You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

Just as Lu Zuo was pondering, a series of dense and heavy footsteps suddenly came from the corridor outside the Imperial Study!

Step! Step! Step! Step...

The footsteps were synchronized and accompanied by the clanging sound of metal armor plates scraping against each other, approaching from afar and quickly surrounding the Imperial Study.

Judging from the voices, there are definitely several hundred people!

The once tranquil palace garden was instantly enveloped by a chilling atmosphere.

Lu Zuo raised an eyebrow, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes, but no surprise.

He straightened his robes, calmly pushed open the door to the imperial study, and stepped out.

Outside the palace courtyard, a dense mass of imperial guards, fully armored and wielding long halberds, stood, their faces grim and their eyes sharp, completely surrounding the imperial study.

The leading general was a burly man with a dark complexion. He was Shen Gang, one of Qin Hui's confidants and the commander of the Palace Guard.

Upon seeing Lu Zuo emerge, Shen Gang quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke in a loud but slightly stiff voice: "This humble general, Shen Gang, Commander of the Palace Guard, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Lu Zuo's gaze swept indifferently over the tense soldiers around him, finally settling on Shen Gang. His tone was calm: "Shen Yuhou, what brings you so many armored soldiers to surround my imperial study?"

Shen Gang lowered his head, not daring to meet Lu Zuo's gaze, and replied with the prepared words, "Your Majesty!"

"According to intelligence, a large number of Jin spies and martial arts masters have recently infiltrated Yingtian Prefecture with malicious intent!"

"Prime Minister Qin is concerned for Your Majesty's safety and has specially ordered me to increase manpower to guard the Imperial Study closely and ensure Your Majesty's safety."

"If I have disturbed Your Majesty, please forgive me!"

"Oh? A master from the Jin Kingdom?"

Lu Zuo looked at him with a half-smile: "I am in the deep palace, protected by layers of palace guards. Why make such a fuss?"

"You may withdraw your troops now; I wish to leave the palace for a stroll."

Upon hearing this, Shen Gang lowered his head even further, but his tone remained unusually resolute: "Your Majesty!"

"At this moment, danger lurks everywhere outside the palace, and villains are hiding in the shadows. Your Majesty's precious life is not something to be taken lightly."

"Prime Minister Qin has strictly ordered that this humble general must ensure His Majesty's safety!"

"Until the threat is eliminated, Your Majesty, please remain in the Imperial Study. We will protect you to the death!"

"How dare you!"

Li Qingzhao, who had followed Lu Zuo out, turned pale with anger upon hearing these words. She couldn't help but step forward and sternly rebuked, "Shen Gang!"

"What are you saying?"

"Your Majesty is the supreme ruler, the sole arbiter of the universe!"

"Do I need a mere guard like you to grant me permission to leave the palace? You are clearly using the guise of protection to carry out house arrest!"

"Do you even respect His Majesty?!"

When Li Qingzhao questioned him, Shen Gang trembled slightly and quickly replied, "Secretary Li, you flatter me. This humble general would never dare!"

"The situation is truly critical. Prime Minister Qin is utterly loyal, and all he does is think of His Majesty's safety!"

He said he dared not, but his body remained rooted to the spot, showing no intention of moving aside or withdrawing his troops.

Lu Zuo gently patted Li Qingzhao's arm, which was trembling slightly with anger, signaling her to calm down.

Instead of showing anger, he revealed a meaningful smile and looked at Shen Gang, saying, "Good, what a loyal protector of his master."

"Since Prime Minister Qin has made this arrangement, then I... will comply with it."

After saying that, he actually turned around, took the still indignant Li Qingzhao's hand, and slowly walked back to the Imperial Study.

He also gently closed the door, isolating the hundreds of armored soldiers outside.

Once back in her room, Li Qingzhao could no longer contain herself and exclaimed urgently, "Your Majesty!"

"Can't you see it yet?"

