Ex-Wife is a Big Villainess
Chapter 758 - 373: The Beautiful Man-Eating Flower (Thanks to the Alliance Hierarch Not Me for the Title)

Chapter 758: Chapter 373: The Beautiful Man-Eating Flower (Thanks to the Alliance Hierarch Not Me for the Title)

After driving away the desert bandits led by Scorpion, the Heshan Tribe found itself in a temporary lull.

In order to quickly establish Lei Tian’s main military presence, on the day of the marriage arrangement, Clan Leader Arhun personally instructed Liao Feihu to escort Yun Zhu to Lei Tian’s encampment early on along with a group of people.

Yun Zhu, who harbored affections in her heart, naturally shed a trail of tears.

Yet the maiden was keenly aware that her mission pertained to the survival of the tribe, so even if her heart was filled with reluctance, she had to bury the feelings of first love deep in her chest, treating Liao Feihu as a mere stranger.

During the journey, Liao Feihu remained consistently sullen and silent.

But who would have anticipated, halfway through the escort mission, the group suddenly encountered a unit from the Fourth Prince of Nanjin Country.

Amidst the chaos, Yun Zhu was captured, and Liao Feihu was severely injured, his whereabouts unknown.

The tribespeople who narrowly escaped brought the news back to town, instantly sending shockwaves among the leaders, including the Clan Leader.

The Clan Leader immediately convened an assembly, but after hours of discussion, no clear strategy emerged.

Finally, someone suggested seeking out Jiang Shouzhong and his wife, prompting the agitated Clan Leader to realize this might be the solution. Hastily, he sent messengers to invite the couple from the inn.

When Jiang Shouzhong heard the news, he too was deeply shocked.

After all, Liao Feihu had mentioned that in order to avoid mishaps, the escort route had been meticulously concealed, selecting a particularly remote path unknown to outsiders.

Who could have imagined they would encounter the Nanjin soldiers by sheer coincidence?

Could there be a traitor within?

However, Xiao Lingqiu, upon hearing the news, showed no visible reaction, as though she had long anticipated it.

When the two arrived in the hall, the Clan Leader anxiously recounted the sequence of events and then looked at Xiao Lingqiu with an expectant gaze, saying:

"Ms. Jiang, Lei Tian values my daughter highly. Now that Yun Zhu has been abducted by the Fourth Prince’s men, if the marriage arrangement fails, this collaboration is surely doomed. Do you have any strategies, Ms. Jiang?"

Xiao Lingqiu approached the table where the desert map of Tongqiu was placed. Her slender jade-like finger tapped a few areas lightly. After a brief contemplation, she spoke softly:

"Yun Zhu’s capture this time seems to be purely accidental. From the escort route, it’s clear that the Fourth Prince’s unit appeared here intending to head to West Wind Valley to partake in the Hao City... that is, the battle against the Fifth Prince.

It’s merely a case of Liao Feihu being unlucky enough to encounter this group.

I can boldly speculate that after unexpectedly capturing Yun Zhu, they’re unlikely to return her to the Fourth Prince’s main base. Instead, they’re highly likely to gift her to their ally, Scorpion.

If that’s the case, Scorpion could use Yun Zhu to humiliate both Lei Tian and the Heshan Tribe, avenging the ambush they suffered last time."

Upon hearing Xiao Lingqiu’s words, everyone’s expressions turned grim.

Once Yun Zhu falls into Scorpion’s hands, the humiliation she would suffer is all too easy to imagine.

The Clan Leader’s face turned pale as regret and anxiety seized his heart.

Had he known it would turn out this way, he wouldn’t have arranged for his daughter’s marriage.

Lie Feng cursed bitterly: "That Liao Feihu is truly incompetent! He couldn’t even escort one person right!"

"Ms. Jiang, is there truly no way to rescue Yun Zhu?"

Someone asked.

Xiao Lingqiu accepted the tea offered by the maid. She took a light sip with her crimson lips before casually asking: "Previously, Liao Feihu mentioned that there had been a quarrel between Scorpion and his Third Leader, Wuyan Hu. Right now, Wuyan Hu has already returned to their old encampment with his men."

Before the Clan Leader could respond, Lie Feng immediately interjected: "Indeed, this is true. A dispute did arise between them."

At that moment, Lie Feng couldn’t help but extend his thumb in admiration, praising:

"Jingjing truly has exceptional wisdom. She implemented a small scheme that created a rift between them. Such tactics are admirable, and calling her a ’Lady Zhuge’ wouldn’t be an exaggeration."

Faced with Lie Feng’s flattery, Xiao Lingqiu remained indifferent and unresponsive.

Lie Feng felt somewhat awkward.

The Clan Leader furrowed his brows and said: "Although there is discord between the two, Scorpion isn’t likely to easily believe that Wuyan Hu has betrayed him. Once he uncovers the truth completely, it’ll be challenging to instigate further conflict."

Xiao Lingqiu’s jade finger tapped lightly on the route she had indicated earlier and said:

"As I mentioned, the Fourth Prince is likely to hand Yun Zhu over to Scorpion. However, given that he’s currently in a battle against the Fifth Prince and recently suffered losses at the hands of the Heshan Tribe, he wouldn’t dispatch a large unit to transport Yun Zhu.

If I were in his shoes, I’d send a small squad to deliver Yun Zhu to their nearest old encampment—a safe and convenient choice.

Currently, Wuyan Hu, with only a handful of men, resides at the old encampment. If we quickly notify Lei Tian, he can mobilize his forces to intercept the squad transporting Yun Zhu.

As far as I know, Lei Tian is waiting for his bride at Seedless Slope, which should give him enough time.

Even if the interception fails, Wuyan Hu’s small force wouldn’t stand a chance against Lei Tian’s main deployment."

Someone in the hall couldn’t help but remind: "Ms. Jiang, Scorpion’s old encampment isn’t far from the new one. If the old encampment is surrounded, Scorpion could quickly mobilize reinforcements."

Xiao Lingqiu nodded slightly: "Indeed, which is why we must proceed with the second phase of the plan."

"What second phase?"

Lie Feng gazed at Xiao Lingqiu intently, finding her composed and strategic demeanor captivating. At this moment, her poised articulation and foresight left him deeply impressed.

If he could marry such a woman, who in all Tongqiu would dare compete with him?

Xiao Lingqiu pointed to a route cutting through the stone forest on the map and said to the Clan Leader: "Clan Leader, at this juncture, why don’t we take a bold risk? You lead five hundred able-bodied soldiers from the Heshan Tribe to ambush on the north side of the Small Stone Forest, secretly observing Scorpion’s new encampment.

Should Scorpion dispatch troops for reinforcement, seize this rare opportunity to exploit the vulnerability of the new encampment’s defenses. Launch a direct attack. Coordinating efforts with Lei Tian, I believe he wouldn’t pass up this ideal chance... whether the plan succeeds or not, Scorpion’s losses will be devastating."