Chapter 119: Obtaining the Nanyang Kingdom's Deployment Plans

She had longed to leave the Yan family, but being heavily pregnant at the time, she found it impossible to escape on her own. She had no choice but to wait until after the child was born to make her decision. During this period, she used the evidence provided by the ranger to threaten both the matriarch and the master of the Yan household. She warned them that if any harm befell her, the evidence would be exposed, which would result in the entire Yan clan facing execution for treason. Consequently, the master of the Yan household grew to despise Nan Xing even more.

After the child was born, Nan Xing intended to seek out the ranger, but the Empress, who had previously given up the search, suddenly dispatched agents once more to track her down. With no other options, Nan Xing was forced to leave her children at the Yan estate. Because she held the incriminating evidence against them, the Yan family dared not harm her two children. Driven by desperation, she had to abandon them; her presence only invited danger to their doorstep. To draw away those hunting her, she ventured alone back into the territory of the Nanyang Kingdom.

Upon returning to Nanyang, she began to rally her own forces. Having previously helped many people during her time as a high-ranking princess, she found that those who heard of her return flocked to support her. Aside from those she had helped in the past, others came to pledge their loyalty because of the ranger. Like Nan Xing, the ranger possessed a kind and helpful spirit, having aided many in his own right, which was why so many were willing to come to their aid in times of crisis.

With such support, Nan Xing managed to survive despite the Empress’s constant pursuit. Though the Empress was furious, she found herself powerless to stop it. She could only dispatch an endless stream of assassins to hunt Nan Xing down, but Nan Xing was surrounded by a multitude of experts who protected her well, ensuring she remained unharmed. Thus, the struggle between Nan Xing and the Empress persisted until this very day.

Shen Hezhi felt a sense of shock as he listened to this history. He looked up at Nan Xing and asked, "Then... by telling me all of this, are you asking for my help?"

Nan Xing shook her head and replied, "I have lived long enough, but I am worried about my two children. Although I have been in Nanyang, I am still well aware of news from the outside world. I know you have married my daughter, and through various inquiries, I have learned that you treat her well. This puts my mind at ease." Nan Xing offered a kindly smile, looking at her son-in-law with growing satisfaction.

However, her response left Shen Hezhi puzzled. If she wasn't seeking help, why call him here and reveal so much? This information was a monumental secret, the kind one would only share with someone they trusted implicitly. Could it be that she trusted him simply because he had married her daughter?

Nan Xing, indifferent to his inner thoughts, continued, "I am telling you this not because I want you to do something for me, but because I fear my days are numbered, and I must entrust these truths to someone. I hope that at an appropriate time, you can share these truths with my daughter. I have failed to fulfill my duties as a mother for all these years, so I hope you will take good care of her."

"That goes without saying," Shen Hezhi replied. "She is the person I hold most dear. Even if I were to die, I would never let her come to harm."

Nan Xing smiled with deep satisfaction at his answer. "Beyond telling you of these past events, I also promised to assist you in conquering the Nanyang Kingdom. That was no empty claim; it is the truth."

"But why do you feel your time is short, and why entrust this to me? You could use this information yourself to defeat the Empress you hate so much," Shen Hezhi countered.

Nan Xing did not agree. She shook her head expressionlessly, a trace of sorrow in her eyes. "If this were before, perhaps it would have been possible, but now, there is no chance left." She paused, then continued, "What I am about to tell you is of the utmost importance, and it concerns the battlefield. If you understand these facts, you will secure victory. However, there is one thing I must ask of you. You know that the one leading the opposing forces is the Third Prince of Nanyang, Nan An. He is my brother. I hope that when you clash on the battlefield, you will show him mercy. He is not a fool; once you share these truths with him, he will naturally assist you."

"Very well," Shen Hezhi nodded. It would have been impossible to claim he had no ambition to conquer Nanyang. The Nanyang royal family was in turmoil, but the royal house of his own Beiyu Kingdom was equally chaotic. If Shen Hezhi could seize such vast power in Nanyang, he could effectively purge the corruption within Beiyu’s own royal court. Such an action would benefit both the people and the throne. Therefore, he did not reject Nan Xing's proposal; it was not a request he had initiated, so no one could fault him for it.

Next, Nan Xing revealed numerous secrets of the Nanyang royal family, as well as critical military intelligence. As Shen Hezhi listened to the tactical details, his expression shifted. He had expected only royal gossip that he could use to blackmail the nobility, but instead, she had handed him the keys to the entire war. With this information, they held an absolute, overwhelming advantage. If he brought these documents back to the relay station and deployed his forces accordingly, they could undoubtedly conquer the entire Nanyang Kingdom within a month. It was a feat he had never dared to imagine—who could conquer an entire nation in just thirty days? Shen Hezhi felt momentarily overwhelmed.

Nan Xing paid little mind to his reaction. After sharing all she knew, she sighed helplessly and looked at Shen Hezhi with a gentle gaze. "This is everything I know. I hope it proves useful to you. In the days to come, I may no longer be able to see my daughter. I have not been by her side since she was a child. If it is possible, I hope you will convey an apology on my behalf."