"This isn't protection!"

"This is clearly imprisonment!"

"Qin Hui's wolfish ambitions have been fully revealed!"

"We must find a way to get the message out immediately!"

Lu Zuo walked to the window, watching the last rays of the setting sun be swallowed by the night, and said calmly, "Qingzhao, calm down."

Li Qingzhao paused upon hearing this: "Then... we can't just sit here and wait to die."

"His Majesty."

"While there might still be a chance, we might be able to force our way out..."

Lu Zuo turned around, looked at Li Qingzhao's anxious and pale face, smiled slightly, his eyes deep and calm: "Qingzhao, don't worry."

"I will be fine, and the Song Dynasty will be fine too."

"We don't need to go anywhere, we don't need to do anything."

He paused, his tone carrying a strange certainty: "Because I believe that before long, Minister Qin..."

"He will come on his own."

Li Qingzhao opened her beautiful eyes wide, completely unable to understand.

Qin Hui has arrived?

Isn't that the final moment when the true intentions are revealed?

If weapons are used against His Majesty, wouldn't His Majesty be in even greater danger?

Just as she was about to try to persuade him again...

Outside the Imperial Study, a sudden, more boisterous yet distinctly respectful sound of footsteps arose, accompanied by the hushed, intermittent reports of the Imperial Guards:

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

"Your Excellency!"

"Prime Minister Qin..."

A gentle yet undeniably authoritative voice rang out clearly:

"Your humble servant Qin Hui has urgent military and state affairs to attend to and requests an audience with Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this voice, Li Qingzhao trembled, her face turning deathly pale, and she instinctively took a step closer to Lu Zuo.

Lu Zuo's smile deepened, and he said softly, "See, here they come, don't they?"

Squeak.

A slightly grating scraping sound rang out, and the heavy vermilion wooden door of the Imperial Study was slowly pushed open from the outside.

Qin Hui's figure appeared at the door.

He wasn't wearing his prime minister's robes today; instead, he was dressed in a crimson-purple casual outfit, with a jade belt around his waist and a black gauze hat on his head. He looked casual, but he exuded an imposing aura unlike any other.

Behind him stood four Imperial Guards, their hands on their swords, their armor gleaming, their eyes sharp—clearly the elite of the elite. They followed closely behind like personal bodyguards, their steps steady as they crossed the threshold and stood on either side.

Unlike the tense and solemn atmosphere outside the door, Qin Hui wore his usual, even more "respectful" smile.

He stepped forward, stopping a few paces away from the imperial desk. He straightened his already neat attire, then bowed respectfully, his voice gentle and clear:

"Your humble servant Qin Hui greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

His manners were impeccable, as if the person before him was not a king surrounded by his armored soldiers, but an ordinary late-night audience.

Lu Zuo sat behind the imperial desk, his expression calm and composed, with even a faint smile playing on his lips, as if he had already fully grasped the situation before him.

He gently raised his hand, making a gesture of support: "Rise, Minister Qin. What urgent matter of state or military importance requires your personal presence in the palace so late at night?"

"And with... such a grand display?"

Qin Hui straightened up, his smile unwavering. His gaze swept quickly over Li Qingzhao, who stood beside Lu Zuo, pale-faced and trying to appear composed, before finally settling on Lu Zuo's face. He calmly replied:

"Your Majesty, we have come precisely for the sake of the nation's safety and the stability of the court."

He paused for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words, before speaking:

"Your Majesty, the Jurchens are now stationed north of the Yangtze River, eyeing us covetously, and their spies are rampant."

"The city is also in turmoil. General Liu Qi was assassinated first, and several other generals have died tragically. The court and the public are shaken, and people are filled with fear. This is truly a critical moment of survival!"

His tone was heavy, and he looked as if he were deeply concerned about the country and its people: "At this extraordinary time, we must do extraordinary things."

"In order to stabilize the court and consolidate national strength to resist foreign aggression, this old minister humbly requests Your Majesty..."

