Because, as early as the first few encounters, Qiu Tu noticed sothing was amiss.
Princess Xi seed to be concerned about King Kang, trying to find ways to help him, but... her intentions didn't seem so "pure."
For example, she would always ntion how despicable the Kou family was, how they held sway over the court, how they harbored treacherous intentions. (Chapter 492)
For example, whether facing Ai Li or Qiu Tu, the first thing she expressed was her indictnt of the Kou family, rather than concern for King Kang's safety. (Chapter 499)
Actually... this doesn't align with a normal woman's mindset.
A woman who truly loves her husband, when her husband is critically ill, would she be more concerned about "neighbors" or "relatives" seizing the family assets?
No. They would be more concerned about their husband's wellbeing.
After stalling things, the top priority would definitely be to deal with her husband's illness first.
So decisive won would even sell part of the family property to save their husband.
So... from the first few interactions, Qiu Tu developed "suspicions" about Princess Xi.
Thus, when Princess Xi threatened him last ti, Qiu Tu in turn threatened to expose the matter, to see how Princess Xi would fare at the Sixth Sanctuary. (Chapter 500)
As a result... Princess Xi actually endured it.
At that ti, Qiu Tu began speculating about Princess Xi's "identity."
This woman is definitely a "political creature."
King Kang's critical condition was not "my husband is sick," but a huge "political crisis" for her.
More precisely, a political crisis that could make all her and her child's wealth and glory vanish like bubbles.
The conditions she set, such as "super-grade" official positions and letting the Eighth Sanctuary choose from the treasury, were not for her husband's dical treatnt. They were "political exchanges."
Once that concept was made clear, the whole affair beca completely different.
Now with King Kang in critical condition, the Sixth Sanctuary is almost under the Kou family's control, and Princess Xi is trying to "make sothing out of nothing."
She's like the forr Qiu Tu, trading with things that don't belong to her.
So after understanding the essence of the whole thing, Qiu Tu began stalling Princess Xi—using this approach to further compress Princess Xi's maneuvering space, increasing his bargaining power.
And during their eting tonight, Qiu Tu's two rash actions were also attempts to test Princess Xi's limits.
——After confirming that Princess Xi and King Kang were more like allies than a married couple, Qiu Tu wanted to find out what bottom line Princess Xi could accept.
This is also why he had just discussed the topic of "King Kang waking up and continuing to support the Kou family" with Princess Xi.
And now... he knows.
With these thoughts, Qiu Tu crossed his hands on the table and continued probing, "Princess. Actually... I really want to help you."
"But... you can see for yourself. The situation has already deteriorated beyond recovery."
"Even if we may not be able to save King Kang. Even if we can save him, can you guarantee you understand King Kang's intentions?"
"If he continues to trust the Kou family, if he plans to abandon the 'Dual Monarchic System,' or even intends to retire, what will you do?"
Princess Xi did not easily show her emotions, sitting upright and without saying a word.
But silence was indeed the best answer.
Once again grasping Princess Xi's thoughts, Qiu Tu finally began trying to break through Princess Xi's bottom line, he feigned hesitation for a mont, then said, "Actually, this isn't an entirely hopeless situation."
Sure enough, this ti Princess Xi looked at Qiu Tu with inevitable dignity.
Qiu Tu didn't imdiately state his own judgnt, but instead asked, "How much direct lineage force does the Princess have at the Sixth Sanctuary?"
The reason Qiu Tu guessed that Princess Xi was not alone was not only because she is a political creature, but also because... Princess Xi's young child was not with her.
If Princess Xi had no direct lineage force at the Sixth Sanctuary, she would certainly have taken her child with her.
Furthermore, her ability to live safely amidst the layers of the Kou family certainly ans she has so power to rely on.
Moreover, this power is likely not small, which is why even the Kou family is sowhat fearful, only daring to control, but not daring to deal with Princess Xi.
Sure enough, after hearing Qiu Tu's words, Princess Xi was silent for two seconds, then said, "These years... following King Kang, I have indeed cultivated so confidants."
"Especially a few talented individuals I recomnded to King Kang, so of whom lead troops, others are stationed locally."
"And after King Kang fell ill and the Kou family's power grew, so people who supported King Kang and the princely heir have also turned to ."
"However, most of these people are mid-to-high-level civil officials in the Central Hub, without much actual power."
Hearing this, Qiu Tu touched his chin, contemplating.
The woman in front of him was clearly not a simple character. She was already preparing for a rainy day, cultivating her power early on.
And what she ntioned now is likely not the whole story.
Considering the identities of this woman and her child, no wonder the Kou family is so fearful.
Thinking this, Qiu Tu briefly estimated the forces on both sides and slowly said, "Princess. This force is actually not weak."
"To so extent, it can already affect the entire political situation of the sanctuary in special circumstances."
"So....." Qiu Tu paused, then said, "Have you considered learning from the Kou family?"
"Learning from the Kou family?" Princess Xi's face showed a clearly astonished expression.
Qiu Tu said indifferently, "Indeed."
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