TSFLIP Chapter 294

Just as Qian Qiu was too shocked to know how to respond, the man, as beautiful as a polished jade, smiled and spoke.

“Commander Qian, you’ve made it this far. You didn’t disappoint me.”

“Gu Yan…” Qian Qiu tightened his grip on the knife in his hand. “Did you kill these prison guards?”

“As prison guards of the Heavenly Prison, their skills were truly underwhelming,” Gu Yan chuckled lightly. “But then again, knowing they were under Commander Qian, I’m not all that surprised.”

Qian Qiu ignored the taunt. He slowly began to step back. “It’s impossible for you to have killed them. Your sword hand is injured, and the wounds from stabbing yourself twice haven’t healed. These guards are some of the best from the military camp. How could you have taken them all down?”

“I didn’t need to.”

“It wasn’t you? Are you saying they killed each other?”

“You guessed correctly, Commander Qian.”

Qian Qiu froze in shock. “What did you say?”

Gu Yan set down the teacup, his index finger lightly brushing the rim. With a soft laugh, he said, “Commander Qian, do you know who is the easiest to control?”

Qian Qiu said nothing.

“Those with family and loved ones,” Gu Yan answered. “Their birthplace, their family members—my people have looked into all of it, down to the last detail. If they didn’t die, their families would. Some might choose survival, but there are many in this world willing to sacrifice themselves for their loved ones, don’t you think?”

A chill crept into Qian Qiu’s heart. “Are you saying… they killed each other to prevent you from harming their families?”

“Commander Qian must think, like I do, that familial love is a foolish thing. But at times, it’s unexpectedly useful. Oh, by the way, I nearly forgot to tell you,” Gu Yan said with a faint smile. “The people close to you, and those they can’t bear to lose—I know all about them too.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I mean that if you weren’t still useful to me, you’d already be fertilizer for the flowers in my back garden,” Gu Yan said helpfully. “Commander Qian, I wouldn’t step back any farther if I were you. Otherwise, the people behind you might just take your legs.”

Instinctively, Qian Qiu turned to look. The four palace maids of the Empress—who should have been imprisoned—were now standing behind him. But unlike their usual submissive or lively demeanor, their expressions were icy, devoid of warmth, as if they were looking at a corpse.

In front was Gu Yan. Behind were the four women. Qian Qiu realized he had no way out. Yet, oddly enough, he felt a strange calmness. No longer searching for an escape, he faced Gu Yan directly and asked, “Prince Qian, you said I’m still useful. What use am I to you?”

“Leading troops in rebellion, imprisoning the Empress—isn’t that your role, Commander Qian?”

Qian Qiu suddenly relaxed. “If Your Highness also seeks the throne, I can assure you that I will not stand in your way. I’ll be an asset to you.”

“The throne?” Gu Yan’s lips curved upward. “You misunderstand, Commander Qian. I have no interest in the throne.”

Qian Qiu’s heart tightened again. “Then what do you want, Your Highness?”

“I already told you, didn’t I? Leading troops in rebellion and imprisoning the Empress—that’s why I’ve kept you alive.”

Gu Yan rose from his seat and walked unhurriedly toward Qian Qiu. His phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly, exuding a captivating charm. In a tone of admiration, he said, “Without you, Commander Qian, how could the Empress witness me injuring myself to protect her?”

The tenderness in his eyes was so intense it bordered on unsettling.