"Several key positions in the court will be reshuffled, and capable officials will be selected to ensure that the people are of one mind and can overcome the difficulties together."

Lu Zuo raised an eyebrow slightly, remaining expressionless: "Oh? How does my subject wish to adjust it?"

Qin Hui took out a prepared memorial from his sleeve, presented it with both hands, and said:

"This old minister recommends: Sun Jin, the Vice Chancellor, is experienced and wise in governing the country. He may be promoted to the position of Chancellor and given overall command of state affairs."

"Wan Qixie, the Imperial Censor, is upright and honest. He can concurrently serve as the Privy Councilor and assist in military affairs."

"Cao Yong, the prefect of Lin'an, is capable and diligent. He can be promoted to Minister of Revenue to manage grain and provisions."

"Zhao Zhe, the Commander of the Palace Guards, is commendable for his loyalty and bravery. He is familiar with the affairs of the Imperial Guards and can be appointed as the acting head of the Privy Council and in charge of the Imperial Guards..."

He listed seven or eight names and their corresponding key positions, all of whom were his trusted confidants, covering areas such as politics, military affairs, supervision, finance, and even the most crucial command of the Imperial Guard!

If this arrangement is followed, he will practically seize all the power in the court!

"The above candidates are all capable individuals who serve the country and its people, and they will surely be able to assist Your Majesty in maintaining stability both domestically and internationally."

After Qin Hui finished speaking, he bowed slightly: "I humbly request Your Majesty... to issue an imperial edict immediately to reassure the people."

After listening quietly, Lu Zuo lightly tapped the memorial with his finger but did not open it. Instead, he looked up at Qin Hui with a deep gaze: "I am aware of your recommendation, my dear minister."

"Is there anything else?"

Seeing that Lu Zuo neither became angry nor agreed, Qin Hui felt a slight chill in his heart, but his smile remained unchanged as he continued, "Your Majesty is wise."

"Furthermore, in order to deal with the current crisis and ensure the smooth flow of government orders, this old minister humbly requests Your Majesty to grant the authority to 'act expediently'."

"For all important military and political matters, as well as the removal or dismissal of officials below the fifth rank, I am permitted to handle them in advance and report back afterwards."

"Only in this way can we make decisions on the spot and avoid missing opportunities in battle."

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, the palace guards are of paramount importance, as they are crucial to His Majesty's safety."

"This old minister suggests that, from this day forward, all palace operations shall be under the unified control of Zhao Zhe, the Commander of the Palace Guard. Without the written orders of the Privy Council and this old minister, no one shall be allowed to move a single soldier without authorization, so as to ensure absolute safety."

This is practically threatening to strip the emperor of his power both inside and outside the palace!

Political affairs, military affairs, personnel matters, and even the direct command of the imperial guards were all to be controlled by Qin Hui and his agents!

Li Qingzhao listened with trepidation, her fingers gripping the hem of her dress so tightly that her nails almost dug into her flesh.

This is no longer about wanting power; this is clearly about forcing someone to abdicate!

After listening, Lu Zuo's smile seemed to deepen. He gave a soft "heh," leaned back slightly, and calmly looked at Qin Hui, slowly asking:

"Minister Qin... is there anything else?"

Meeting Lu Zuo's gaze, Qin Hui wore an expression of "reluctance" and "sacrifice for the country," and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, this old minister...is getting on in years and wishes to enjoy his remaining years in peace."

"However, with the nation in peril, I dare not spare my life."

"In order to build consensus among the court and the people, and to concentrate power for the great cause of resisting the Jin... this old minister humbly requests Your Majesty to bestow upon me the title of 'Chief of Military and State Affairs,' so that this old minister... may rightfully and legitimately oversee the overall situation!"

To oversee important military and national affairs!

This is an honorific title often bestowed upon powerful ministers, whose status is even higher than that of the prime minister, signifying that they have the final say on major military and political affairs of the country!

