Yusheng's reaction and thought to himself, "This Li Yusheng isn't as calm as he appears."

It seemed Cen Jiexiao's words had indeed struck a nerve. A subtle smile curved his lips. It seemed we were getting closer to the truth. He decided to add fuel to the fire. "General Li seems quite concerned about what Lord Cen said?" He asked casually, his eyes fixed on Li Yusheng, not missing a single subtle change in his expression.

Li Yusheng was startled, knowing that Chen Zigui was testing him. He suppressed his uneasiness and asked calmly, "Oh? Why do you say that, Lord Chen?" He calmly turned the tables and tried to infer how much Chen Zigui knew from his reaction.

Chen Zigui smiled noncommittally. "General Li, don't be nervous," he said, his tone gentle but sharp. "I just feel that General Li seems to be particularly concerned about the 'assassin' issue." He deliberately emphasized the word "assassin" and observed Li Yusheng's reaction.

Li Yusheng sneered inwardly. This Chen Zigui was indeed testing him! He frowned in puzzlement and asked, "The matter of the assassin is of great importance. As the General of Zhenxi, I am naturally concerned. Doesn't Lord Chen care?" He threw the question back to Chen Zigui, trying to divert his attention.

Chen Zigui naturally understood the implication of Li Yusheng's words, but he did not intend to give up.

"General Li," Chen Zigui's gentle voice rang out slowly, like a gentle spring breeze, yet carrying a force that could not be ignored. "This sacrificial ceremony is of great importance, and Your Majesty attaches great importance to it." He paused, his eyes flickering over Li Yusheng, intentionally or not. "Your safety is of paramount importance." He didn't say these words out loud, but he repeated them silently in his mind.

Li Yusheng met Chen Zigui's gaze calmly, but alarm bells were ringing in his heart. He knew Chen Zigui was testing him, testing his loyalty to the emperor, and whether he had any connection to the assassins. Damn it, what on earth were these two trying to do? He cursed inwardly, but dared not let a word slip.

Seeing that Li Yusheng didn't say anything, Chen Zigui continued, "I wonder if General Li could spare some time to discuss with us the procedures for the sacrificial ceremony in two days, so that we can both have an idea and avoid any problems on the day of the ceremony and disappoint Your Majesty's expectations." His tone was sincere, as if he really just wanted the ceremony to go smoothly.

Li Yusheng sneered inwardly. This Chen Zigui had a good plan. He said he was discussing the ceremony process, but in reality, he was trying to test him! Trying to get words out of me? Not that easy! Although he was reluctant, he couldn't refuse outright since the emperor's title was mentioned.

"Since Lord Chen has spoken, I, the general, will certainly accompany you," Li Yusheng said with a forced smile, his tone devoid of any enthusiasm. "It's just that the food and drink in the barracks are so simple, I'm afraid I've neglected you two gentlemen."

"General Li, you're too polite," Chen Zigui said with a smile, his tone gentle but with an undeniable sense of strength. "We are here on official business, not for pleasure. General Li, there's no need to be extravagant."

Seeing the two men's resolute attitude, Li Yusheng no longer refused and nodded in agreement: "Well, as Lord Chen said, I will host a banquet in the camp tonight to entertain you two."

As night fell, the lights within Li Yusheng's tent dispelled the surrounding darkness, igniting a wave of ambition and illuminating a tiger-skin-covered table. On the table, the clinking of wine glasses echoed crisply and melodiously, and the aroma of fine wine and delicious food filled the air. Three figures sat around the table, the atmosphere seemingly harmonious, yet a hidden agenda lay hidden.

Cen Jiexiao and Chen Zigui sat facing each other, their glasses filled with mellow wine. Li Yusheng sat at the head of the table, dressed in military uniform, sword at his waist, exuding a commanding presence. The three of them chatted and laughed, as if they were old friends who hadn't seen each other in years. But each knew in his heart that there was more to this banquet than meets the eye.

After three rounds of drinks, Chen Zigui put down his glass. He glanced at the furnishings in the tent and said casually, "General Li, I see that the camp is heavily guarded and on high alert. The soldiers are all in high spirits. I think General Li attaches great importance to this sacrificial ceremony."

Li Yusheng laughed heartily upon hearing this. He picked up the wine jug and personally filled Chen Zigui's cup with wine. He said proudly, "Master Chen, you're joking. This is the first East China Sea sacrifice since Your Majesty ascended the throne. It concerns the fate of our Great Zhou. Naturally, this general must be extremely vigilant and must not take it lightly. Otherwise, wouldn't I be disappointing Your Majesty's expectations?"

Chen Zigui smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on the sword at Li Yusheng's waist. The scabbard was inlaid with a large night-shining pearl, which emitted a faint glow under the dim light. He said meaningfully, "General Li is so devoted to his duty. His Majesty must have seen it and remembered it. Who knows, perhaps His Majesty will summon the general back to the capital soon and entrust him with important tasks."

Li Yusheng sneered inwardly. He knew Chen Zigui was testing him, so he feigned surprise and said, "Master Chen, you're joking. I'm just a warrior, I only know how to wield a sword and a spear, defending my country. How could I understand the twists and turns of the court? It's better for me to stay at the border and be free."