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

The tense atmosphere and undercurrents in the Taiji Hall seemed to be kept out by the heavy hall doors.

Lu Zuo returned to the imperial study, dismissed all the palace servants, and left only himself.

Outside the window, the autumn sunlight filters through the paper windowpane, becoming gentle and dappled.

The study was quiet, with only a wisp of smoke rising straight up from the Boshan incense burner, which was then dispersed by an invisible stream of air.

Lu Zuo didn't touch the mountain of memorials, most of which had already been processed by Liu Daoling or had been prepared with comments in vermilion ink and only needed to be stamped. Instead, he went straight to the quiet room specially set up in the inner room.

The quiet room was small and simply furnished, with a futon, a low table, and an incense burner.

This was a place the "original owner" used to meditate when he was occasionally upset; it was never actually used for cultivation.

Lu Zuo sat cross-legged on the futon and closed his eyes.

With a calm mind, he began to recall the martial arts techniques he had collected from all over the world, integrate and improve them, and finally create a body-refining and foundation-building technique tailored for himself... "Huangji Zhenshi Gong".

This skill does not pursue extreme killing, but focuses on consolidating the foundation, tempering the body, cultivating the vital energy, and achieving a balanced and harmonious state. It is the most reliable and carries a magnificent and grand artistic conception, which is subtly in line with his imperial status.

The formulas, breathing routes, and visualizations clearly appeared in my mind.

However, when he tried to guide the meager amount of acquired internal energy within his body according to his memory, he immediately felt a difference.

The "qi" of this world seems to be more active, and also more... "heavy".

The pure and impure energies are mixed together, requiring more precise manipulation to distinguish, absorb, and refine the beneficial parts.

"Compatible... I see."

Lu Zuo's mind raced as he began to adjust his breathing and intention, no longer mechanically following the instructions, but instead using the core principles of the "Huangji Zhenshi Gong" as a guide, trying to perceive and resonate with the energy of this world.

Gradually, a faint, almost imperceptible warm current began to seep into his body from the smallest parts, slowly circulating along the adjusted energy path. Although as weak as a stream, it was real and tangible.

He lost track of time while cultivating until a feeling of hunger arose in his stomach, at which point Lu Zuo slowly stopped his practice and opened his eyes.

A glint of light flashed in his eyes, then disappeared.

Although progress has been minimal, the first step has been taken: successfully drawing qi into the body and initially adapting to the rules of this realm.

He examined his body and found that the feeling of emptiness caused by the "original owner's" indulgence and fear had lessened slightly, but his mind had become much clearer.

Just then, Liu Gonggong's distinctive, slightly effeminate voice came from outside the study: "Your Majesty, it's past 3:45 PM. Shall we order the meal?"

"Come in." Lu Zuo stood up and walked out of the quiet room.

Eunuch Liu brought in tea and snacks, set them on the tea table, and stood at attention with his hands at his sides, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

"Speak your mind." Lu Zuo picked up the warm ginseng tea and took a sip.

"Yes..." Eunuch Liu stepped forward, lowered his voice, and said with a fawning and cautious expression, "Your Majesty, a message just came from Qiluan Palace..."

"Your Highness, Consort Yuwen, is Your Majesty free tonight? Your Majesty has recently acquired some water chestnuts from Jiangnan, which are exceptionally sweet. We would like Your Majesty to try them..."

Consort Yuwen?

Lu Zuo quickly retrieved the information in his mind.

Yuwen Xue, the legitimate daughter of Yuwen Qing.

She entered the palace three years ago, initially holding the title of Zhaoyi, and later promoted to Guifei, a rank second only to the Empress.

His purpose in entering the palace was known to everyone in the court and among the people. He was simply a spy placed by Yuwen Qing by the emperor's side, both to monitor him and to exert influence when necessary.

"Consort Yuwen..."

Lu Zuo put down his teacup, his fingertips gently tracing the smooth surface of the cup. A playful glint appeared on his face, a characteristic of a "tyrant"—his interest in beautiful women.

