So what if I have a few billion concubines while I'm cultivating immortality?

Chen Wang changed into casual clothes.

They arrived at the Luo Mansion, located on the west side of the imperial city, without making a sound.

The Luo family mansion was not as luxurious as the mansions of other nobles and generals.

The two stone lions in front of the gate are slightly mottled due to years of wind and rain erosion.

After announcing his name, the steward dared not neglect this leader of the reformist faction and respectfully led Chen Wang inside.

Just as I crossed the front yard, I heard a series of whooshing sounds coming from the back yard.

Upon entering the backyard, Chen Wang looked in the direction of the sound.

Luo Qingluan was dressed in a red training uniform, her dark hair tied up in a high ponytail.

He wielded a long, sharp sword, which he wielded with such skill that it seemed to whirl in the wind.

His swordsmanship was powerful and sweeping, carrying an aura of killing intent.

However, the swordplay conveyed a sense of restlessness and repression.

The final strike unleashed a torrent of sword energy!

The martial arts master's strength was on full display!

With just sword energy, it directly cleaved the wooden stake in half at the waist!

"As expected of one of the few eighth-tier martial artists in the Great Yong Dynasty, I admire you!"

With a smile on his face, Chen Wang clapped his hands as he walked towards Luo Qingluan.

In the entire Dayong Dynasty, there are only a handful of martial artists of the eighth rank or above.

With Luo Qingluan's current strength, she is only one step away from becoming a ninth-level martial artist, the highest level!

"Imperial Censor Chen, what brings you here?"

Luo Qingluan maintained her sword-wielding posture, breathing slightly heavily, with fine beads of sweat appearing on her smooth forehead.

"I apologize for my intrusion and for disturbing the general's sword practice."

Chen Wang bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

Luo Qingluan quickly clasped her hands in return.

Then, Chen Wang was led into the study.

The study is simply decorated.

A huge map of the Great Yong territory hangs on the wall.

Next to it was a suit of silver armor that had been polished to a gleaming shine.

Aside from military books and documents, there were no playthings on the desk.

The maidservant served tea and then quietly withdrew.

Only Luo Qingluan and Chen Wang remained in the study.

Without much pleasantries, Chen Wang cut straight to the point, revealing the plan of the upright officials to remonstrate to the death. He concluded in a deep voice, "...General Luo, His Majesty now resides deep within the palace, and the affairs of state are entirely in the hands of treacherous officials. If this continues, the foundation of the nation will be shaken, and a catastrophic upheaval may occur!"

"Xu Guofu is a wolf in sheep's clothing. If he succeeds, the Great Yong Dynasty will be in grave danger! We wish to offer our advice, but we are unarmed. Only by relying on the elite 'Flying Phoenix Army' under your command can we protect His Majesty, deter the villains, and ensure that our loyal words reach the ears of the Emperor!"

Luo Qingluan listened silently, her gaze lowered as she watched the tea leaves floating in her cup, remaining silent for a long time.

To ensure His Majesty's safety?

This was clearly a military coup...

After a long while, she raised her eyes, shook her head and said, "Imperial Censor Chen, matters of the court are not something I, a mere military officer, can comment on. The Flying Phoenix Army has no right to interfere in matters of the inner palace. Please forgive Qingluan for being powerless to help in this matter."

Upon hearing this, Chen Wang was not discouraged. He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming even more earnest: "General, you are mistaken! When the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain intact? If the dynasty collapses and the Xu faction comes to power, do you think you and your Flying Phoenix Army can remain unscathed? Xu Guofu has long regarded us upright officials as thorns in his side. Do you really think he would trust a general like you who holds military power and refuses to submit to him?"

Luo Qingluan gave a bitter smile, her attitude remaining firm: "Qingluan only knows how to fulfill her duties and have a clear conscience. As for other things, they are neither my wish nor my responsibility."

Chen Wang was anxious and suddenly stood up, even lifting his robe as if to kneel down!

"Imperial Censor Chen! This is unacceptable!"

Startled, Luo Qingluan immediately stood up and reached out to help her.

Chen Wang insisted on pushing him away, bending his knees and kneeling upright on the bluestone ground.

"General Luo!"

"This kneeling of mine is not for my own fame and fortune, but for the sake of the vast empire of the Great Yong!"

"General, please lend a hand!"

Luo Qingluan's outstretched hand froze in mid-air as she sighed, "Lord Chen, why are you doing this..."

Chen Wang raised his head, his old eyes already filled with tears: "General! Do you still remember your father, General Luo?!"

Luo Qingluan's delicate body trembled violently, as if struck by lightning.

Chen Wang spoke again, reminiscing, "Back when the late emperor was choosing his heir, there were undercurrents in the court. It was General Luo, who, even on his sickbed, mustered his last breath and went to the palace that very night. He used his life's military achievements and his life as collateral to strongly advocate for His Majesty's virtue and ability, and to steadfastly support His Majesty's ascension to the throne! The old general's dying words still resonate in my ears!"

"The old general placed high hopes on His Majesty, firmly believing he could become a wise ruler and usher in a prosperous era! But now, His Majesty is taking in many concubines, neglecting state affairs, and associating with treacherous officials. Is this the result of the old general's desperate support? As the old general's only bloodline, can you bear to watch His Majesty go further and further down this path of incompetence, watching the country that the old general defended his entire life gradually descend into the abyss? Can you bear to let the old general not find peace in the afterlife?!"

"Stop talking, stop talking..."

Luo Qingluan turned her back, her thoughts drifting.

Her father raised her like a boy from a young age.

He taught her to ride a horse and shoot arrows.

Teach her to be loyal to the emperor and love her country.

Even on his deathbed, he remained concerned about the fate of his country and its people.

Those eyes, full of expectation and trust, seem to be right in front of me.

Qin Xiao was once spirited, intelligent, and wise.

I rode horses with her in the outskirts of Beijing and talked about our ideals.

But now...

Luo Qingluan was struggling internally, biting her lower lip tightly, and tasting a faint metallic flavor of blood.

The study fell into a deathly silence.

After an unknown amount of time, Luo Qingluan slowly turned around.

Tears still clung to her face.

But those heroic eyes.

But it reignited the scorching flames.

"Lord Chen, please rise."

She exhaled a long breath, as if to expel all the pent-up frustration and bewilderment from her chest.

Then, looking towards the palace, he said, "You're right. I can't let Father down, and I can't stand by and watch the Great Yong Dynasty be destroyed. I promise you!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Wang burst into tears, his lips trembling with emotion: "General, on behalf of all the people of the world, I thank you!"

Luo Qingluan waved her hand, her face expressionless: "Lord Chen, there's no need for thanks. I'm not doing this for you, nor for your 'pure' faction, but only for my father's last wish, only to have a clear conscience..."

"I will request an audience with His Majesty immediately; there are some things I must ask him personally to clarify!"

Having said that, he didn't hesitate any longer, turned around, and strode out of the study.

His back was as straight as a pine tree, carrying an unwavering determination.

It's as if they're heading to a battlefield filled with the clash of swords!

Chen Wang watched Luo Qingluan's departing figure, let out a long sigh of relief, and felt a huge weight lifted from his heart.

"Okay, okay, okay!"

"With General Ruoluo's intervention, the great undertaking can succeed!"