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

Meanwhile, in the Prime Minister's residence, in a secret underground chamber.

Under the candlelight, Xu Guofu leisurely sipped his fragrant tea, listening to his trusted confidant report on Chen Wang's movements.

"Prime Minister, when that old scoundrel Chen Wang came out of the Luo residence, his face was ashen, clearly indicating that he had failed to persuade Luo Qingluan."

The intelligence officer reported in a low voice: "Afterwards, he summoned Zhou Mingtang and others to a secret meeting in the mansion. According to reports from his informants, they seem to have abandoned their plan to use the Flying Phoenix Army and are preparing to jointly petition the emperor to the death during the celebration."

"Ha, a joint petition to the death?"

Xu Guofu chuckled, gently setting down his teacup. He sneered, "These pedantic scholars, that's all they've got. They think kneeling before the palace and wailing a few times will change His Majesty's mind? How naively laughable!"

"But... this is good too. Their commotion has stirred up the waters and attracted everyone's attention."

"These self-righteous intellectuals have inadvertently helped us out!"

Upon hearing this, the other henchmen in the secret room also revealed knowing smiles.

"Your Excellency is wise! That old scoundrel Chen Wang has shot himself in the foot!"

"This is a perfect opportunity for them to provoke His Majesty; we'll make the arrangements secretly!"

"When the time is right, the Ninth Prince will raise his arm and give the call, and we will coordinate an attack from within and without..."

……

In the following days.

As the anniversary of his accession to the throne approached, people from all walks of life flocked to the capital from all directions.

First were the regional princes and members of the imperial family.

Prince Qin Lie of Yan was the eldest son of the late emperor.

He is now an eighth-level martial artist, responsible for guarding the northern border.

He checked into the post station with his elite northern guards, acting ostentatiously and showing little courtesy to officials in the capital.

He still seemed like the local tyrant who ruled the border with absolute authority.

His ambition to seize the throne is common knowledge.

Prince Qin Yuan of Jin was the third son of the late emperor.

The fiefdom was wealthy and renowned for its refined culture.

He brought few attendants, but they were all shrewd and discreet. After checking into the inn, he closed the door to all visitors, keeping an unusually low profile.

King Qin Hong of Wu was the fifth son of the late emperor.

The tribute they brought was the most lavish.

The market was filled with fine silks, satins, and rare treasures.

They are also extremely tactful and considerate in their dealings with others.

They maintain a distant relationship with various forces.

The arrival of these three most powerful princes drew the attention of various factions in the capital, who were all secretly observing the situation.

Besides.

Neighboring countries bordering Dayong also sent delegations.

The most eye-catching delegation was from the Western Kingdom of Yu.

The State of Yu was a country where women were revered.

The chief envoy sent this time was a woman of about twenty-two or twenty-three years old named Yu Fengling.

She was not a direct descendant of the royal family, but she was a noblewoman of the imperial clan who was highly valued by the Empress of Yu.

She wore a brocade robe unique to the Yu Kingdom, with intricate and gorgeous patterns, mainly in deep purple and gold thread, which made her skin look as white as snow.

Her appearance was naturally alluring, with long, slender legs, and every smile and frown was captivating.

The delegation she brought was mostly composed of women, each of whom was capable and efficient.

They checked into a luxurious guesthouse prepared for foreign envoys and did not rush to visit the officials of the Dayong Dynasty.

Instead, they sent people out every day, seemingly to tour the sights of the capital.

In reality, they were carefully observing the daily lives of ordinary people and the military defenses of Dayong.

Even the prevailing political winds.

"The land is vast and rich in resources, the people are prosperous, and the armor and weapons are also quite good..."

Standing on the highest terrace of the post station, Yu Fengling looked down at the bustling street scene lined with shops and said in a flat tone, "It's a pity that we have such a tyrannical ruler in power."

The deputy envoy, an older female official, said in a low voice, "I have heard that since Emperor Dayong ascended the throne, he has been indulging in the harem and neglecting state affairs. Powerful ministers are in power, and there are undercurrents within the court. I'm afraid this celebration will not be peaceful."

