Chapter 208: 89: Really Not Caring About Face at All! (Please Subscribe)_2
Chapter 208: 89: Really Not Caring About Face at All! (Please Subscribe)_2
Cheng Guang nodded slightly, his mind elsewhere as he lifted his teacup and took a sip. "Go ahead," he said.
The Queen of the South Ming glanced at Qing Luan beside her, but before she could speak, Qing Luan attentively arranged the fruit pastries and tactfully left the room.
No one else was around.
Only then did the Queen of the South Ming continue, "Firstly, about the matter you mentioned yesterday, although we have agreed, we still cannot fully trust you. We need you to do something for us."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Guang's expression became somewhat strange.
The matter the Queen of the South Ming spoke of was obviously about his visit to her residence the day before, claiming his desire to defect to the King of South Ming.
He had said so only to complete a system task and claim the reward, and no sooner had he professed his loyalty to the King of South Ming than he was already pondering how to kill him.
And now you're coming to me, asking for a favor?
A tinge of amusement stirred in Cheng Guang.
Neither the Queen of the South Ming nor the Crown Prince knew of Cheng Guang's system, so they couldn't fathom his reasoning and genuinely believed he intended to defect to them.
Otherwise, why would Cheng Guang, as the Town-Nation Duke's Heir, take the risk to visit the Queen of the South Ming alone, professing admiration for the Crown Prince and a wish to defect to their side?
Suppressing a smile, Cheng Guang kept his lips from curling upward, maintaining a calm and serene demeanor as his gaze rested on the Queen of the South Ming's beautiful and noble features. He asked with a light chuckle, "What would my aunt like me to do?"
The Queen of the South Ming's expression remained unchanged, her dignified autumn eyes fixed on Cheng Guang. "I need you to help us integrate several people into the Bureau of the Lamp," she said.
"I am aware that you currently hold a position in the Bureau of the Lamp and that Cheng Zhihai has recently promoted you. Even though I do not know what rank of constable you are now, with your identity and status, it should be a simple matter for you to have several people enter the Bureau of the Lamp."
Cheng Guang raised an eyebrow upon hearing her words.
"She wants me to help them infiltrate the Bureau of the Lamp?"
The Queen of the South Ming nodded.
Holding his teacup in one hand and sipping the tea, Cheng Guang pondered what the Queen of the South Ming—or rather, the Crown Prince—really intended by asking him to place their people in the Bureau of the Lamp.
The Bureau was no idle department; it wielded great power and was exceedingly busy. Few indeed had the ability to meddle within the Bureau.
Cheng Guang continued his contemplation, his expression still like still water. Lifting his gaze to the Queen of the South Ming, he inquired again, "How many people? Are there any specific requirements for their positions?"
The Queen of the South Ming shifted slightly and said, "That brings us to the second matter."
"Plant as many as possible. Naturally, the higher their ranks the better, but if there are no official positions available, even a Black Lantern Catcher in the Bureau, or an external consultant, would be fine."
"All that matters is their involvement in the royal ceremony one month from now."
A sense of surprise flickered in Cheng Guang's heart upon hearing this.
Well now, so the Queen of the South Ming, or rather the Crown Prince, had this in mind.
The royal ceremony was one of the few events directly connected to the royal family of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
It would be attended not only by all members of royalty, court officials, noble families, and foreign envoys but also by monarchs of closely related dynasties and kings of smaller countries under Great Zhou's influence.
For such an important occasion, security would not only consist of various protections, but also supervision by the Bureau of the Lamp and the Imperial Guard.
Having me place members inside the Bureau of the Lamp was only their first step.
The second, far more crucial step was yet to come.
Allowing the Crown Prince's men to be in charge of the security would undoubtedly provide the Crown Prince the opportunity to use those inserted within the Bureau to cause some trouble during the ceremony.
It could be described as the plot fully revealed.
"Well, can you do it?"
The Queen of the South Ming's eyes were tightly fixed on Cheng Guang's expression, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt that might suggest he wasn't sincerely wishing to join them; she would leave immediately upon noticing any.
After all, it would be suspicious if, after committing to defect to them, he started to delay or refuse to help, casting doubt on the sincerity of his initial offer.
Facing the Queen's scrutinizing gaze, Cheng Guang's expression barely changed as he simply smiled faintly and nodded in agreement.
Rather than rejecting her proposal outright, it seemed better to lead her into a trap.
Cheng Guang knew that the Queen of the South Ming was still unaware that he had long since seen through their plans.
The Queen of the South Ming, or rather the Crown Prince, believed that even if Cheng Guang were to act, he would not deduce their true intentions.
After all, the royal ceremony was an event that Emperor Zhou himself would attend, and the entire Great Zhou Dynasty placed great importance on it. No one would dare to target such an event.
The Queen of the South Ming was confident that even if Cheng Guang refused them, it would have no impact on their plans.
That's why she boldly entrusted Cheng Guang with these matters.
Moreover, they did not believe that Cheng Guang, with his current style of conduct, would harm the loyal agents they dispatched.