WBSGVS Chapter 205 V2

If the omens were auspicious, then war it was. If they were ominous, they’d scrap the idea and move straight to a political marriage. After all, Princess Leqin was the one the King of Chu had initially set his sights on.

The moment this question arose, Sima Qinghe couldn’t sleep. She cried all night and went to the Qilin Hall the next morning with swollen eyes. Sniffling to Yi Han, she said, “It’s going to be me. She won’t let me off the hook!”

Even though she suspected that Qingli didn’t care about her at all, this kind of thing—solvable with just a word—there was no way she wouldn’t suspect herself.

Especially since she was the one who’d pushed Qingli into the pit of a political marriage in the first place!

Yi Han’s heart ached. He gently pulled her into his arms, holding her like she was fragile porcelain. But even so, all he could do was offer his pain. “I’m sorry… I’m useless.”

As he spoke, he tugged at the wound on his rear, wincing in pain as sweat broke out across his forehead. But he ignored it, consumed by self-loathing and frustration at his powerlessness.

Their opponent was too strong. Even leveraging the Yi family’s name wouldn’t help now. And because of this entire situation, the Yi family had placed strict rules on him: no more cozying up to the Regent, no offending Qingli—or he’d face harsh family punishment.

The injury he had now was the result of such punishment just a few days ago.

When Yi Han’s parents found out what he, Fu Cheng, and the Sima siblings had done, they locked him up and gave him a beating. If he hadn’t sworn repeatedly before his ancestors, he wouldn’t have even been allowed out today.

“Waaah!” Sima Qinghe sobbed even harder.

The man who had always schemed and plotted for her… couldn’t help this time!

She turned teary eyes toward Fu Cheng, silently pleading.

Fu Cheng looked away, embarrassed. “My mother said… if I pull one more stunt, she’s kicking me out of the house.”

Sima Qinghe: “…”

Her legs gave out in despair. Yi Han helped her back into a chair. She sat there, feeling like the blood in her body was flowing backward, as though awaiting a death sentence.

Sima Chang, who usually would’ve joined in their discussions, sat with his brows tightly furrowed. He didn’t speak a word of comfort to Sima Qinghe.

The three of them were so caught up in mourning the possibility that Qinghe might be married off to some crusty old man, they didn’t notice what was coming.

Just then, the eunuch who had been waiting for news rushed in, visibly excited. “The verdict is in! The National Preceptor says we can go to war—it’s an auspicious sign!”

Sima Qinghe and the others: “!!!”

The three of them looked at each other in disbelief. That was the result?

She said they could fight?!

Wasn’t she afraid of taking responsibility? Having Sima Qinghe marry into Chu would have solved everything so neatly!

But no matter what Qingli was thinking, this news was pure joy for Sima Qinghe. Tears of relief streamed down her face as she choked out, “Oh my god… I thought I was done for…”

Who would’ve thought that one day, as the most beloved princess of Jin, her fate would be entirely at the mercy of a forgotten princess who had spent over a decade in the Cold Palace?

Yi Han was equally relieved. “Maybe… she’s not as ruthless as we thought?”

Fu Cheng also let out a deep sigh of relief and chuckled. “Yeah. We were the ones who wronged her, but she’s willing to let it go.”

Only Sima Chang remained wary, brows still tightly knit. After being intimidated by her twice, he now had a psychological scar. Could she be so kindhearted… just letting Sima Qinghe off the hook?

Before the thought could even settle, the eunuch added sheepishly, “But… Your Highnesses, the National Preceptor had one condition. Lord Yi Han must lead the army.”

Their elated expressions froze in place. In unison, all eyes turned to Yi Han.

He was just as stunned. The Yi family had a legacy of military success, sure, but it had been years since they’d been on the battlefield. He had only fought in a few minor skirmishes. To be appointed now… by Qingli, no less?

—

That very day, Yi Han went to visit the National Preceptor’s residence.

Some might fear war, but not him. If it meant keeping Sima Qinghe from a political marriage, he was more than willing to fight.

He came to thank Qingli for the opportunity—and, quietly, to seek reconciliation.

Their former enmity had become unbearable now that his enemy had grown into someone utterly beyond reach. He was even beginning to fear her. So the moment he saw a chance to make peace, he seized it.

Qingli was practicing swordsmanship and had him meet her in the back garden. When he arrived and formally expressed his gratitude, her hand trembled slightly on the sword.

“I’d rather you didn’t,” she said with a wry smile. “I’m not worthy.”

Yi Han looked puzzled. “You’re magnanimous, gracious enough to let bygones be bygones, and you spared Princess Leqin. Of course, you’re worthy of my thanks.”

Qingli chuckled. “No need to be so formal. If you truly want to thank me, then win this war. That’s all I ask.”

Yi Han’s heart sank. He wasn’t sure what Qingli had in mind. The Chu kingdom currently held a slight advantage. He couldn’t guarantee victory. “But… what if we lose?”

In response, Qingli casually twirled her sword, then lunged straight at him with sharp, murderous intent.

Yi Han’s expression shifted. Instinctively, he drew his sword to block.

Clang!

Their swords collided, and his arm went numb.

To his shock, this seemingly delicate princess was just as strong as he was.

Something stirred in him—a fighting spirit. His expression hardened, and he engaged her seriously. But to his dismay, it felt like she could read every one of his moves before he made them. After only a few exchanges, his arm burned in pain, and when he snapped back to attention, her blade was at his neck.

“Shit!” Yi Han froze, not daring to move a muscle, terrified that the blade might cut him.

Qingli, calm and in control, waited until he was still before speaking in a low, almost lazy voice:
“If we lose this war, you’ll never see Sima Qinghe again.”

Yi Han’s face went pale. If she were just an ordinary princess, he might have plotted to eliminate her before the campaign. But she was the National Preceptor—beloved by the people, respected by the court, and deadly in her own right. He didn’t even dare to think about it now. He was starting to admire her.

Back then, he’d been reckless, ignorant, and unafraid. That was the only reason he had dared provoke her again and again.

And now, she didn’t hesitate to use her power against any of them—even her sister, Sima Qinghe.

He took a deep breath, hands trembling slightly as he bowed. “Don’t worry, National Preceptor. I, Yi Han, will win.”

He had to—for Sima Qinghe.

Qingli lowered her sword and smiled. Then she took two steps closer and added, her voice lowered:

“This isn’t just a war. You can’t lose, and… there are things I need you to bring back for me. Only if you deliver them into my hands will Sima Qinghe survive. Understand?”

Yi Han froze, wanting to protest. But when he thought of Qinghe’s safety, he bit his tongue.

He and Sima Chang had always planned to help him ascend to the throne one day.

But the National Preceptor’s words…

As Yi Han left the residence, torn and distracted, he didn’t even see the steps in front of him. He stumbled, nearly falling.

Qingli watched him from a distance, smiled faintly, then turned and walked away.

In her past life, the original Qingli had always been treated as a tool by Sima Qinghe, Yi Han, and the others.

Now that this was the game they’d set up, Qingli would play by their rules, just long enough to use them as tools. To fight for her. To win her more military power.

And when they were no longer useful…