Jade of Another World

No sooner had Liu Yushu left than Wanyan Qiang received an anonymous letter inviting him to a meeting. Holding the letter, a strange smile played on Wanyan Qiang's lips; its contents had clearly piqued his interest. He knew all too well that navigating the Dayu region required extreme caution, for a single misstep could lead to utter ruin. Yet, this letter seemed to possess an irresistible allure, compelling him to accept the invitation.

He immediately summoned his skilled disguise experts, and in no time, he transformed into an ordinary-looking middle-aged man. After confirming that no one could see through his disguise, he quietly left the inn and went to the agreed-upon location in the letter.

The agreed-upon location was an abandoned temple on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by overgrown weeds and eerily quiet. Wanyan Qiang cautiously stepped into the temple, warily observing his surroundings. Just as he was about to speak, a dark figure slowly emerged from the shadows of the temple.

"You've finally arrived." The shadowy figure's voice was deep and hoarse, as if it came from the deepest hell.

"Who are you? Why did you ask me to meet you here?" Wanyan Qiang asked directly, showing no fear.

The shadowy figure let out a sinister laugh. "Who I am is unimportant. What matters is that without my help, you probably wouldn't have achieved what you wanted. I can help you get what you desire."

Wanyan Qiang's heart skipped a beat. Though he appeared calm on the surface, he was inwardly filled with curiosity about the shadowy figure's words. "Oh? What makes you think I want something?"

The shadowy figure took two steps forward, revealing a pair of eyes that gleamed with cold light. "I guided you to rescue Liu Yushu, and I know that the child in her womb is very important to you. In Dayu, your actions are restricted in many ways, but as long as we cooperate, your status in Nanzhao will be unmatched, and even... you can get a share of the spoils of this Dayu kingdom."

Wanyan Qiang secretly pondered that this person, who knew his secret, must be someone of great importance. However, cooperating with such a mysterious person was undoubtedly like seeking help from a tiger. Nevertheless, the current situation in Dayu and his desire for power made him somewhat tempted.

"Why should I believe you? And what do you want from me?" Wanyan Qiang stared intently at the dark figure, trying to discern a flaw from his expression.

The shadowy figure sneered, "You don't need to know what I want. You just need to know that you won't lose out by cooperating with me. As for trust, you'll naturally believe me once you see my sincerity."

After speaking, the shadowy figure tossed a small box, which landed at Wanyan Qiang's feet. Wanyan Qiang bent down to pick it up, opened it, and his expression changed slightly. Inside the box were detailed maps of some important passages within the Dayu Imperial Palace, as well as the changing of the guard schedule.

"This is just an appetizer. If you nod, there are many more surprises to come," the shadowy figure said smugly.

Wanyan Qiang stared at the map in his hand, caught in a dilemma. Cooperating with the shadowy figure might fulfill his ambitions, but it could also lead him into a deeper conspiracy. Meanwhile, not far away, the spies planted by Lin Ning and Lin Wan were closely monitoring everything, waiting for the right opportunity…

Wanyan Qiang stared at the map in his hand, pondering for a long time. The allure of power burned fiercely in his heart like a raging fire. In the end, ambition triumphed over reason, and he decided to cooperate with this mysterious man in black.

Seeing that Wanyan Qiang was tempted, the man in black's lips curled into a barely perceptible sly smile. "Very well. As long as you do as I say, you'll naturally reap the rewards. My first task is for you to reveal the news of Nangong Jin's serious illness caused by the Gu poison at the upcoming palace banquet. Once the news spreads, the Dayu court will inevitably descend into chaos, and that will be the perfect opportunity for us to act."

Wanyan Qiang frowned slightly. He was well aware of the risks involved, but thinking of the enormous profits that would follow, he gritted his teeth and agreed. "Alright, I agree. But you must guarantee my safety."

The man in black nodded. "Don't worry about that. Since I've chosen to cooperate with you, I will naturally ensure your safety. The palace banquet is in three days. Go back and prepare well. I will arrange for someone to assist you then."

After speaking, the man in black vanished into the darkness in a flash. Wanyan Qiang carefully put away the map and quietly left the abandoned temple.

Back at the inn, Wanyan Qiang began meticulously planning how to reveal Nangong Jin's illness at the palace banquet. He knew that this had to be done subtly, causing a commotion without making himself too obvious.

Meanwhile, Lin Ning and Lin Wan learned from their spies that Wanyan Qiang had met with the man in black, but due to the distance, they couldn't hear the details of the conversation. Realizing something was wrong, they decided to go to the palace as soon as possible to inform Nangong Jin.

