In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Chen Shimin’s Recruitment

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Chen Shimin? If I remember right, he’s the Third Prince of Longyan Kingdom—titled King of Qin. And more than that, he’s a core disciple of the Azure Mountain Sect.

Among the royal heirs, his strength is unmatched. Even the current Crown Prince doesn’t hold a candle to him.

Everyone knows he’s always coveted the throne.

Later, when the old emperor died, Chen Shimin led a coup at the palace’s Azure Dragon Gate, trying to seize power.

But luck wasn’t on his side. The Crown Prince had Jiang Zixuan and Duan Yuqing by his side.

The coup failed.

Chen Shimin lost his life—his entire clan was wiped out.

Looks like the main plotline has finally reared its head.

Jiang Qian eyed his visitor, Chen Shimin, with a faintly knitted brow.

…

…

Before long, his expression softened. With a friendly smile, he asked, “What brings the King of Qin to visit me today?”

“Hahaha, Senior Brother, you flatter me!” Chen Shimin answered, his tone courteous and light. “Within the Azure Mountain Sect, I’m just another disciple.”

Jiang Qian gestured invitingly. “Please, Your Highness, have a seat.”

“Then I’ll accept your hospitality, Senior Brother.” Chen Shimin sat on the cool stone chair.

No sooner had he gotten comfortable than he cut to the chase. “Senior Brother, you must know the state of things. His Majesty… due to a mishap in cultivation, injured his spiritual foundation.”

“His health deteriorates by the day. I fear he doesn’t have much time left…”

Chen Shimin paused, then continued, “The Crown Prince is ruthless and reckless. If he takes the throne, it’ll be the common people who suffer most.”

Chen Shimin wasn’t wrong. In the original story, the current Crown Prince was more than just ruthless—he was a warmonger, a madman whose campaigns ruined Longyan Kingdom within a century.

“So, what are you getting at, Your Highness?” Jiang Qian kept his voice mild, pretending to be oblivious.

Chen Shimin answered without a hint of hesitation, “I hope Senior Brother will help me win the throne. If we succeed, I’ll guarantee you the title of marquis and the post of prime minister!”

Just as expected—he wants to pull me into his camp.

But joining him is a one-way trip to the execution block—entire clan included!

Not a chance. If someone else wants to hop on this sinking ship, be my guest. I’m not that foolish.

I have to stay neutral—absolutely steer clear of this bloody power struggle.

I’m just a minor character here; getting involved would mean certain death.

Jiang Qian took a slow sip of tea before calmly asking, “If that’s the case, why not approach the Sect Master, Your Highness?”

Odds are, he already did and got rejected.

The heads of the four great sects aren’t fools. In fact, after centuries of cultivation, they’re as crafty as foxes.

They know one thing for sure—a sect that meddles in royal power is destined for ruin.

Chen Shimin forced a bitter smile. “Honestly, Senior Brother, I tried. The Sect Master turned me down.”

Jiang Qian nodded. “I’ll give it some thought. For now, Your Highness, I must ask you to take your leave.”

Chen Shimin’s face fell a little at Jiang Qian’s noncommittal answer, but he mustered a smile. “Very well. I’ll await your reply, Senior Brother.”

He turned and left without another word.

Not long after, a man in black emerged behind Chen Shimin. “Your Highness, that man doesn’t know what’s good for him. Should I arrange to poison him and bring him under our control?”

Chen Shimin waved the idea away. “No need. That Jiang Qian is far too shrewd.”

“I bet he’d see through your scheme before you could even make a move.”

“People like him aren’t swayed by force. Only patience and subtlety work on their kind.”

With that, he strode away.

…

Three days later.

Jiang Qian and Wu Jinfeng sat in the courtyard, playing flying chess of all things!

As for where the flying chess set came from? Naturally, it was a reward from Jiang Qian’s daily system Check-in.

“Six, six, six…” Wu Jinfeng chanted under his breath, shaking the dice anxiously.

When a six finally came up, he nearly jumped for joy. “Yes! I can finally move a piece onto the board!”

Meanwhile, Jiang Qian was just one step from victory.

“Sorry, Junior Brother Wu, looks like I’m about to win.” Jiang Qian smiled confidently as he reached for the dice.

Just then, the door crashed open with a bang. Hu Murui stomped inside, making a beeline for Jiang Qian.

Jiang Qian paused, dice in hand, and glanced up. “What do you want? If it’s not important, please close the door on your way out.”

“Jiang Qian, I heard you’re Jiang Zixuan’s cousin. You must know her weaknesses—out with it!” Hu Murui demanded.

“Weaknesses? Why the sudden curiosity?”

“That’s my business,” Hu Murui snapped, a trace of annoyance in her voice. “Just tell me and I’ll give you something nice in return.”

So this girl wants to plot against Jiang Zixuan.

But she’ll end up outsmarted by Jiang Zixuan anyway.

Still, maybe I should give her a little help—give Jiang Zixuan some trouble and ease my own frustrations.

A mischievous smile tugged at Jiang Qian’s lips. “I can tell you, but you must promise not to tell anyone it came from me.”

“No problem!” Hu Murui patted her chest, completely serious.

Jiang Qian leaned in close and whispered the secret in her ear.

When he finished, Hu Murui eyed him skeptically. “Is that really her weakness?”

“Would I lie to you?”

“…Well, alright then!” Still doubtful, Hu Murui handed Jiang Qian a token. “This token will get you into our Beast Taming Sect’s demonic beast Blood Pool. You can bring your Northwind Ice Wolf for training—but you only get one trip!”

With that, Hu Murui spun on her heel and left.

Jiang Qian glanced at the token, then tossed it casually into his storage ring.

Better follow her, just in case she blabs that I was the one who told her. If Jiang Zixuan finds out, she’ll definitely hold it against me.

With that thought, he dropped the dice, stood up, and quietly slipped after Hu Murui.

Wu Jinfeng, left alone with the flying chess board, sighed. “Guess I’ll play by myself. I refuse to believe I can’t get all four pieces out!”

And so he continued his lonely game, rolling the dice yet again.

Meanwhile—

Jiang Qian perched atop a tall tree, carefully masking his presence. He watched intently as Hu Murui and Jiang Zixuan’s paths converged below.

When Jiang Zixuan spotted Hu Murui approaching again, her patience snapped. “Why are you here AGAIN? I’ve told you a hundred times—Senior Brother Duan and I are just fellow disciples, nothing more.”

“Hmph! Like I’d ever believe that!” Hu Murui shot back, clearly unconvinced.

In the very next instant—

Taking advantage of Jiang Zixuan’s distraction, Hu Murui hurled a handful of vivid green powder straight at her!