"It has been a while since I visited Qiluan Palace."

"Liu Banban, do you think it would be inappropriate for me to go to his daughter's palace tonight, given that Marshal Yuwen just lost his temper in court?"

Eunuch Liu smiled broadly: "Your Majesty is too kind. You are the Emperor; which concubine in the harem cannot go there?"

"Marshal Yuwen is His Majesty's subject, and Consort Gui is His Majesty's concubine. The relationship between ruler and subject, father and son, is a fundamental principle." How can one abandon human ethics for the sake of court affairs?

"This old servant believes that if His Majesty were to leave, the Imperial Concubine would surely be delighted, Marshal Yuwen..."

"He must also understand His Majesty's desire to appease the harem."

That was a beautifully crafted statement, perfectly watertight.

They both encouraged the emperor to go and gave him a plausible reason.

Lu Zuo hummed in agreement, seemingly convinced, and waved his hand: "Then let's go to Qiluan Palace for dinner."

"Tell the Imperial Concubine that I will arrive shortly."

"This old servant obeys the decree." Eunuch Liu, beaming, withdrew to relay the message.

……

Qiluan Palace is not far from the Imperial Study. The palace is magnificent and beautifully furnished, exuding an atmosphere that blends the toughness and luxury of a military family.

When Lu Zuo arrived, dinner was already prepared. It wasn't too extravagant, but everything was exquisite.

Yuwen Xue was already dressed in her finest attire and waiting at the palace gate.

She was around twenty years old, tall and slender, with a healthy wheat-colored complexion, bright and striking features, and a heroic and proud air about her, like a daughter of a military family.

At this moment, she was dressed in the brocade palace dress of the Imperial Concubine, adorned with pearls and jade, exuding a noble and imposing aura. However, the palace dress seemed unable to contain the vibrant energy within her.

Upon seeing Lu Zuo, she bowed respectfully, her posture impeccable, her voice clear and melodious: "Your Majesty, I, Yuwen Xue, respectfully welcome you."

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"My beloved concubine, you may rise." Lu Zuo stepped forward and gently helped her up, feeling the strength and suppleness of her arm, which was definitely not that of an ordinary young lady.

The two took their seats, and the palace maids served them food.

During the meal, Yuwen Xue spoke with grace and composure, neither overly flattering nor excessively aloof.

The topics mostly revolved around interesting anecdotes in the palace and sights and sounds in the capital. Occasionally, she would mention the scenery on the frontier and the hardships her father and brothers endured in battle. She handled the topics with great finesse, demonstrating the knowledge of a daughter of a military family without touching on sensitive political matters.

But Lu Zuo could sense that her bright eyes were always glancing at him unintentionally, with scrutiny and assessment.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became slightly tipsy.

Lu Zuo put down his silver chopsticks, looked at Yuwen Xue's face, which was slightly flushed from the wine in the candlelight, making her even more beautiful, and suddenly smiled, saying, "My beloved concubine's palace attire today is indeed magnificent, but..."

"But what? Does His Majesty not like it?" Yuwen Xue looked up.

"It's just a little restrictive." Lu Zuo leaned forward slightly, his voice low, carrying a hint of languor and ambiguity. "I remember that military families often have lightweight soft armor that is worn close to the body, providing both protection and convenience."

"My beloved consort comes from a military family, and must have practiced martial arts to strengthen her body. Perhaps..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Yuwen Xue's exquisite curves encased in her palace attire, his tone becoming even more meaningful: "Remove these heavy palace robes, and let me see if my beloved consort still retains the bearing of a valiant daughter of a military family?"

"In this deep palace, though the armor is heavy, sometimes it is not as comfortable and enjoyable as going into battle lightly equipped."

"Remove your armor!"

Yuwen Xue was taken aback at first, then realized what was happening, and her cheeks instantly turned bright red, all the way to her ears.

