The transmigrated wife is crazy and ruthless.

Chapter 196 Pretending to be Blind

As night fell, the lights in the Yangzhou mansion gradually went out.

Only the candlelight in Yang Xingmi's secret room remained bright.

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan sat quietly to the side, listening to Yang Xingmi recount his experience of "blindness".

"Although I have been promoted from the military governor of Huainan to the King of Wu, my rule is not secure."

Yang Xingmi's voice was deep and firm.

“Some of my generals, such as Zhu Yanshou, have achieved great merit and overshadowed their lord, posing a serious threat to my position.”

Yang Xingmi paused for a moment, as if recalling those difficult days:

"Their ambitions are obvious, and any slight movement could trigger a change of power."

"In order to consolidate my power, I married Zhu Yanshou's sister, Zhu Shi."

He continued,

"However, this did not completely quell the ambitions of Zhu Yanshou and others; they still have their eyes on me."

Yang Xingmi sighed:

"Although the marriage has temporarily eased the situation, Zhu still harbors feelings for her brother. I can't be sure if she will betray me when I need her most."

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan listened quietly.

Faced with numerous crises, Yang Xingmi decided to adopt a bold strategy—to feign blindness.

"I must lull my opponents into a false sense of security and buy myself time and opportunities to consolidate my power."

He explained,

"Pretending to be blind not only confuses the enemy, but also allows me to observe everything around me more keenly."

“At first, I just pretended to be blind in public,”

"But after a near-assassination attempt, I realized that this strategy was not thorough enough."

Therefore, I became even more vigilant at home, and even pretended to be blind in front of Zhu.

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan listened intently, and couldn't help but admire Yang Xingmi's wisdom.

"How did you manage to convince them?" Qi Yuxuan asked curiously.

Yang Xingmi smiled slightly: "The key lies in the details. I deliberately slowed down my movements to avoid eye contact."

“I would even bump into things occasionally while walking. These subtle signs made everyone believe that I was really blind.”

"My strategy of feigning blindness was very successful,"

Yang Xingmi said frankly,

“Those generals who had been eyeing me with hostility gradually lowered their guard, thinking that I had lost the ability to control the situation. In fact, I used this time to quietly lay the groundwork and consolidate my power.”

"I secretly promoted some generals who were loyal to me, weakening the power of Zhu Yanshou and others. At the same time, I also strengthened the control of intelligence to ensure that any slightest movement could reach my ears immediately."

Qiu Ziyue nodded:

"I see. You not only pretend to be blind in the open, but you are even more vigilant in the dark."

Yang Xingmi nodded:

"That's right. Feigning blindness bought me time and made my enemies underestimate my abilities."

"Of course, all of this comes at a price."

Yang Xingmi's voice softened.

"During the days of pretending to be blind, I lost a lot, including my dignity as a man."

Qiu Ziyue asked softly, "King Wu, how should we explain this?"

Yang Xingmi sighed softly:

"During the period of pretending to be blind, I endured far too much humiliation that is unimaginable to ordinary people."

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with doubt and sympathy.

They realized that Yang Xingmi was about to reveal an even darker experience.

"Once,"

Yang Xingmi continued, "I was handling some official business in my study when I suddenly heard strange noises outside. I pretended not to notice anything and listened quietly."

He paused for a moment, as if recalling that painful moment.

“I heard the footsteps of the guards, and... Zhu’s voice.”

Yang Xingmi's voice revealed an undisguised anger.

"They thought I was really blind and would never discover their secret."

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan held their breath, not daring to interrupt Yang Xingmi's narration.

They knew that what was about to be said would reveal a shocking truth.

"That day, I overheard their conversation in the study, and I could even clearly hear them whispering sweet nothings."

Yang Xingmi's voice gradually trembled.

“I saw with my own eyes my wife, Zhu, embracing intimately with my guard in the corridor outside the study, and even committing illicit acts in the bedroom.”

"At that moment, my heart felt like it was being torn apart."

Yang Xingmi's voice was filled with pain.

"But I can't expose myself, I can't let anyone know that I can still see. I can only suppress my anger and humiliation and continue to pretend to be blind."

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan felt a chill; they couldn't imagine Yang Xingmi's state of mind at that time.

"King Wu, how can you tolerate this?" Qi Yuxuan asked in a low voice.

“I told myself that all of this was for a bigger goal.”

Yang Xingmi replied,

"I cannot let personal feelings ruin the whole plan. I must protect my life and consolidate my rule."

However, this experience did not leave Yang Xingmi completely unharmed.

“During those days, I often cried alone in the middle of the night.”

He frankly said, "I feel incredibly angry and disappointed, but I also know that this is not my personal war."

"I learned how to stay calm in the most difficult times and how to hold fast to my beliefs in the deepest humiliation."

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan remained silent for a long time, their hearts filled with respect and understanding for Yang Xingmi.

Yang Xingmi concluded,

"In this war without gunfire, every decision needs to be carefully considered and every action needs to be taken with caution."

Yang Xingmi, Qiu Ziyue, and Qi Yuxuan sat around the candlelight, the atmosphere unusually solemn.

Yang Xingmi's face appeared and disappeared in the flickering candlelight.

He looked at the couple with dazed eyes, but his heart was in turmoil.

"What should I do next?"

Yang Xingmi's deep and firm voice broke the long silence.

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan exchanged a glance, understanding that this was not just Yang Xingmi's personal predicament.

It is a crucial decision concerning the future of the Jianghuai region.

Qiu Ziyue sighed softly, stood up, and walked to Yang Xingmi.

“King Wu, this is actually your family matter, and we should not interfere.”

She frankly said, "However, when we see the recent decline in people's livelihoods and the suffering of the people in the Yangzhou area, we really can't bear to stand idly by."

Yang Xingmi raised his head slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"You have a plan?" he asked, a glimmer of hope in his voice. Qiu Ziyue nodded:

"Yes, we must turn the tide and act decisively."

Qi Yuxuan also stood up and added:

"The turmoil in the Yangzhou area stemmed not only from power struggles, but also from the people's loss of confidence in the imperial court. To restore stability, we must address it from two aspects."

Yang Xingmi stood up: "What insightful opinion does Young Master Qi have?"

"On the one hand, we must eliminate the internal rebellious forces; on the other hand, we must rebuild the people's trust in the imperial court," Qi Yuxuan proposed.

Yang Xingmi pondered for a moment, then nodded:

“You are right. I have been working to consolidate my rule, but I have neglected the needs of the people. Now, the situation has reached a critical moment, and I can no longer hesitate.”

Qiu Ziyue raised her eyebrows:

"First, you need to thoroughly eliminate those forces that threaten your rule. You can no longer tolerate the betrayal of Zhu Yanshou and others. Once the time is right, take immediate action and leave them nowhere to escape."

Yang Xingmi frowned:

"It was a tough decision, but I had to do it."

Qiu Ziyue continued:

"Secondly, you can promulgate a series of policies that benefit the people, reduce or exempt taxes, and distribute relief supplies, so that the people can see that the court is genuinely concerned for them."

Yang Xingmi took a deep breath.

“You’re right,”

He said firmly, "For the prosperity of the city and the well-being of the people, I must act decisively and not hesitate any longer."

He turned to face Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan, his eyes filled with determination:

"Please help me formulate a detailed plan. I want everyone to know that King Yang Xingmi of Wu is not only a wise politician, but also a monarch who truly cares about the people."

Qiu Ziyue and Qi Yuxuan exchanged a smile, their hearts filled with trust and support for Yang Xingmi.

"We will do everything in our power to help you turn things around."

To be continued in the next chapter!