Yu Fengling smiled meaningfully: "Chaos is good. The eastern border of my Yu Kingdom borders his Dayong Kingdom. If we can take this opportunity to see the true strength of this behemoth, and even gain some benefits from it, then our long journey here will not have been in vain."

He paused, then added, "Focus on the movements of that Prime Minister Xu Guofu and the several vassal kings. As for His Majesty the Emperor... he's a foolish ruler who's too lazy to even handle state affairs, so there's no need to devote too much energy to him."

Besides the Kingdom of Yu, delegations from several other small countries also arrived one after another.

Most of them adopted a wait-and-see attitude, wanting to see what kind of person this new Emperor Dayong was.

For a time, the capital was a melting pot of all sorts of people, with undercurrents surging.

Little did they know, turbulent undercurrents and secret plots were brewing among various factions.

None of them could escape the eyes that hung high in the heavens.

The night sky was as dark as ink, and the crescent moon hung like a hook.

Qin Xiao was dressed in black.

It stood quietly atop the Xuan Tie flying sword crafted by skilled artisans.

Her clothes fluttered in the night wind.

His body remained as steady as a rock.

He hovered a hundred feet above the capital city.

His aura blended seamlessly with the night.

Even if a martial arts master deliberately looks up at it, they would hardly notice the slightest difference.

Qin Xiao's eyes narrowed, and his powerful divine sense suddenly spread out.

In an instant, it covered the most prosperous central area of ​​the capital.

Every sound and breath is exposed.

First, there was the post station where the Yu Kingdom delegation stayed.

Yu Fengling was not asleep; she was having a private conversation with several trusted female officials.

"...The Prince of Yan is brave but lacks strategy, and he has made too many enemies in the northern frontier."

A calm female voice analyzed, "The King of Jin appears humble, but he is actually narrow-minded and vindictive, and should not be befriended. The King of Wu is incredibly wealthy and adept at social maneuvering, but his military strength is weak. If he wants to contend for the throne, I'm afraid he is not up to the task."

Yu Fengling pondered, "It seems that the Great Yong Dynasty is riddled with rotten wood, with hardly any pillars to support it. Xu Guofu is cunning and shrewd, but blinded by power, and negotiating with a tiger is extremely risky. We should observe the situation. If chaos does arise, the primary target should be those three cities in the western border that are rich in black iron. If necessary, we might be able to lend a hand to one side in exchange for the greatest benefit!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiao scoffed inwardly, "Mysterious Iron? Quite the appetite. Too bad, you've miscalculated!"

Next, we visited the residence where the Prince of Yan was staying.

Qin Lie was drinking heavily with several trusted generals, his voice booming: "Damn it! I feel so uncomfortable staying in the capital! That emperor is a complete waste! If this empire falls into my hands..."

"Your Highness, please watch your words!"

The staff quickly reminded him.

"What's there to be afraid of!"

Qin Lie waved his hand dismissively, "I've brought three thousand iron cavalry and are stationed outside the city! What can Qin Xiao do to me? During the celebration, they'd better keep their eyes wide open! If that brat continues his outrageous behavior... Hmph!"

The unspoken meaning is self-evident.

Qin Xiao shook his head upon hearing this, "A brute, three thousand iron cavalry, hah..."

Next, there was the exquisite villa where the Prince of Jin resided.

In stark contrast to the flamboyant behavior of the Prince of Yan, this place was eerily quiet.

But in the study.

Qin Yuan was sitting opposite a scholar, who was writing on the table with his finger dipped in water.

The scholar said, "The intentions of Prime Minister Xu and the Ninth Prince are obvious."

The Prince of Jin sneered and wrote: "The mantis stalks the cicada."

The scholar nodded and wrote again: "The oriole is unaware of the mantis behind; it has already contacted the Imperial Guards and has long harbored resentment towards His Majesty."

The Prince of Jin wiped away the water, a cold glint flashing in his eyes...