It wasn't just embarrassment, but also a hint of anger at being offended by flippant words, and a deep-seated humiliation hidden in his eyes.

Her entry into the palace as a concubine was arranged by her father, and she had the responsibility of monitoring others. However, she also had her own pride. She had never been asked to "remove her armor" so bluntly and almost tauntingly.

This tyrant is indeed as licentious as the rumors say!

However, the anger and humiliation were fleeting.

She remembered her father's instructions and her own mission. The person before her, no matter how unworthy, was still the emperor, the sovereign her father had to nominally respect when he needed to oppose Liu Daoling in court.

She entered the palace with the awareness of making sacrifices.

She quickly lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes concealing all her emotions. When she looked up again, a forced shyness and obedience were squeezed out on her face. Her voice was low and trembling: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty has given the order, how dare I disobey?"

"But... Your Majesty, please show some mercy..."

After saying that, she stood up and waved to the palace maid standing beside her.

The palace maids understood, quickly lowered their heads, and quietly withdrew, closing the palace door behind them.

The candlelight flickered red, filling the room with fragrance.

What happened next is not for outsiders to know.

……

The next morning, Lu Zuo woke up in Qiluan Palace.

Beside him, Yuwen Xue was still fast asleep, her brows slightly furrowed. Even in her sleep, she seemed to carry a trace of unresolved melancholy and exhaustion.

Lu Zuo quietly got up, his movement waking Yuwen Xue.

She opened her eyes, saw Lu Zuo, and a complex emotion flashed in her eyes, which she quickly concealed as she struggled to get up and serve him.

"My beloved consort, please rest a little longer. I'm going to the Imperial Study." Lu Zuo's tone was gentle, and he even tucked the blanket around her, showing his considerate nature.

Leaving Qiluan Palace and walking along the palace path in the cool morning light, Lu Zuo's eyes were clear.

The pale blue lettering appeared precisely on the edge of my line of sight:

[Behavior: Excessive indulgence; Reward: Constitution +12.]

The reward is two points more than last time.

Is it because of Yuwen Xue's identity?

Is it because the daughter of a military family is physically stronger, or is it because of the power she represents that this "tyrannical act" has a higher "value"?

Lu Zuo returned to the Imperial Study, dismissed his attendants again, and entered the quiet room.

He sat cross-legged, feeling the energy within his body, which was noticeably stronger than yesterday, and the abundant energy within him.

He didn't delay any longer, calmed his mind, and began to circulate the "Imperial Supreme World-Suppressing Technique".

This time, the practice went much more smoothly.

The +12 increase in physique may not seem like a large number, but it's as if it has slightly expanded the body's capacity.

The resilience of the meridians, the vitality of the internal organs, and the speed of blood and qi circulation have all been noticeably improved.

The efficiency of absorbing and refining the pure spiritual energy between heaven and earth is also much faster than yesterday.

It seems that this path of being a "tyrant" will have to continue for the time being.

Lu Zuo calmly calculated in his mind.

This would both reasonably enhance the foundation of our strength and lull Liu Daoling and Yuwen Qing into a false sense of security, making them believe that I am still indulging in wine and women and that I am not a threat.

Right now, with those two powerful ministers vying for power in the court, I'm happy to have some peace and quiet, which will allow me to secretly accumulate strength.

Yuwen Qing staged a protest yesterday, and Liu Daoling revealed his true colors, making the conflict public.

Let them fight and struggle. Once I elevate the "Imperial Supreme Power to Suppress the World" to a higher level and have sufficient power to protect myself or even retaliate, the situation will be quite different.

He calmed his mind and focused all his consciousness on cultivation.

With each breath, I gradually merged with the faint spiritual energy of this world.

Outside the Imperial Study, autumn leaves fluttered down. Deep within the palace walls, no one knew that within this quiet chamber, a faint yet tenacious power was quietly growing, like a spring gently flowing beneath the frozen earth.

And the variable that would stir up the entire Great Hao Dynasty had already sown its first seed at this moment.