The Empress's No.1 Lackey

"Former Qingzhou Commander Wei Xianzong? Come with me, Minister Xue wants to see you."

...

...

Wei Xianzong was taken to the government office, where he met Xue Shence in a room not far from the "Command Center."

"Lift your head and speak," Xue Shence said calmly as he sat behind the desk, noticing Wei Xianzong kept his head lowered, his gaze on the floor after entering.

When the latter lifted his head, revealing a face that had become much more gaunt and haggard, Xue Shence's gaze was complex:

"I never thought our next meeting would be under such circumstances."

Wei Xianzong, who had become exceptionally reticent after being captured, gave a self-mocking smile: "The Secretariat Envoy wouldn't have called me over just to taunt me."

The two had previously been in a superior-subordinate relationship, so they naturally knew each other.

However, Wei Xianzong, as a general supported by Yuann Li, was not in the same faction as Xue Shence.

"The military affairs in the city are busy now. I indeed don't have the time or interest to mock you. I've read the detailed battle report from your time at the Qingzhou border, fighting with the Five Army Camp. Yuan Feng also recognized your combat ability, saying that placing you in that position was a waste of talent."

Xue Shence said seriously, "Do you want to redeem yourself and get out of this predicament?"

Under his disheveled hair, Wei Xianzong's eyes suddenly lit up: "What do you want me to do?"

Xue Shence folded his hands over his abdomen and sat upright:

"I plan to select a group of elite soldiers from the army to form a 'Suicide Camp' to execute an exceedingly dangerous, high-risk, and low-success mission. After much thought, you're the most suitable person to lead this Suicide Camp."

Wei Xianzong's eyes shifted, and he looked suspicious: "Are you willing to let me command troops?"

He didn't ask what the mission was, how difficult or dangerous it would be, nor whether he could accomplish it. Instead, he asked this.

Xue Shence smiled slightly:

"Since Commander Zhao dared to risk impeachment danger at the Golden Throne Hall to rescue you from the death cell and placed you specifically within the Divine Mechanism Camp to bring you to the front line, why wouldn't I dare to use you?"

Wei Xianzong stared at him intently for several seconds, then said, "When will the Suicide Camp be formed? When do we act?"

Xue Shence replied, "I've already ordered people to select personnel. It can be assembled by tomorrow and go into action by the day after at the latest."

Wei Xianzong nodded and said, "I'm willing."

Xue Shence nodded with satisfaction and immediately ordered a trusted aide to escort Wei Xianzong back to camp, to pack his things, and then take his position as an officer in the newly formed "Suicide Camp."

After seeing the other person off, another person entered from outside the door, none other than Shi Meng, Commander of Divine Mechanism Camp.

"Sir, Wei Xianzong's abilities are certainly sufficient, but... can he truly be trusted?" Shi Meng expressed hesitation.

Xue Shence stood up, his expression unchanged, and said, "I don't know."

Shi Meng was taken aback.

Immediately, he heard Xue Shence explain, "But I trust Zhao Douan. If he dares to put someone into the Divine Mechanism Camp, it means he believes this person can be mobilized. The situation is urgent; we must not be constrained by conventions in deploying talent. Besides, Wei Xianzong is by no means mediocre."

After a pause, he added with a bitter smile, "Moreover, we must try all available methods. Deploying Wei Xianzong is only one of many plans, and it's a very postponed one. I don't have high hopes for him. Even if he fails, the loss is bearable. Let's go back and continue."

Within the "Command Center," a group of generals was still drafting plans, and Xue Shence had only stepped out for a brief moment.

After walking a few steps, he suddenly remembered something and said, "Send out more scouts to probe the enemy's movements. Be wary around the Capital Camp, too, in case suspicious persons appear."

Shi Meng suddenly realized, "You're worried that the Yunfu Rebel Army might send spies to seek military intelligence within the prefecture city?"

Xue Shence nodded, his face filled with concern, "The Mu Prince Manor has secretly cultivated a group of assassins and intelligence operatives known as the Embroidered Robe Envoy. We must be vigilant."

...

The backyard of the government office.

Nie Yurong pushed open the door, and just as she stepped into the courtyard, she saw that smiling, slightly effeminate eunuch walking towards her.

Nie Yurong quickly bowed in respect, "Mr. Song. My injuries have somewhat healed. May I ask what the next arrangements are?"

This Embroidered Robe Envoy was faithfully playing her current false identity.

Nominally, the Shadow Guard was under the Imperial Family's tributor, hence the subordinate appellation.

Song Jinxi smiled gleefully, "Commander Zhao said you risked your life to deliver intelligence, saving the Taicang Silver Mine. It's a great merit. Take these few days to recover here, and later we will recommend a reward for you. Why should a meritorious officer shed blood and tears?"

"..." Nie Yurong managed a smile, silently clenching her fists.

Damned it! As a spy from the Mu Prince Manor, how did she become a hero of the court?

After inquiring a bit further, she learned that Zhao Douan had successfully secured the silver mine and annihilated the rebel forces. Nie Yurong fell silent.

This deviated slightly from her plan.

To enhance the authenticity of her imposture, she intentionally fled from Yunfu soldiers while also leaking news of a light cavalry ambush.

However, she hadn't disclosed the specific location of the ambush.

The goal was to earn Zhao Douan's trust without really sacrificing anything.

Originally, she anticipated that after encountering Zhao Douan on the road, this traitor by the Empress's side would immediately lead troops to the prefecture city for rescue.

Afterwards, learning of an actual light cavalry ambush would perfectly corroborate her words.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Douan deduced the ambush location from such vague information.

Nie Yurong inadvertently ended up aiding the court significantly...

Nevertheless, it was all worth it.

"Hehe, it was merely my duty," Nie Yurong said with curiosity, "Where is the governor? And is Mo Zhaorong not here?"