The stolen magic is a bit magical

The Great Wilderness Capital, the desolate capital, moves at a leisurely pace in this May weather.

The changing of dynasties and the vicissitudes of life are, for ordinary residents, just like the sun outside their windows; you go your way, I go mine.

However, the day after Marquis Xueyi returned to the capital.

A piece of news was like a thunderbolt.

"King Yun is still alive! He is in Qingqiu!"

Two sentences, ten words, like thunder, rolled through the desolate capital, turning into the greatest shock in the city.

Over the years, there has been a great deal of intrigue surrounding the struggle for the crown prince, involving everyone in the imperial court. Any news related to the princes becomes a hot topic, especially in such a complex and sensitive time.
In just six months, all the kings died.

After the emperor's death, only Prince An remained, and Prince An naturally became the new emperor.

Everyone felt this was the only option available.

Every dynasty needs an emperor.

The Hong dynasty's rule can only be considered legitimate if it is based on the bloodline of the former emperor.

Therefore, no one has ever mentioned whether the new emperor should or should not have ascended the throne—the Hong family bloodline has all died out, leaving only one heir. Even if he is not the emperor, he is still the emperor. What is there to say about whether he should or should not have ascended the throne?

However, this news suddenly appeared now.

King Yun is not dead!
My goodness, if you take these two princes out of the box, Prince Yun completely crushes Prince An in every way, whether it's prestige, talent, or popular support.

After all, this Prince Yun had guarded the border for eleven years, and his achievements were earned through real battles.

Last year, he also went to the south of the Yangtze River and led the Zhentian Pavilion army to resist the invasion of the Kaiyuan Kingdom, which crossed the sea, and defended the dignity of the Great Wilderness Dynasty.

Even among ordinary people, there are numerous stories of his kindness and love for the common folk...

And what does Prince An have?

Before the kings died, he was a nobody, and many people ignored his existence.

The reason for choosing Prince An, Hongyang, as emperor was not because he was suitable to be emperor, but because there was "no other choice". Now that Prince Yun has suddenly appeared, will there be another dispute over the throne?

The news spread like wildfire throughout the city.

The news spread quickly to all directions.

The people of the land were mobilized at the first sign of trouble...

Ordinary people originally didn't need to be sensitive to royal affairs because they were none of their business. However, Lin Xiaosu went to Jiangnan and told them one thing: the decisions of the imperial court were actually closely related to the people.

It is precisely because of the ambition of the late emperor and the high-ranking figures like Marquis Xueyi that the people of Jiangnan have become a model of happiness in this world.

Which person in Jiangnan wouldn't want a prince who resembles the late emperor to ascend the throne?

People from Jiangbei, Jiangxi, and Jiangdong all wish that the "spring breeze of Jiangnan" could also blow in their hometown.
With the passing of the late emperor and the ascension of the new emperor, this former Prince An is nothing like the late emperor. His relationship with the sect has become as ambiguous as before. The sects in Jiangnan sensed something different, and their shattered dreams began to rise again.

The people of Jiangnan are filled with worry.

The rest of the people were filled with despair.

At this moment, upon suddenly hearing that the Prince of Yun, whose ideals were in line with those of the late emperor and whose actions were in sync with those of Marquis Xueyi, was still alive, the people were all excited...

It's not just ordinary people.

A category 10 typhoon also swept through the officialdom.

Zhang Yiran, the prefect of Huzhou, rose from his seat, stepped onto the tower, faced the desolate capital, and felt his heart surge with emotion.

On the distant Northwest Cloud Terrace, General Blood Dragon shattered the sky with a single step, standing atop the mountains. A long roar shook the forests, as if he were venting the deepest knot in his heart that had been pressing down on him for months.

The atmosphere in the Wenling Hall of the capital city was unusually oppressive.

His Majesty sat high at the far end of the hall, his face hidden in the shadows, almost invisible.

The courtiers below were arguing heatedly.

"Report!" A voice shouted from outside the Golden Hall, "Du Qinghe, the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Zhen Tian Pavilion, requests an audience with His Majesty!"

Du Qinghe, the deputy head of Zhentian Pavilion, was the de facto controller of Zhentian Pavilion during the period when the head of the pavilion, Lei Tianlun, was ill. He controlled military power and the daily affairs of each pavilion.

Most importantly, he is His Majesty's confidant.

"Send it here!" His Majesty uttered a single word.

Du Qinghe strode into the hall and bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I have received news that the Prince of Yun is still alive. I immediately activated the Qingqiu secret agents, and the news has been confirmed!"

The entire hall was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop.

His Majesty spoke: "Report it!"

