The Prime Minister's Darling
Chapter 1217 - 1217 594 Overwhelming Aura (Two in One)_4

Chapter 1217: 594 Overwhelming Aura! (Two in One)_4 Chapter 1217: 594 Overwhelming Aura! (Two in One)_4 Grand Tutor Zhuang made a gesture, two of the Zhuang family’s guards and one Yan Country’s Dragon Shadow Guard approached Xiao Hen’s carriage.

The Dragon Shadow Guard from Yan Country didn’t say a word and knocked out the Princess Residence’s undercover guard.

The Zhuang family’s guards captured Xiao Hen and brought him to Grand Tutor Zhuang.

At the same time, General Nangong from Yan Country had circled around from the rear on his horse, pulled tightly on the reins, and looked down upon Xiao Hen from his elevated position.

His eyes gradually deepened, as if scrutinizing Xiao Hen, yet as if seeing through him to someone else.

“You’re General Nangong?” Xiao Hen met his gaze fearlessly.

A general of Shang Country, his aura mighty enough to overwhelm Zhan Country’s prominent ministers, yet this nineteen-year-old youth dared to stare straight back at him.

General Nangong slightly hooked the corner of his lips, “Got some guts, chop off one of his fingers!”

Even after hearing that one of his fingers was to be chopped off, Xiao Hen still looked at him impassively.

A Dragon Shadow Guard stepped forward and casually grabbed Xiao Hen’s left hand.

Grand Tutor Zhuang calmly said, “Hold on, chop off his right-hand finger!”

Xiao Hen coldly stared at Grand Tutor Zhuang.

The Dragon Shadow Guard drew a dagger, ready to slash down, but suddenly a rapid hoofbeat sounded from not too far away.

“Spare the man under the knife—”

The Dragon Shadow Guard’s movement paused.

Grand Tutor Zhuang and General Nangong both turned to look, only to see Eunuch Qin from Empress Dowager Zhuang’s side coming quickly on horseback.

“Who is he?” General Nangong frowned.

Grand Tutor Zhuang said with a smile, “The Empress Dowager’s confidant, Eunuch Qin.”

When Eunuch Qin’s horse reached the open ground, he was blocked by Yan Country’s Dragon Shadow Guards and attendants.

General Nangong made a gesture, and the crowd parted to let him through.

Eunuch Qin dismounted, panting and said to Grand Tutor Zhuang, “The Empress Dowager… she has ordered… spare the man under the knife… just… just let Xiao Hen go… the Empress Dowager… she’ll agree to any terms you have…”

Grand Tutor Zhuang narrowed his eyes slightly, “Are these the Empress Dowager’s words, or are you falsely delivering imperial edicts?”

“Naturally, they are my intentions!”

Accompanied by a commanding and domineering voice, a spacious carriage approached slowly from behind; it seemed unhurried, yet it covered distances in the blink of an eye.

Grand Tutor Zhuang’s gaze flickered.

After all, he had been suppressed by Empress Dowager Zhuang’s aura for many years, and deep down, he instinctively harbored a certain apprehension.

However, considering the current situation, he quickly reassured himself.

He and Empress Dowager Zhuang had already broken ties; he was no longer her subject.

General Nangong made a gesture, and Empress Dowager Zhuang’s carriage drove straight through, stopping not far in front of Grand Tutor Zhuang and General Nangong.

She had practically come on her own; now, besides Eunuch Qin, there was only a coachman eunuch, who knew no martial arts.

General Nangong looked at Empress Dowager Zhuang’s carriage with a mocking smile, “Empress Dowager of Zhan Country truly impresses me.”

“Eunuch Qin.” Empress Dowager Zhuang ordered indifferently.

Eunuch Qin, understanding her, stepped forward to pull open the curtain for Empress Dowager Zhuang.

Empress Dowager Zhuang sat upright within the unassuming yet luxurious carriage, undaunted in the face of danger, “General Nangong of Yan Country, how about we make a deal? Just pretend Xiao Hen died here today, and I guarantee that he will never appear before the world again in his current identity. In exchange, I can offer you three demands, whatever they may be.”

General Nangong chuckled, “Empress Dowager Zhuang is truly generous. I heard this young man shares no blood relation with you, and you can even disregard your own nephew, Prince Ning. Why then do you protect an outsider so fervently?”

Empress Dowager Zhuang, with a naturally commanding tone, said, “That is my affair, not for General Nangong to trouble himself with. I only ask if General Nangong is willing to make this deal.”

Grand Tutor Zhuang turned and spoke, “General Nangong, don’t believe her. She’s cunning and shrewd. If you let Xiao Hen go, she won’t hesitate to lead her troops to annihilate you once she ceases to weigh her options. I know your loyal guards are formidable, but even they wouldn’t be able to escape against a hundred thousand troops.”

Empress Dowager Zhuang said coldly, “Do you think, General, that by killing Xiao Hen here, I will let you leave Zhan Country alive? If General Nangong doesn’t believe me, he might as well try. If you dare harm a hair on Xiao Hen’s head today, I will ensure all of you accompany him in death!”

General Nangong’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if pondering the likelihood of this outcome.

Empress Dowager Zhuang, profoundly understanding the balance of carrot and stick, continued to persuade gently, “This will be a worthwhile trade. No matter who Xiao Hen is, he will not reappear in his current identity in the future, and he will not interfere with any of your affairs in Yan Country. I believe that the General is simply following orders. Your loyalty is certainly commendable, but isn’t the lives of you and your men valuable as well? This is a win-win situation, why wouldn’t the General consider it? If you’re worried I’ll go back on my word later, don’t be; I’ve already promised you three conditions, haven’t I? I believe that the General will always find a way to keep a hold on me.”