"Sang Sang."
"I will make you understand that I am the true chosen one!"
"To ascend to the throne, I killed so many of my brothers who competed for this position. Pei Weiqi? Hah, a mere woman, not worth mentioning!"
At this moment, Gu Sang could only agree with Pei Changying's wishes.
She looked coldly at Consort Li, telling Pei Changying to send her back to recover from her injuries.
After Consort Li left the hall, Gu Sang, to show her sincerity, offered advice to Pei Changying: "I always thought you only had eyes for your sister. I never imagined you'd be willing to sacrifice so much for me."
"Pei Changying, if you betray me again, I will truly die."
At this point, Gu Sang didn't dare to look into Pei Changying's eyes, fearing she might vomit.
Wouldn't she be struck by lightning for saying such things?
Suppressing the nausea in her throat, she quickly added, "As far as I know, Pei Weiqi only brought rescue personnel this time. Zhou Qichen and the main army are still in the plague-stricken city."
"Haven't your soldiers already reached Liujiang City? As long as you seize the opportunity to create trouble, Pei Weiqi, with no troops behind her, will definitely abandon the disaster victims and flee."
"Then you'll be able to win back the hearts of the people!"
Hearing Gu Sang's suggestion, Pei Changying's eyes brimmed with infinite affection.
He knew it!
Sang Sang still loved him!
Just like seven years ago, her eyes were only for him.
Everything she did was to force him to change his mind!
Pei Changying spoke in a low, gentle voice: "Sang Sang, your idea is the best. Even if Pei Weiqi wins the people's hearts before me, I'll be the one to reap the benefits. This time, she will certainly return empty-handed!"
"Without that rebel from the Zhou family, Pei Weiqi wouldn't dare to oppose me!"
After a pause, Pei Changying promised Gu Sang: "Sang Sang, I swear, when you return, I will cherish and love you properly."
"Even if you want the moon from the sky, I'll find a way to pluck it down for you."
Gu Sang felt goosebumps all over her body. How could there be such a disgusting man who makes empty promises?
Was he afraid she might ask for his kingdom, so he preemptively offered her the moon?
This promise was as hollow as a fart.
Gu Sang quickly brushed off Pei Changying with a few words and ended the connection.
Based on her understanding of Pei Changying, this foolish emperor would certainly not just create trouble for the princess. He would probably order his subordinates to eliminate her!
At that time, the disaster area would surely be in turmoil!
The people saved by the princess would undoubtedly resist the court, causing riots and shaking the people's faith once again.
He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. There weren't many troops that could be mobilized in the nearby disaster areas. How could they possibly succeed in killing the princess who had just saved a city full of disaster victims?
Oh, Pei Changying.
I secured this throne for you. Without me, what makes you think you can keep it?!
Sure enough—
As soon as the connection was closed.
Pei Changying immediately issued a secret order, a glint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes as he commanded: "Send a swift messenger to order the troops in the disaster area to kill the princess at all costs!"
"Hmph! If we don't kill her now, when will we?"
"Sang Sang, don't blame me. I'm doing this all for you to return. I'm doing this for your own good. You'll understand how much I love you."
-
The few counties adjacent to Liujiang City had been particularly lively these past few days.
The princess's troops and Pei Changying's troops arrived one after another, with the vast cavalry making the counties buzz with activity.
Especially when the imperial troops arrived, they announced their presence with gongs and drums, making sure every citizen knew they were relief workers from the court.
Indeed.
On every street and every road, there were imperial soldiers shouting loudly: "The court is distributing relief at the City God Temple. All disaster victims can receive a bowl of white porridge and two white steamed buns..."
"The Emperor's grace is vast. His Majesty is deeply concerned about the situation of the disaster victims and has specially ordered grain to be distributed. All disaster victims can receive a bowl of white porridge and two white steamed buns..."
The princess's advisors and subordinates stood at the entrance of an alley, watching this scene with darkened faces.
They were furious!
A subordinate immediately returned to the rescue area to inform the princess about the court's relief efforts, waiting to see what measures she would take.
Unexpectedly, the princess responded lightly.
"I understand."
The subordinate was stunned and waited for a while. Seeing that the princess had no reaction to this matter, he couldn't help but feel indignant on her behalf.
The subordinate said: "Your Highness, I feel this is unfair to you!"
"We risked our lives to rescue the disaster victims, but the court easily won them over."
"The court only provided a little food. If we hadn't spent all our money on lifeboats to save people, how could the court have the opportunity to distribute relief?"
"They're clearly stealing our credit! How can they be so shameless! What's the point of risking our lives to save people if this is the outcome!"
It took time, effort, and money to rescue people from the flood, and the court was nowhere to be seen during that time.
But as soon as they brought people to safety, the court came to reap the benefits.
The mere thought of it was frustrating.
The princess glanced calmly at her subordinate and said in a gentle tone: "Don't say such things again. I don't want to hear it a second time."
"We didn't save people to make them pledge allegiance to us, nor to establish our greatness."
"Our sweet potatoes aren't fully ripe yet, and we're short on food. Fortunately, with the court's support this time, the people won't go hungry."
"There's no need to keep the things you're worried and indignant about in your heart. The people have their own scale of judgment. They know what's what. We don't need to resort to any despicable means."
The subordinate lowered his head: "I have learned my lesson."
In a nearby county, where the imperial court had settled, a long queue had formed at the entrance of the City God Temple. Dozens of soldiers with long spears stood on guard, watching the disaster victims closely. If any victim dared to step out of line, they would be immediately seized and thrown out.
With the imperial soldiers' intimidation, even if the victims were starving, they dared not cut in line or take more than their share.
At this moment, an elderly couple came supporting each other.
"Get in line!"
Seeing that they dared not to queue up, a soldier immediately came over with a long spear, shouting.
Thud!
The elderly couple knelt before the official in charge of relief distribution, pleading: "Sir, please go and save our daughter. There are still many people in Liujiang City who haven't been found."
"The rescue team sent by the princess is far from enough. The flood is too fierce, and there's too little food in the mountains."
"If there's still no news, my daughter is surely in grave danger, sir..."
Rescue?
The disaster relief official sneered upon hearing this.
In a condescending, lofty tone, he said, "How dare you! The Princess is a traitor!"
"You insolent peasants, asking a traitor to save you. If it weren't for the fact that you're disaster victims, this would make you accomplices to treason."
"I'll overlook it this time, but leave immediately. Otherwise, don't blame me for ordering your arrest!"