"Yes!" Du Qinghe replied, "Your Majesty, please take a look!"

Suddenly, a jade pendant in his palm emitted light, and within the light, two figures appeared on the hillside.

It is a man and a woman.

The man was handsome and had a royal air about him.

The woman was graceful and elegant, as ethereal as a fairy.

The distant mountains and rivers are the scenery of Qingqiu.

"It's him!" Prime Minister Li Lie's eyes were fixed on him.

"Exactly!" said the Minister of Rites beside him. "This woman is named Fufeng. She is his concubine. On the day of the tragedy at the Prince of Yun's mansion, thirty-seven people died. The Prince of Yun's body turned into blood. This woman has disappeared without a trace. It turns out that she had already taken the Prince of Yun and hidden away in Qingqiu!"

"Minister Du, when was this image recorded?" His Majesty asked.

“Just three hours ago!” Du Qinghe said, “Your Majesty’s envoy also confirmed another matter. When he entered Qingqiu that day, he saw the Cloud King by chance, which led to Qingqiu killing him to silence him!”

These words caused a stir throughout the hall.

Li Lie sighed deeply: "I knew it. How could such a great ancient clan kill an envoy so rashly? It turns out there was such an inside story."

The crowd discussed it animatedly, and they all understood many of the previous misunderstandings.

With the death of Prince Yun and the disappearance of his concubine, the mystery was solved.

Because the King of Clouds himself did not die; he was merely employing a "substitute" tactic.

Qingqiu suddenly gained control of a thousand miles of land around Zuozhi Lake because Qingqiu had already participated in the struggle for imperial power.

The ancient powerful clans defied the world to kill the imperial envoy because their absolutely secret was discovered by the envoy...

A video, a secret tale—the common rumor that "King Yun is still alive" instantly became an undeniable fact…

So, how should we handle this?
This issue became the subject of a new round of discussion among the high-ranking officials in the Golden Hall.

"As a member of the royal family, Prince Yun's act of faking his death and escaping into an ancient clan is itself a sign of treacherous intentions!" said the Minister of Personnel.

"That's right. As a prince, how can he fail to observe proper rites upon his father's death? Where is the law of propriety and patriarchal authority?" the Minister of Rites said. "Your Majesty, he should be severely punished immediately!"

Immediately, the debate over guilt and punishment permeated the entire hall.

His Majesty turned his gaze to Prime Minister Li Lie.

Li Lie stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty! This old minister believes that Your Majesty may issue an edict to summon Prince Yun back to the capital!"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent.

Everyone here is shrewd and knows the intricacies of this decree.

The Prince of Yun has no bad record. It is unreasonable to punish him just because he used a substitute to escape death. More importantly, it will damage His Majesty's prestige. People will think the wrong thing: Did His Majesty feel threatened by the Prince of Yun and therefore use public resources for private gain?

And to issue an imperial decree to summon him is perfectly reasonable.

The country is now settled, and Your Majesty is now the rightful ruler.

As the emperor, it was perfectly legitimate for him to summon the prince to the capital.

However, this order put King Yun at a complete disadvantage.

If he agrees, it's like handing himself over to the slaughterhouse; once he enters the capital, his life or death will be entirely at the mercy of the new emperor.

If you don't agree.

That would make the excuse and reason valid...

Your Highness, how dare you disobey the Emperor's orders? What do you intend to do?

Therefore, sending troops to conquer them is a legitimate and justifiable act, and the world will be convinced of its authority!
Regardless of the other party's choice, the imperial court can maneuver freely.

This is where Prime Minister Li Lie's shrewdness lies.

His Majesty's gaze swept across the entire hall: "My esteemed ministers, do you agree with the Prime Minister's suggestion?"

"In my opinion, the Prime Minister's suggestion is sound and thorough!" The Minister of Rites stepped forward.

"Old minister seconded the proposal!"

"Old minister seconded the proposal!"

In an instant, everyone agreed...

Except for one person, Song Lifu, the Minister of Justice.

After everyone had expressed their opinions, Prime Minister Li Lie bowed to His Majesty and said, "Your Majesty, the person sent to Qingqiu this time must have a good relationship with the Prince of Yun in order to avoid causing trouble. This old minister recommends a person, Minister of Justice Song, to be the special envoy!"

Upon hearing this, Song Lifu was stunned.

He seemed still reeling from the shock of the Cloud King's continued presence...

As was customary, the ministers seconded the motion.

His Majesty bowed slightly: "Would Lord Song be willing to make a trip?"

All eyes were on Song Lifu's face.

