TPITWOHEF

Chapter 195

The King of Chu set out, accompanied by his secret guards, Prime Minister Ji Duan, and Princess Yun Wu, heading towards the border between Chu State and Jing Country.

Having ruled for many years, the King of Chu faced little opposition within the royal palace and among the civil and military officials of Chu State.

Leaving a few ministers of the Imperial Cabinet behind to handle urgent matters, the King departed with confidence.

"Father, it's right here," Princess Yun Wu led the way, descending a small path from the back of a Chu temple, then traversing through the forest to reach the riverside separating the two countries. As they approached, they could hear the bustling of a crowd.

Just as Yun Wu was about to step aside to let the King go first, she froze in surprise.

On the opposite bank, the usual site of Jing Country's refined gatherings was teeming with activity.

But on this side, in Chu territory, what was once barren land now had tables and chairs set up!

Around each table sat people from Chu, some holding milk tea or fruit tea, others munching on skewers of grilled or fried foods, chatting away.

"..."

"!"

The King of Chu's mouth twitched.

He had forbidden his people from crossing the river, but the Jing people had brought their food over instead!?

That Xiao Yunzhou! He was even wilier than his father!

The King of Chu was finally becoming wary. No wonder that fellow Sanda had been persuaded by Xiao Yunzhou to form an alliance between the two countries.

Even Duoti, the spy he had once heavily bribed, had inexplicably switched sides.

"Jing Country..." Prime Minister Ji Duan, catching a whiff of the enticing aromas of roast duck and hotpot, swallowed hard. He wanted to say that Jing Country was adaptable, but seeing the King's expression, he changed his wording, "The Jing people are crafty."

The King nodded, but quickly shook his head, "No, I fear it's not that the Jing people are crafty, but that Xiao Yunzhou must have a mastermind behind him!"

He couldn't believe that Xiao Yunzhou, a fellow who loved cultivating the Dao, could suddenly become so clever.

Jing Country's cooperation with Wu Yun Country, their recruitment of Duoti and Sanda, and their recent successes in thwarting Chu State's plans - there must be a mastermind helping them!

It was very likely the mystical expert behind that strategy book!

The King of Chu hadn't believed in ghosts and gods before, but he found it even harder to believe that Xiao Yunzhou had suddenly become so smart.

After all, things he couldn't achieve despite his diligent efforts had been accomplished by this lazy meditation enthusiast.

The King of Chu would rather believe in the existence of mystical Taoist immortals!

"Let's find a table to sit at," the King of Chu decided to make the best of the situation, waving for his disguised chief eunuch to make arrangements.

Some people seemed to be finishing their meals and preparing to leave.

However, in just a few breaths' time, the chief eunuch returned, looking embarrassed, "Your Majesty, all these seats are reserved. There are no empty tables."

"Oh?" The King raised an eyebrow, glancing at the sun high in the sky, well past breakfast time. "Then we'll wait."

"Your Majesty," the chief eunuch lowered his voice, ensuring only their group could hear, "Every table is booked for the next ten days."