https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-652-The-Suspicious-Points-About-Jin-Banhua/12811285/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-654-The-Stone-Guanyin-Exits-the-Stage/12811289/
Chapter 653: The Arrival of the Stone Bodhisattva
Chapter 653: The Arrival of the Stone Bodhisattva
Jin Banhua and Princess Pipa walked through the oasis.
Princess Pipa asked hopefully, "Are you really going to help my father reclaim the kingdom?"
Jin Banhua countered, "It seems your father already has a plan, doesn't he?"
Princess Pipa nodded and then shook her head. "I'm not sure. It seems he has one, but he hasn't told me anything. And... it looks like he's encountered some obstacles."
Jin Banhua asked casually, "So, what has he tried?"
"Trying!" Princess Pipa replied.
"Trying what?"
"Trying to get your help!"
"Get my help?"
"Yes!" Princess Pipa nodded. "Chu Liuxiang seems to owe you a favor. If you help, they will too, right?"
"Your father has a keen eye," Jin Banhua said, surprised. "I thought he would try to win them over in some other way."
Princess Pipa smiled. "He did, but I told him that winning you over would be enough."
Jin Banhua raised an eyebrow. "How does he plan to win me over?"
"He's given you his most precious treasures. What more do you want?" Princess Pipa said, pouting.
"Does he know about that?" Jin Banhua asked.
Princess Pipa sighed. "I haven't told him yet."
Jin Banhua looked at Princess Pipa again, surprised. He hadn't expected her to be such a rational pessimist.
In the original story, the King of Kucha was a minor hero. After being driven out of Kucha by traitors, he didn't immediately launch a fierce counterattack. This bought him some time. On the surface, he acted like a bumbling old fool, seemingly only concerned with his own safety, while secretly using the bait of the Star of Bliss to distract and delay his enemies.
In reality, he had already dispatched people to retrieve the treasures of his former kingdom and secretly bought the loyalty of five major armies, successfully crushing the traitors.
But he never told Princess Pipa any of this.
So Princess Pipa was unaware of her father's plans to reclaim the kingdom. The King of Kucha's apparent incompetence had fooled her.
In Princess Pipa's eyes, their chances of reclaiming the kingdom seemed hopeless. They were merely struggling in vain, and after lingering in the desert for a while, they would likely be hunted down and killed by the new king's men.
Princess Pipa's usual cheerfulness was just a way to enjoy the last days of her life. Her efforts to protect the King of Kucha were a matter of doing her best and leaving the rest to fate.
This mindset influenced her actions, such as offering herself to Chu Liuxiang and later helping Hu Tiefang to exchange for the Star of Bliss.
Now, with Jin Banhua arriving before Chu Liuxiang, and being handsome, witty, and highly skilled in martial arts, he naturally took Chu Liuxiang's place. Princess Pipa hadn't even glanced at Chu Liuxiang all day.
Jin Banhua felt a sense of satisfaction. "Don't worry, your father will definitely reclaim the kingdom."
"Are you just trying to comfort me?"
"Of course not. I can see the confidence in your father's eyes."
"Ah?"
"You don't understand. I've seen many people like your father in the capital," Jin Banhua explained. "After losing power, some people sink into despair while others can rise again. You can tell from their eyes."
"Those who have no backup plans may force a smile, but their eyes are lifeless," Jin Banhua continued. "Those who do have plans may appear downcast, but their eyes still hold a hidden sharpness."
Jin Banhua told Princess Pipa, "Your father is the latter."
"Really?" Princess Pipa looked a bit confused. "But my father seems to have pinned his hopes on a gem called the Gem of Bliss. It seems that gem has run into some trouble."
Jin Banhua patted Princess Pipa's shoulder. "You should trust your father. If he hasn't told you anything, it's a good sign."
Princess Pipa asked, "Why is that?"
"Because it means things aren't so bad that he needs to start making arrangements with you," Jin Banhua smiled.
Princess Pipa's eyes sparkled as she looked at Jin Banhua. "You're absolutely right!"
Jin Banhua laughed heartily. With the original story as a reference, he felt like a living prophet who could predict the future!
"But your father is now threatened by Central Plains' martial experts. Isn't he planning to recruit Chu Liuxiang and the others?" Jin Banhua asked again.
Princess Pipa giggled. "Well, Hu Tiehua is quite a free-spirited person, and my sister actually has a bit of a crush on him. She just hasn't expressed it out of concern."
Jin Banhua raised an eyebrow. "Your sister?"
Princess Pipa's eyes twinkled with mischief. "My sister, do you want to meet her?"
"No." Jin Banhua shook his head decisively.
Princess Pipa smiled and shook her head. "My sister is introverted and a bit insecure, so she rarely comes out. She mostly stays behind to take care of the queen consort."
"Queen consort..." Jin Banhua finally heard the name.
"The queen consort is not my biological mother, but she treats me well. However, she can't handle the journey's hardships and has caught a cold. She is currently recuperating and rarely leaves her tent," Princess Pipa explained.
Jin Banhua nodded, unsure if the queen consort was still the same person.
Just then, a guard appeared before them. "His Highness requests that Princess and Mr. Jin join him for dinner in the main tent."
Princess Pipa looked at the sky. "It's still early, isn't it?"
The guard replied, "The queen consort wishes to meet the martial artists from the Central Plains. Although her condition has improved, she can't be exposed to the night air, so the banquet has been scheduled earlier."
"Ah, I see. Let's go then?" Princess Pipa said to Jin Banhua.
Jin Banhua took a deep breath, knowing that the queen consort had been replaced.
The real Queen Consort of Kucha would never be interested in meeting martial artists from the Central Plains.
The current queen consort was actually Shi Guanyin.
So, who was Shi Guanyin planning to meet—Chu Liuxiang and his companions, or himself?
Jin Banhua thought about it. After all, Du Huan was one of her people, yet he had been defeated by Jin Banhua in a single move. She must have noticed him and might be planning something.
What could she be planning?
Would it be the same method she used against Hu Tiehua?
Jin Banhua rubbed his chin and grinned. "Alright, let's go then!"
...
When Jin Banhua arrived at the main tent, Chu Liuxiang and his companions were already there.
Hu Tiehua was confidently assuring the King of Kucha, "Don't worry, since we've had your wine, we'll ensure your safety. The rebels' hired experts are no match for us."
The King of Kucha beamed with joy and thanked them profusely.
However, Jin Banhua noticed that Du Huan, Situ Liuxing, and Wang Chong were all absent. Only the Wu brothers were present, and their expressions were sour after hearing Hu Tiehua's words.
The next moment, footsteps were heard from the back of the tent, and a woman in a white silk gown, with slightly disheveled hair and a regal yet slightly ill appearance, walked in.
The Queen Consort of Kucha, the Desert Shi Guanyin, had arrived!
(End of Chapter)
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