Song Lifu took a deep breath and stepped forward: "Your subject... is willing to go!"

"Attend to the imperial edict!" His Majesty said.

"exist!"

"By imperial decree! Minister of Justice Song Lifu is ordered to depart immediately for Qingqiu and summon Prince Hongyun to the palace to see me! He has three days to do so; any delay will be severely punished!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Song Lifu stretched out both hands to receive the imperial edict...

The imperial edict was issued, and the news spread rapidly throughout the city...

Those who heard this exchanged bewildered glances, all sensing the cruel atmosphere of the power struggle within the imperial court.

Inside the Zhentian Pavilion, in a small courtyard, the fragrance of peaches and plums still lingers at this time of year.

Lin Weiyang sat at the end of the corridor, quietly watching the river flowing slowly in front of her.

Youying gently reached out and supported his waist: "Teacher, are all these people in the imperial court also extraordinary?"

Lin Weiyang sighed softly: "Anyone who can stand firm in such turbulent waters must be a cunning old fox. To send Song Lifu to summon Prince Yun to the palace and set a three-day deadline, with severe punishment for any delay... What a brilliant plan, a truly damn brilliant plan!"

"Teacher, it's impossible for the Cloud King to enter the palace, right?" Youying asked.

“If Prince Yun does not enter the palace, they will use the charge of ‘dereliction of duty’ to arrest Song Lifu and eliminate the only dissenting voice in the entire court.”

“If the Prince of Keyun enters the palace, it will be like sending meat to the chopping block!” Youying said.

“Yes, no matter what Prince Yun chooses, it’s wrong!” Lin Weiyang said, “What was originally a brilliant move that could have stirred up a storm in the court has turned into a dilemma in the blink of an eye. What should my fellow townsman do?”

"Teacher, do you mean... that Yun Wang's faked death was a backup plan left by Lin Xiaosu?" Youying asked.

"Of course, this is the most crucial move he made in managing the Great Wilderness Dynasty!"

"Teacher, please explain it to me in detail..."

Lin Weiyang began her lecture...

He had actually realized quite early on that Lin Xiaosu had a hidden move.

Why?

Because when he entered the imperial court, every move he made was aimed at one goal: to establish a presence in the Great Wilderness court, and with the power of the court, firmly control the three entrances to the Great Xia country, eliminating the most realistic crisis of that world outside the country's borders.

Therefore, his ultimate goal must be to seize the throne.

However, reality took a different turn...

The late emperor, who held him in high regard, passed away. The seventh prince, who had a particularly close relationship with him and seemed to be someone he had supported, also died.

The imperial court gradually fell under the control of Xindao.

It is becoming increasingly stable.

This is completely out of character for Lin Xiaosu.

It wasn't until the news arrived that "King Yun is still in Qingqiu" that Lin Weiyang suddenly realized...

Everything I couldn't understand before, I understand now.

He knew why Lin Xiaosu had left the capital before the Prince of Yun died.

He even knew why Lin Xiaosu didn't come back when the emperor died.

The reason is simple: Prince Yun faked his death, while the Emperor was truly dead. And the Emperor's true death is exactly what Lin Xiaosu needs!

Even the deaths of the other princes would be something Lin Xiaosu needed.

If the emperor doesn't die and the other competitors aren't eliminated, how can Prince Yun ascend to the throne?

Therefore, at this stage, the three irreconcilable forces of Xindao, Wandumen, and Lin Xiaosu reached a rare consensus: the emperor should die!

Only when the emperor dies can the puppets supported by both sides have a further arena to compete for the throne.

At this stage, the mind has the upper hand, and the puppet they support has already taken over the palace.

But Lin Xiaosu came back.

The Cloud King, whom he supported, also suddenly appeared.

A fierce battle for the top position is about to erupt.

Lin Weiyang spoke at length, and Youying finally blinked her large eyes: "Teacher, the perplexing political situation has become crystal clear after your explanation. This Marquis in Snow Robes is truly someone whose wisdom only you can keep up with. However... even the wisest can make a mistake? The current situation is a dead end!"

“Logically speaking, it is indeed a dead end! Song Lifu is acting on imperial orders, and whether Prince Yun obeys or not, he is doomed. However, there is still room for maneuver in this situation,” Lin Weiyang said.

What kind of article?

“For example, secretly assassinate that person in the palace!” Lin Weiyang said, “If that day really comes, the situation where there was ‘no other choice for the throne’ will be repeated.”

There are only two adult males in the Hong clan: the new emperor and the Yun king. If the new emperor dies, the Yun king, as the only male descendant of the Hong clan, will indeed have to become emperor, no matter how much the court officials oppose him, it will be to no avail, unless you change the dynasty and completely end the Hong dynasty.

