Wang Baobao frowned slightly, but still said, "Fang Ye Yu and Ying Fei think they can deal with me? They're far too full of themselves."
Shan Yuru pursed her lips in a smile. "With Your Highness's martial arts, of course you need not fear Fang Ye Yu and Ying Fei. But Hulagu Khan can use them to wear you down beforehand while also learning about your martial arts in advance. Meanwhile, Your Highness knows nothing about him. That would put you at a tremendous disadvantage when you finally clash, wouldn't it? Your Highness is a famed battlefield commander; I need not explain the importance of knowing yourself and your enemy."
"That does make some sense," Wang Baobao said curiously. "So how do you intend to help me?"
Shan Yuru took out a token and displayed it. "I, too, entered this martial arts contest for marriage. My martial arts may not be exceptional, but they are passable enough. Like Fang Ye Yu and Ying Fei, I can help Your Highness clear out some opponents in advance. I may even be able to eliminate Hulagu Khan directly."
Wang Baobao shook his head. "With Hulagu Khan's martial arts, you cannot eliminate him."
Shan Yuru smiled sweetly. "It is not as though there is no chance at all. It is always worth trying."
"Why are you helping me?" Wang Baobao gave her a long look, then waved his hand, signaling everyone else to withdraw, leaving only the Xuanming Elders and a few others behind.
After the others had left, Wang Baobao asked, "Did Ariq Böke send you?"
"It is certainly easier speaking with clever people," Shan Yuru replied. "King of Henan should know that our Prince and Kublai Khan have long been contending for the succession to the Great Khan. Hulagu Khan controls the