I am the villain in the book

The scenery outside the window remained the same, dust swirling with the clamor of crowds from all directions.

“Young Master, what do you want me to do?”

The moment Youjia asked this question, it proved that she had already guessed what she was about to face.

It turned out that even after leaving the Dragon Guard, she still hadn't left the chessboard, only changing from a white piece to a black piece.

So, this is my fate...

Youjia forcibly held back the tears that were about to burst from her eyes, not daring to look at Wei Changtian again.

However, the latter paused for a moment, then said something completely different from what she had expected.

“Miss You, I don’t need you to do anything.”

“...”

As if struck by a bullet, Youjia suddenly widened her eyes, her body also stiffening abruptly.

Tears still welled up in her eyes, but the desolation in her gaze had disappeared.

The small wooden box placed beside her was open, inside lay the golden hairpin that Wei Changtian had won through “bloodless victory”.

Five small rubies surrounded a small piece of white jade, outlining the shape of a peach blossom, emitting a soft glow in the sunlight.

From utter despair to boundless gratitude.

This entire transformation was due to a single sentence from Wei Changtian.

But in reality, Wei Changtian was not “blinded by beauty,” nor had he forgotten Youjia’s initial purpose in approaching him.

Therefore, he wanted Youjia to do all this spontaneously and proactively.

He wanted Youjia to become a hidden mine that could willingly detonate herself at any time.

This process was undoubtedly full of deception and lies, and it was impossible for Wei Changtian not to have any hesitation or guilt in his heart.

However, Wei Changtian was by no means a soft-hearted person.

Perhaps from the moment Youjia came to Shu Prefecture and plotted to approach him, everything was irreversible.

In a life-or-death struggle, any bit of mercy towards the enemy could become one's own tombstone... even if she was only a former enemy.

Survival is always a person's first need.

Nothing more.

That night, at the end of You time (5-7 PM).

Wei Changtian and Qin Zhengqiu arrived at the Xu residence as scheduled for the banquet, and for the first time, they met Xu Shixing's widow, the current head of the Xu family, Wei Yanyu.

A pair of phoenix eyes were naturally charming, yet also stern and imposing. Her black hair was styled into an elaborate updo, adorned with a seven-treasure coral hairpin, giving an overall impression of opulence and grandeur.

Not much different from the portrait, she was a beautiful woman who still retained her charm.

However, what impressed Wei Changtian more was the faint aura of a superior that she exuded.

Shrewd and capable, with a deep mind.

Without a doubt, she was a very difficult woman to deal with.

“Young Master Wei, Sect Leader Qin, this concubine toasts you both with a cup of wine.”

“Madam Wei is too kind.”

“The situation is turbulent now, and the dishes are a bit meager. I hope you two won’t mind.”

“Madam, you’re too kind.”

“...”

Delicacies were brought to the table in a steady stream, and after a few bites, they were replaced with other delicacies.

The meal quickly ended in a flurry of clinking glasses, cheerful conversations, and laughter.

It could barely be considered a pleasant gathering for both host and guests, but that was all it was.

During the banquet, neither side mentioned any key issues, only constantly probing each other with veiled words.

After all, the Xu and Wei families were not yet allies, and might not even be in the future.

And since it was a relationship of mutual exploitation, it ultimately depended on what bargaining chips each side had to impress the other.

“Young Master Wei, have some tea.”

In the sandalwood-scented tea room, Wei Changtian and Wei Yanyu sat facing each other, while Qin Zhengqiu and Xu Chengwen were in another tea room.

This situation clearly indicated that they were about to discuss serious matters.

“Thank you, Madam.”

Wei Changtian nodded, recalling the strategy that Chu Xianping had taught him. After a moment of contemplation, he took the lead and said:

“Madam, the reason I came to Ji Province is to discuss an important matter with you.”

“I don’t like beating around the bush, so let’s get straight to the point.”

“Young Master Wei is straightforward.”

Wei Yanyu chuckled and took a sip of tea: “This concubine is listening.”

“Good.”

Wei Changtian put down his teacup with an unchanged expression and slowly continued:

“Madam, the Wei family indeed did not have much interaction with the Xu family before.”

“But after the Xu family fell out with the imperial court, I believe the Madam has seen what the Wei family has done.”

“Madam is a smart person, so I won’t say any nice words.”

“The reason I came to Ji Province to find you now is simply because I want the Xu family to help my Wei family with a small favor.”

“I wonder if the Madam is willing?”

“...”

Although these words were not spoken very clearly, Wei Yanyu probably already guessed why Wei Changtian had come, so she simply smiled and took another sip of tea.

“On February 12th, Ning Yongnian's edict declaring ten thousand people condemned my Xu family as rebels.”

“Overnight, countless officials, wealthy merchants, and prominent families who were attached to the Xu family defected to the imperial court, each one running faster than the last.”

“Only the Wei family not only did not kick us when we were down, but also helped us in secret several times. This concubine has seen it all and remembers it in her heart.”

“Logically speaking, if Young Master Wei now wants my Xu family to help with a small favor, the Xu family should give its full support.”

“However... please don’t blame me, Young Master, but this concubine would still like to hear what this favor is?”

Knowing the question but asking it anyway, leaving no room for error.

Wei Yanyu's answer seemed sincere on the surface, but in reality, she had left herself plenty of room to refuse.

“Madam Wei.”

However, Wei Changtian never expected Wei Yanyu to agree directly, so he lowered his voice and made his intentions clear.

“I want the Xu family to help me destroy the Liu family.”

“Mm.”

Wei Yanyu nodded without surprise and asked, “Then I wonder how the Young Master plans to do this?”

“This matter...”

Wei Changtian narrowed his eyes, condensing his voice into a line and sending it into Wei Yanyu's ear.

“The Liu family may also be labeled as rebels.”

“...”

High-end ingredients often only require the simplest cooking methods.

Brilliant plans often only require the simplest layout and operation.

What Wei Changtian wanted to do was very simple – use the Xu family to label the Liu family as “rebels” as well.

At first glance, it seemed like a fantasy, but in reality, it was very feasible.

The “feasibility” here, of course, did not mean that Ning Yongnian would really believe that the Liu family was plotting a rebellion.

But whether he believed it or not, when a series of “evidence” was presented to the imperial court, the Emperor would only be able to choose to “believe” it.

Because this was the only way to quickly end the “Liu-Wei conflict”.

“Young Master Wei.”

On the other side, Wei Yanyu remained silent for a moment, clearly having figured this out as well.

Her expression underwent several subtle changes before finally settling into a meaningful smile.

“So, what else can the Wei family offer for this?”