That would be too much resistance; you wouldn't be able to get past the royal family alone.

Never underestimate the foundation built up over thousands of years by an imperial dynasty.

Shadow's expression changed: "With him... is that even possible?"

“With his current cultivation level, the possibility is almost zero, but... don’t forget that he just came down from Cangyuan. Cangyuan is the truly unpredictable place.” Lin Weiyang raised her eyes and looked at the sky.

“Cang Yuan…he has Cang Yuan behind him, but the imperial court also has Xin Dao behind it!” You Ying said, “Can Xin Dao just sit idly by?”

“The Path of the Heart… The Path of the Heart…” Lin Weiyang murmured, “Perhaps this is not only his chance, but also my chance! Cang Yuan, and only Cang Yuan… If Cang Yuan does not come out, how can the Path of the Heart be destroyed?”

Youying sighed softly: "Perhaps only Youying understands the teacher in this world. Now I only hope that this fire will burn brighter. However, things in this world are often unsatisfactory. A mere dynasty is probably not enough to provoke the two top giants to go all out."

"Yes, the ownership of a mere Great Wilderness Dynasty won't provoke that person. Perhaps I can meet with him and be fellow travelers on the road to White Mountain again..."

No one knows who "that person" he was referring to.

However, the "he" he mentioned was clearly Lin Xiaosu.

Lin Weiyang intends to provoke a major conflict between Xindao and Cangyuan.

He intends to destroy the Way of the Heart!

Regardless of how things unfold between him and Lin Xiaosu in the future, at least on this matter, they can be on the same path!
Then we can sit down and talk.

With Lin Weiyang's wisdom and Lin Xiaosu's ingenious strategy, it is truly possible to etch this unprecedented epic that will last for ten thousand years.

In the marketplace, everyone was discussing whether Prince Yun would accept the imperial decree.

In official circles, things have gone a step further. Everyone agrees on one point: only a fool would accept the imperial decree. His rebellious nature has been exposed. With Qingqiu as his backer, he can use Qingqiu's power to fight against the imperial power. The outcome is fifty-fifty. Only a madman would accept your decree and send himself straight to the executioner's block.
Therefore, there will only be one outcome: Song Lifu will fail to fulfill His Majesty's mission and will be expelled from the court.

The result was that one whale fall brought forth countless life forms.

With the position of Minister of Justice vacant, many people in his line of work will also become vacant one after another without anyone to protect them. Who will share the vacant position?

A steady stream of people flowed past the gates of Prime Minister Li Lie's residence...

The official positions he promised ranged from a third-rank vice minister to a seventh-rank advisor; the list of names alone was a very long page long…

What no one expected was...

One day after Song Lifu left the capital, news came back: "Prince Yun will be summoned to the palace the next day by imperial decree!"

A short message...

The prime minister was stunned for a full quarter of an hour.

His Majesty has issued an imperial decree, giving you three days to enter the palace and meet with the Emperor.

Otherwise, you will be severely punished!
This is a huge pitfall in itself, and the one who is in trouble is clearly not King Yun, but Song Lifu.

However, Song Lifu's mission to Qingqiu was successfully completed.

Without violating the time limit, without disobeying the imperial decree...

“Prime Minister, although Prince Yun has been in the military for a long time, he is not stupid, is he?” said the Minister of Rites below.

Li Lie slowly raised his gaze, staring at the sky for a long time without moving.

The Minister of Works spoke up: "If he agrees, then there's only one possibility: Qingqiu might take a risk and launch an attack!"

“There are three people at the Qingqiu Enforcer Realm!” Li Lie said. “The Snow-Clad Marquis himself can also withstand an Enforcer Realm expert, making it four people. Are there any other variables?”

"Lord Xueyi has visited Lei Tianlun!" Du Qinghe said.

"Alright, five men!" Li Lie asked. "Has Huo Gang made any unusual moves?"

“No unusual activity observed!” Du Qinghe replied.

"Are you, one of the Four Elders of Zhen Tian, ​​under your control?"

Du Qinghe said, "These four elders are only loyal to His Majesty. They will listen to whoever holds the imperial seal."

"Excellent!" Li Lie said, "Then let me look forward to his unusual actions in the Golden Palace!"

Everyone's eyes lit up.

If this Cloud King makes the slightest move in the Golden Palace, and tries to take a risky attack, then we will wipe them all out, including the Cloud King, the Snow-Clad Marquis, and the top experts of Qingqiu.

This will solve this big problem once and for all.