In the palace, Lin Ning and Lin Wan met with Nangong Jin and reported in detail about Wanyan Qiang's meeting with the man in black. Nangong Jin's expression turned grave upon hearing this. "It seems they are plotting something. But what exactly is their goal?"

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, after Wanyan Qiang met with the man in black, he looked solemn, as if they had reached some kind of agreement. Judging from the current situation, they are likely to take action soon, and their target is very likely Your Majesty."

Nangong Jin nodded slightly. "I understand. This palace banquet will likely be a trap. Issue my decree to strengthen security measures for the banquet, and at the same time, closely monitor the movements of Wanyan Qiang and his men at the post station."

A power struggle surrounding the palace banquet is about to unfold, and the situation in the Dayu court is becoming increasingly tense, with all parties making their final preparations for the impending storm...

On the day of the palace banquet, the palace was bustling with activity, but beneath the surface, undercurrents were surging. Wanyan Qiang, dressed in magnificent attire, mingled among the court officials, a cunning glint occasionally flashing in his eyes.

After several rounds of drinks and amidst the revelry, Wanyan Qiang felt the time was ripe. He raised his wine cup, feigning drunkenness, and swayed toward Nangong Jin. "Your Majesty, on such a grand occasion, I have heard that Your Majesty is in good health, truly a blessing for the Great Yu. However, I have recently heard some rumors that Your Majesty..." He deliberately dragged out his words, his eyes seemingly glancing at Nangong Jin, observing his reaction.

Nangong Jin's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized that Wanyan Qiang was testing his condition with the Gu poison. He suppressed his discomfort and drank his wine with a normal expression, but a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes as he coldly said, "Second Prince, please speak freely. I want to hear what kind of rumors you have."

Wanyan Qiang was secretly delighted, but on the surface he showed a look of fear. "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have heard that Your Majesty seems to be unwell. I wonder if this is true. If Your Majesty is unwell, I hope you will take care of your health. The entire Great Yu is relying on Your Majesty."

Nangong Jin was furious, but he couldn't show it. He knew that if he showed the slightest weakness, it would cause turmoil in the court. So, he forced a smile and said, "Second Prince, you worry too much. I just caught a slight cold recently, and it's nothing serious. But Second Prince, you've come from afar, have you gotten used to the customs and culture of my Great Yu?"

Wanyan Qiang was met with a rebuff and felt somewhat frustrated, but there was nothing he could do. He couldn't discern any obvious flaws in Nangong Jin's expression, but his intuition told him that Nangong Jin's health was definitely in serious trouble.

This test aroused suspicion in the hearts of many ministers present. After the banquet, several key ministers, filled with worry, went to Prince Xiaoyu's residence together. Consort De had been waiting there for a long time. Upon seeing them arrive, a hint of smugness appeared on her face, and she hurriedly welcomed them into the house.

After everyone was seated, Consort De dismissed those around her and said solemnly, "At today's palace banquet, as you all witnessed, Wanyan Qiang tested His Majesty. Although His Majesty tried to remain calm, I'm sure you all noticed the underlying issues. Now that His Majesty's health is uncertain, Dayu is facing an unprecedented crisis."

A minister frowned and said worriedly, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. However, the situation is unclear. What should we do?"

Consort De narrowed her eyes slightly and said slowly, "We need to make plans as soon as possible. If His Majesty is truly unwell and unable to handle state affairs, we need to find another wise ruler for the sake of the Great Yu's country."

Everyone was startled, understanding the meaning behind Consort De's words. Seeing the hesitation in their expressions, Consort De continued, "My lords, His Highness Prince Nangong Yu is benevolent and intelligent. If he were to inherit the throne, he would surely lead Dayu to prosperity. Moreover, the current situation is complex, and the second prince of Nanzhao harbors treacherous intentions. We must unite to deal with these multiple crises."

After a detailed discussion, the ministers' doubts gradually dissipated, and they felt that Consort De's words made sense. Ultimately, they reached a consensus and decided to support Nangong Yu. A conspiracy to stage a palace coup was quietly being plotted within this small prince's residence…

At this time, Nangong Jin knew that his condition was worsening and the situation in Dayu was becoming increasingly critical, and he was thinking of a foolproof solution...

Nangong Jin paced back and forth in the imperial study, his expression grave. The turmoil at the palace banquet made him realize that his illness had become a breakthrough point for various forces coveting the throne, and that Consort De and others were probably plotting their schemes in secret. After much deliberation, he decided to summon Xuan Yuanche to discuss countermeasures.

