Blackmail

"This way, I will either die on the road while inspecting the sects, or perhaps die inside one of the cultivation sects."

Gu Chengyin's tone was incredibly calm, as if he were analyzing a matter that had nothing to do with him:

"When that happens, what will the consequences be?"

"Naturally, it would draw His Majesty's 'thunderous fury' and an army at their borders."

Shangguan Yunying's face gradually paled.

This was an angle she had never considered.

Because she had an almost instinctive trust in Gu Chengyin.

With his abilities, as long as he went to the Azure Sword Sect, he would definitely succeed.

This was the most basic trust born from her past observations of him and her understanding of his exquisite calculations.

But what Gu Chengyin wanted to shatter was exactly this kind of trust.

"Even for me."

"Going to an unknown, completely unfamiliar place, I cannot say I have a hundred percent chance of success."

"All I can do is try my absolute best to increase my trump cards and improve my chances of survival."

"For example, expanding the size of the inspection team."

"Or for instance..."

"Taking Her Highness as a hostage."

Shangguan Yunying's pupils suddenly shrank.

"What... what did you say?"

Her voice trembled a little, unable to believe what she was hearing.

Gu Chengyin did not evade her gaze. He looked straight into Shangguan Yunying's eyes and repeated word by word:

"Taking Her Highness as a hostage. That is the true reason why I controlled her."

Shangguan Yunying's brain worked at lightning speed.

She was digesting the meaning of these words, re-evaluating all of Gu Chengyin's actions, and connecting those seemingly contradictory points from the past.

Why did Gu Chengyin hypnotize Luo Zhao?

It wasn't just for self-preservation.

It was more to hold Luo Zhao in his hands as a bargaining chip against Emperor Luo.

Why did he release her from hypnosis?

Because Lin Qingyan's inner demon outbreak was an accident, and he had to free up a slot to control the inner demon.

But the priority of controlling Luo Zhao, this hostage, still remained above all else.

Why did he dare to tell her all this?

Because he already held the biggest bargaining chip; Luo Zhao was in his hands.

And Shangguan Yunying's loyalty to Luo Zhao was her most effective weakness.

All the fragments pieced together in this moment to form a complete, ruthless, yet incredibly exquisite scheme.

"Her Highness trusting me, and Her Highness being in my hands, carry completely different meanings."

Gu Chengyin's voice was very calm, so calm that it sent chills down one's spine:

"The former means she can withdraw her trust at any time, turn against me at any time, and cooperate with His Majesty to sacrifice me at any time."

"The latter means she is my hostage. As long as she is still in my hands, His Majesty will not dare to sacrifice me easily."

He paused and looked at Shangguan Yunying:

"And to control Her Highness, you were an obstacle I could not bypass."

"You are the Chief Lady-in-Waiting, Her Highness's confidante, and the person she trusts the most."

"So... I had to control you first."

The alley fell into a long silence.

Shangguan Yunying shrank in Gu Chengyin's arms, falling into deep thought.

This logic of Gu Chengyin's was indeed something she had never expected.

Originally, she thought Gu Chengyin controlled Her Highness merely out of fear that she would harm him, thus striking first to gain the upper hand.

After all, she understood Luo Zhao's personality.

But she hadn't expected there to be an even deeper calculation behind it.

Taking Her Highness as a hostage to blackmail Emperor Luo.

How should this be described?

Audacious? Indeed.

Looking at the entire Great Luo, Gu Chengyin was probably the only one who dared to take the current Crown Princess as a hostage.

Flawless in his calculations? Also true.

This scheme was meticulously interlocked, resolving the immediate threat while also preparing countermeasures for future crises.

But the problem was...

"I am Her Highness's Chief Lady-in-Waiting."

Shangguan Yunying finally spoke, her voice light, but very firm:

"Now that I know about this, I will absolutely not allow you to continue controlling Her Highness."

"This is my duty, and my obligation."

Shangguan Yunying raised her head, looking at Gu Chengyin with utmost clarity:

"Gu Chengyin, I understand your situation, I understand your methods, and I understand your calculations."

"However, understanding does not mean acceptance."

"As long as I am alive, as long as I have a breath left, I must stop you. I must stop you from treating Her Highness as a hostage, and stop you from using her to blackmail His Majesty."

These words were spoken with absolute resolve.

So resolute that Gu Chengyin could even feel the killing intent in her words.

If necessary, she would truly fight him to the death once again for Luo Zhao's sake.

But Gu Chengyin smiled.

Not a sneer, not a mocking laugh, but a smile carrying appreciation and helplessness.

"Of course. You understand me, and I equally understand you."

Gu Chengyin's tone was very gentle:

"But Yunying."

Gu Chengyin lowered his head, leaning close to Shangguan Yunying's ear.

This posture was very intimate; his breath brushed against her ear, carrying a warm aura.

But the words he spoke were so icy they made one's heart tremble:

"Do not forget, Her Highness is currently in my hands."

Shangguan Yunying stiffened all over.

"Moreover..."

Gu Chengyin's voice became lower, lighter, carrying a bewitching tone:

"You cannot defeat me now. You already tried just now at the Celestial Master's Mansion."

"So~"

"As long as you obediently listen to me, I guarantee that nothing will happen to Her Highness."

"She will be perfectly fine, safe, sleeping deeply just like she is now, waiting to wake up one day."

"But if you do not listen..."

Gu Chengyin did not finish his sentence, but the unspoken implication was far more terrifying than if he had said it out loud.

Shangguan Yunying was completely stunned.

She never expected that Gu Chengyin would so bluntly use Luo Zhao to threaten her!

It wasn't a discussion, nor a negotiation.

It was a threat.

Shangguan Yunying's face turned green and white in turns.

Tell Gu Chengyin that Luo Zhao had already broken free from the hypnosis?

No, if she did that, Gu Chengyin would definitely leave without hesitation.

And just as he said, she was no longer a match for him; she couldn't even catch up to him.

Then the best method was to maintain the status quo, making Gu Chengyin believe that Luo Zhao was still under hypnosis.

And then, accept his blackmail.

Ultimately, Shangguan Yunying squeezed a sentence through her gritted teeth:

"What do you want in order to let Her Highness go?"

Gu Chengyin smiled.

"That will depend on you, Yunying."

"Is it true that as long as you can save Her Highness, you will do anything?"

This question was too direct, too naked.

So direct that it instantly brought a flush to Shangguan Yunying's cheeks.

She cursed herself in her heart. She was clearly being threatened; she should be angry, she should feel humiliated.

But why was her heart beating so fast? Why was her face so hot?

And... why was she feeling a little expectant?

In the end, Shangguan Yunying shifted her gaze away, looking at the wall beside them.

The mottled brick wall and withered yellow vines cast scattered shadows in the sunlight.

Then, she heard her own voice, very soft and faint:

"Yes."

Shangguan Yunying's heartbeat drummed in her chest, mixed with complex emotions that made it almost impossible for her to think.

She had even begun to anticipate it.

Anticipating just how excessive Gu Chengyin's conditions would be.