The entire Great Wilderness thus truly became their paradise.

next day!

Thunder and lightning!

A breeze blew by, bringing a refreshing coolness.

After the rain, the bluestone was washed clean of dust.

Inside the restaurant, countless people were near the windows, staring at the street outside.

We await a historic moment.

Today, Prince Yun enters the palace!
As noon approached, the lightning and thunder in the sky grew even more intense, seemingly foreshadowing the sword fights to come.

A group of servants in yellow robes walked out of the street and headed to the capital outside the city.

This confirms the rumors that Prince Yun has indeed returned to the capital today.

Just as the yellow-clad attendant passed by, an umbrella blossomed on Zhuque Avenue, and a person emerged gracefully from beneath it, dressed in a white-robed official's robe.

"Lord Xueyi! He's actually walking alone?" someone exclaimed.

"This marquis acts with a free and easy manner. He doesn't even keep a carriage. Moreover, he once said that what use is keeping such a thing except for showing off? He would rather use that spare money to buy more clothes for the maids at home."

"This marquis is truly the most down-to-earth marquis in history..."

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd on both sides, Lin Xiaosu stepped out onto the street.

Inside the restaurant, countless eyes watched him depart. In one room facing the street, two women looked somewhat unusual.

One of the women was Changye.

A glint of light flickered in her eyes.

The other woman was much older. Although she was dressed in ordinary clothes, she seemed to have the composure of someone in a high position etched in her bones. She was Elder Xiufeng, a Dao-controlling elder of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

Her forte is, of course, poison. She is said to be able to embroider flowers in the wind, and what she embroiders are naturally flowers of death. Wherever the flowers blow, that place becomes a living hell.

"This man's charm is truly captivating to women everywhere!" Elder Xiufeng said, "You met him twice, did you feel anything unusual?"

Changye turned his gaze to Elder Xiufeng: "What do you mean, Elder?"

"This is just a reminder: while you can get some information by associating with him, you should still avoid going too deep."

"Too deep?" Changye said calmly, "Elder, how deep do you think my body, which is covered in ten thousand poisons, can go with him?"

The elder smiled and said, "Don't misunderstand me. It is precisely because you are a body susceptible to all poisons that you are not suitable to go deeper. If it weren't for your special physical condition, I would absolutely not object to you going deeper."

"Understood!" Changye nodded: "Our sect operates based on a goal. If one can fulfill a mission with their body, no one will object. And since my body is special, as soon as he breaks into the sect, he will know my identity."

"As expected of the sect leader's highly regarded disciple, Changye's choice to befriend him through poetry and music is the most brilliant approach," the elder said.

Although this elder held a high position and wielded great power, Changye's status was no less than hers. Changye was a direct disciple of the sect leader, and he had completed his mission brilliantly during his last appearance in seclusion, earning the sect leader's deep respect.

"While the exchange of poetry and music certainly suits his taste, it's probably not enough to extract deeper secrets..." Changye pondered, "Perhaps next time, I'll have to try a new approach."

"What kind of connections?"

"I can sense that he has some improper thoughts about me, and he is extremely generous to the women he has chosen, perhaps..."

She didn't say the rest.

The elder understood: "You can try loosening your control over your body, letting him touch you freely, just guard the final barrier. Give him the illusion that he's only one step away from getting your body!"

“…” Changye nodded slowly.

Returning to Beijing from outside the city.

Yellow-clad waiters lined up.

Lin Xiaosu stepped into the pavilion, holding an umbrella in her hand.

This is the complete lineup to welcome Prince Yun back to the capital.

It was by no means powerful, but it was certainly in accordance with etiquette.

When high-ranking officials return to the capital, they are greeted by a large gathering of ministers, which is certainly impressive. But how can ministers compare to the personal attendants of the imperial family?

Among those of high rank, how many can compare to Marquis Xueyi?

With these two parties present, it is enough to demonstrate the court's respect for Prince Yun.

That's enough.

The clouds in the sky shifted, and a moon-shaped ship broke through the air and arrived.

Two people on the boat.

One of them was King Yun, dressed in royal robes, and the other was his concubine, Fufeng.

The moon-shaped boat landed and transformed into a moon-shaped hairpin, disappearing into Fufeng's hair.

The Cloud King has arrived.

Lin Xiaosu greeted him with an umbrella: "Welcome, Your Highness!"

"I am so honored that Lord Su personally came to greet me," King Yun replied, also showing courtesy.

"When I returned to the capital in the past, His Highness personally welcomed me. Since His Highness condescended to receive me, how could I not come?"

After a lively exchange, nothing seemed amiss. (End of Chapter)