After listening to Qin Hui's "request," which was almost tantamount to demanding supreme authority, Lu Zuo remained relaxed, leaning back in his chair and gently tapping his fingers on the smooth surface of the imperial desk.

After a long pause, he spoke slowly in a calm tone, devoid of any discernible emotion, "Minister Qin's request is indeed well-considered and shows great care and consideration."

"However, I would like to ask you a question, my dear minister..."

"What if I... do not agree to your requests today?"

Upon hearing this, the air in the imperial study instantly froze!

Qin Hui's humble and "reluctant" expression froze instantly, and a look of disbelief flashed deep in his eyes, which was quickly replaced by a sinister look.

He anticipated that the emperor might hesitate, become angry, or even try to bargain.

Unexpectedly, even when surrounded by armored soldiers and treated like a prisoner, this young official refused in such a calm, even slightly mocking tone.

How could he dare to refuse?

On what grounds should he refuse?

Could it be that he still can't see the current situation clearly?

Did he still think he was the emperor who ruled with absolute power?

Really... out of touch with reality!

childish!

A surge of anger, stemming from being slighted and even humiliated, welled up in Qin Hui's heart, almost shattering his long-maintained facade.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions. The "submissiveness" on his face completely disappeared, replaced by a smile that was a mixture of coldness, threat, and undisguised dominance.

He straightened up slightly, no longer trying to maintain a humble posture, looked directly at Lu Zuo, and his voice lost its previous gentleness, becoming sharp and cold:

"Your Majesty is joking."

"Your Majesty is the most honored ruler, and the safety of the entire nation rests on your shoulders. How can you act impulsively?"

"Now that we are surrounded by the Jurchen invaders and beset by internal and external troubles, it is precisely the time when we need to unite as one and overcome these difficult times together."

"If decrees are changed frequently and policies are issued from multiple sources, the nation's decline will be imminent!"

He stepped forward, his tone icy: "My request today is not for my own selfish reasons, but for the sake of the nation and Your Majesty's safety!"

"The Imperial Guards need capable officers to reorganize them, lest villains take advantage of any weakness to infiltrate."

"Government orders must be implemented smoothly in order to cope with rapidly changing situations."

"And the security of the palace is of paramount importance!"

"Your Majesty has long resided within the palace and may be unaware of the dangers outside. Without someone to oversee and direct affairs, what if a treacherous individual alerts Your Majesty..."

"This old minister deserves to die a thousand deaths to atone for his sins!"

These words, seemingly spoken for the sake of the country and its people, are in fact laced with deadly intent!

The last sentence, "It startled the Emperor," is a blatant threat!

The meaning couldn't be clearer: if you behave well, you can be assured of a stable and wealthy life.

If one is ungrateful, an "accident" that "startles the emperor" could happen at any moment within this "deep palace"!

Li Qingzhao felt a chill run through her body, and she almost couldn't stand up. This was the final ultimatum, revealing the true intentions behind everything!

Qin Hui stared intently at Lu Zuo. Zhao Gou, Zhao Gou, now that things have come to this, why are you still putting on airs as an emperor?

Everyone outside this imperial study is my man; your life or death is entirely in my hands!

Besides nodding, do you have any other choice?

However, Lu Zuo's reaction once again surprised him.

Faced with Qin Hui's words, which were a mix of soft and hard tactics and fraught with murderous intent, Lu Zuo not only showed no fear, but also seemed to have heard something extremely ridiculous, and suddenly chuckled softly.

The laughter wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling sarcasm and coldness.

After a long while, Lu Zuo slowly stood up from the dragon throne.

As he stood up, his previously languid and reclining demeanor suddenly changed, and a powerful aura that seemed capable of suppressing everything suddenly spread out!

"Qin Hui".

"You've said so much and arranged so much here..."

"Do you really think...?"

"Have you truly taken control of the situation today?"