Chapter Thirty-Three: Seen With One's Own Eyes

Song Xirui shook her head gently. "If that were the case, would I not be omnipotent? The nation would have no need to send generals to war; one could simply rely on those with occult talents to deal with an enemy's million-strong army. Metaphysics, though capable of foreseeing fortune and disaster, can hardly resist the dictates of fate. If Heaven truly intends for the General to suffer, even if I were to help you carry this burden, the next calamity would surely remain beyond my calculation."

These words put Xiao Yunci much more at ease.

He paused, then asked, "Could the Lady explain to me just how miraculous this metaphysics truly is?"

He had never believed in such things, but what Song Xirui said forced him to reconsider. Since he was already beginning to believe, he wanted to get to the bottom of it.

Song Xirui glanced at him. Recalling how he had just told her not to be ignorant, she felt a sudden urge to broaden his horizons. She closed her eyes and extended her right hand, curling her fingers into a gesture of divination. Soon, the candle flame before them flickered. When Song Xirui opened her eyes, she spoke clearly, detailing the route Xiao Yunci would take south and the exact location where he would meet with disaster.

"How much of this can be trusted, Madam?" Xiao Yunci looked at her. "I wouldn't want to be misled by you, only to walk straight into a bloodbath."

Song Xirui sneered. "If the General does not believe me, you are welcome to follow your original route—provided you do not fear death."

Like a proud and smug cat, she took a sip of tea after speaking, showing no fear that Xiao Yunci might take offense.

Seeing her so certain, doubt crept into Xiao Yunci's heart. He nodded. "Very well, I shall take your word for it. If I truly encounter a bloodbath, I will naturally offer you an apology."

Song Xirui raised an eyebrow. "I shall wait and see."

The two continued to converse for a while, and it was only when the night grew deep and Song Xirui appeared ready for sleep that Xiao Yunci finally took his leave.

—

At the General’s Residence, the lamps in Xiao Yunci’s study remained lit.

His gaze rested on the previously finalized route map, and he tapped his fingers rhythmically. "Change the original route to the safer main road, and have others travel along the route we originally planned. I want to see for myself if Song Xirui’s words are true or false!"

"Understood!" replied Zhou Wen.

A moment later, he added, "General, Lady Su seems remarkably well-versed in metaphysics. The day she used the 'ghost-wall' technique against me, causing me to lose my way... perhaps she truly possesses some genuine skill."

He was not speaking for Song Xirui, but expressing a sincere belief. Though she was a woman, her methods were not inferior to any man’s. If she could be an asset to the General, their chances of success would surely increase.

Xiao Yunci looked up at him, his brow furrowing slightly. "Even you say so? Is this Song Xirui someone we can use?"

Zhou Wen nodded. "Yes. Lady Su harbors deep hatred for the Su family, and as it happens, the General can help her leave them. It is just that..." His voice trailed off in hesitation.

Xiao Yunci looked at him. "Do not mumble; what is it?"

Zhou Wen said, "It is just that if Lady Su obtains a divorce, it is unclear whether she will continue to involve herself in court affairs. If that happens, we will have lost this support." He paused, then added, "Forgive my overstepping; I shall go and make the arrangements."

Xiao Yunci nodded and said nothing more. Zhou Wen turned and left. In the study, Xiao Yunci remained standing alone. He closed his eyes, and her dignified, graceful face appeared in his mind. *After the divorce?* Yes, after the divorce, would Song Xirui still be as involved with him as she was now? Or would she keep her distance and never help him again? At the mere thought of such a possibility, a wave of irritation surged within him. He did not wish to sever his connection with Song Xirui. Surely no leader would ever let such a talent slip away.

Ten days later, all preparations were complete.

—

Late at night.

"Absolutely not!" Song Xirui said with a stern face, looking at Xiao Yunci. "Is General Xiao joking with me? How could I possibly travel south with you?"

Xiao Yunci was being truly absurd. The events of that day were still fresh in her mind, and she had no desire to fall into danger again and arouse the suspicions of the Su family!

Xiao Yunci was not surprised. He looked at the equally indignant Song Xirui and said in a low voice, "The Lady only needs to have her maid disguise herself as you. With your methods, you will certainly ensure no one finds out."

"Since you already have a plan, why must you involve me?" Song Xirui’s delicate brows knit tightly together. "Does the General truly only trust my words if I accompany you?"

Xiao Yunci’s lips pressed together; he didn't know how she would react if he answered "yes." After a moment of thought, he said, "The place of disaster you mentioned is but half a day's journey from the capital. My steed can cover the distance back and forth in half a day. Your maid only needs to hold the ruse for a few hours."

The implication was clear: Song Xirui had to go.

Seeing this, Song Xirui said coldly, "General Xiao, you really have no shame. You are becoming increasingly unreasonable."

Xiao Yunci took no offense, merely urging, "I ask that you be quick, Madam."

Two hours later, Song Xirui was brought by Xiao Yunci to the site of the predicted disaster.

"This is the place you spoke of, Madam." Xiao Yunci led her to crouch behind a patch of grass and pointed ahead. "We are only half an incense stick’s time away from the moment you predicted."

Battered by the journey, Song Xirui looked pale. With resentment, she said, "The General may simply observe the changes. But this horse of yours is too fast—I am nearly dead from the ride!"

It was indeed a "thousand-mile" steed, fast as promised, but the speed made the journey incredibly jarring. Her frail body felt as if it were falling apart!

Xiao Yunci pulled a white jade bottle from his chest and handed it to her. "This pill will protect your heart."

Acting on the principle that there was no reason to refuse a gift, Song Xirui took the bottle.

They waited in the grass for a while until the people arranged by Zhou Wen arrived. A few men rode past on fast horses. Song Xirui and Xiao Yunci narrowed their eyes, watching ahead.

Just as the men reached the junction, several arrows flew toward them from the mountain to the south. Fortunately, Xiao Yunci's men were on guard and retreated in time, escaping harm. Seeing their first plan fail, the assassins leaped down from the hillside, intending to intercept them. After a fierce battle, most of the assassins were killed, and three were captured.

Song Xirui and Xiao Yunci emerged from the grass and approached the three captives. Xiao Yunci had just opened his mouth to interrogate them when he saw the expressions on their faces change. Blood flowed from their nostrils, and their eyes rolled back as they dropped dead on the spot.

Zhou Wen stepped forward to inspect the bodies and said to Xiao Yunci, "My Lord, they had already taken poison before they came. The opposition has spared no expense."

He then glanced at Song Xirui. *This Lady Su is truly formidable; she calculated it perfectly. Even the location was exact down to the last detail. It is truly miraculous!*

Xiao Yunci noticed his gaze and frowned slightly. Zhou Wen immediately felt a chill and hurriedly looked away.

The matter yielded no captives, but it confirmed one thing: Song Xirui was not boasting. She truly possessed genuine, extraordinary abilities.