Xuanyuan Che rushed over and, seeing Nangong Jin's haggard face, his heart tightened. "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

Nangong Jin looked at Xuan Yuanche, his eyes filled with weariness and worry. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "Brother, I summoned you here today to tell you the truth. My Gu poison is getting worse, and the situation in the court is complicated. Consort De and others are stirring up trouble, trying to install a new emperor. I know you are loyal to Dayu, so I have an idea that I hope you can protect this country for me."

Xuan Yuanche was startled; he hadn't expected Nangong Jin to say such a thing. He looked at Nangong Jin, his expression serious and earnest.

Nangong Jin continued, "I hope you can replace me as emperor. Only in this way can we completely crush Consort De's conspiracy and stabilize the situation in Dayu."

Xuanyuan Che fell into deep thought, fully aware of the helplessness and anxiety behind Nangong Jin's actions. He also understood that this might be a test from Nangong Jin. If he readily agreed, Nangong Jin would inevitably become suspicious, believing he still harbored ambitions for the throne.

After a long while, Xuanyuan Che raised his head, looking firmly at Nangong Jin, and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your trust. But I cannot agree to your request. I know Your Majesty's sincere heart for Dayu. Your Majesty is only temporarily trapped by the Gu poison. As long as we work together, we will surely find an antidote. I am willing to accompany Your Majesty and assist you in protecting the Dayu kingdom, and never let Consort De and the others' conspiracy succeed."

Upon hearing Xuan Yuanche's reply, Nangong Jin's heart stirred slightly. Looking into Xuan Yuanche's sincere eyes, his doubts dissipated somewhat. He knew Xuan Yuanche's loyalty and understood his abilities. With Xuan Yuanche's assistance, his chances of victory would be greatly increased.

"Good! With General Xuanyuan's words, I am relieved. Now we must find the antidote as soon as possible, and at the same time keep a close eye on the movements of Consort De and the others, and we must not let them have any opportunity to take advantage of us," Nangong Jin said.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost," Xuanyuan Che replied firmly.

Thus, the two began to discuss countermeasures, and an operation to protect the Great Yu Kingdom and thwart the conspiracy was quietly planned and unfolded in the Imperial Study...

Upon hearing that his mother was secretly plotting another incident, Xiao Yu Wang was both angry and worried. He knew that once his mother's ambitions grew, they would bring great disaster to the entire palace and even the Great Yu Kingdom.

With mixed feelings, Prince Xiaoyu hurriedly arrived at Consort De's palace. Consort De was sitting on the couch, discussing something with several confidants with a gloomy expression. She was slightly taken aback when Prince Xiaoyu suddenly barged in.

“Mother, why are you doing this again? The situation in the court is already unstable. What you are doing will only plunge Dayu into an even deeper crisis!” Little Jade King said bluntly, his tone full of reproach.

Consort De frowned and said unhappily, "Yu'er, what do you know! Nangong Jin is now afflicted with Gu poison and is no longer able to govern the country. For the sake of the Great Yu's country, we must establish a new emperor, and you are the most suitable candidate."

Xiao Yuwang felt a chill run down his spine. He hadn't expected his mother's ambition to be so great, attempting to place him on the throne. "Mother," he said, "the throne is not so easily obtained. Such actions will only incite internal strife, giving foreign enemies like Nanzhao and Yue an opportunity to take advantage. I do not wish to participate in such matters."

Seeing Prince Yu's resolute opposition, Consort De grew anxious. She stood up, walked to Prince Yu, and her eyes revealed a resolute determination: "Yu'er, if you don't agree, there's no point in me living. Can you bear to watch me die?" As she spoke, Consort De picked up a dagger from the side and held it to her own neck.

Little Jade King was shocked and rushed forward to stop her, saying, "Mother, why are you doing this!"

Consort De wept bitterly, saying, "Yu'er, everything I've done is for you. As long as you ascend the throne, my son and I will no longer be afraid, no longer worry, and no longer be bullied by others. If you don't agree, I will have no choice but to die."

Xiao Yuwang was in immense pain. He knew his mother's mind was made up, and with her threatening suicide, he could not refuse. After much hesitation, he sighed and said helplessly, "Mother, please put down the dagger. Your son agrees."

Consort De slowly lowered the dagger, a relieved smile appearing on her face. "Yu'er, don't worry, I've arranged everything. As long as we work together, we'll definitely succeed."

Xiao Yuwang was filled with mixed emotions. He knew that his compromise had led him down a path fraught with intrigue and danger. But for his mother's sake, he had no other choice. From then on, he could only collude with his mother, becoming increasingly entangled in the power struggle within the court… And the situation in Dayu became even more complex due to Xiao Yuwang's involvement, a breathtaking storm sweeping towards the unsuspecting court and its people.