Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 181 The Secret to Longevity and the Theory of Fate

"Alliance Leader Gu, I am a disciple of Pei Guanxuan, the current Imperial Advisor of the Imperial Observatory, and I come from the Zhengyi sect of Taoism. This sect does not prohibit marriage, so if you and I are truly destined to be together, we can get married," Wen Shuyi said.

Gu Guanqi had never heard that Wen Shuyi was a disciple of the Imperial Advisor before. However, even if he had, he wouldn't have cared about it, because the Imperial Observatory of today was not the same as the one when the late emperor was alive.

In the present-day Qian Kingdom, the Imperial Observatory is merely a meteorological department that observes the stars and measures the weather. Apart from making a symbolic appearance during major ceremonies, it has virtually no presence at other times.

Pei Guanxuan, the Director of the Imperial Observatory, still held the title of National Preceptor, just like previous directors, but had no real power.

The Imperial Observatory used to be very grand, commanding the Six Doors to suppress the martial arts world, and had a special secret service to suppress unorthodox sects. The Imperial Observatory itself was full of experts who only obeyed the emperor's edicts.

Unfortunately, not long after the late emperor passed away, the previous imperial advisor disappeared. After that, the Imperial Observatory fell apart, the Six Doors became independent, the Dark Division was abolished, and the original experts of the Imperial Observatory were transferred to various departments.

The Imperial Observatory became a symbolic department, and the contemporary national advisor Pei Guanxuan barely held the title of Grandmaster in Tianzhou, while his name was not found on the three lists of gods, heaven, and earth in the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion.

But now it seems that Pei Guanxuan is definitely not as ordinary as the rumors suggest.

Otherwise, how could they have cultivated a disciple like Wen Shuyi?

Gu Guanqi thought to himself, "The capital city is indeed a place where hidden talents reside."

"Miss Wen," Gu Guanqi said to Wen Shuyi, "I also believe that everything in this world is predestined."

Wen Shuyi nodded slightly and continued, "Then let me tell you about my personal situation. I was born in Qizhou. My parents are still alive, but they are both ordinary farmers. I have two older brothers who both work in the Qizhou government, but their ranks are not high."

I became a disciple of my master at the age of thirteen, which is fifteen years ago now. I am about six years older than you. The reason I am still unmarried is that I have always believed in letting things take their course, but I have not yet met my destined partner.

However, I don't force marriage. If fate doesn't bring me any luck, I'll remain unmarried. Also, my martial arts skills are decent, but I primarily practice the talisman and internal alchemy techniques of the orthodox school. Therefore, spending a lot of time with me might make me seem a bit mystical.

Gu Guanqi had seen records about Taoist internal alchemy and talisman techniques in the notebook that Han Caiye gave him, but they were not very detailed. They only said in general terms that the Qi of internal alchemy was extremely profound and mysterious.

"Miss Wen," Gu Guanqi asked, "could you tell me the difference between internal alchemy and ordinary martial arts? Which is stronger or weaker, superior or inferior?"

Wen Shuyi explained, "There is no distinction between strong and weak, high and low. In our Taoist interpretation, the three thousand great paths lead to the same destination, and the ultimate realm is to become an immortal."

However, the way internal alchemy is expressed is indeed somewhat different from martial arts. Ordinary martial arts involve refining essence into qi to form internal energy, which is then manifested through martial arts techniques. Internal alchemy, on the other hand, involves cultivating a primordial primordial energy, which is innate and originates from the source of the universe, and is mainly achieved through comprehension.

It is somewhat different from martial arts. Martial arts rely on one's own great strength, while internal alchemy relies on comprehending certain laws governing the universe, drawing and recording them in the form of talismans, and then using them to activate.

In essence, it is similar to the martial arts' ability to comprehend the grand scheme of things, only the forms of expression are different.

As she spoke, Wen Shuyi raised her hand and reached towards the window, saying, "For example, there is wind here. In terms of martial arts, one can use the wind to perform corresponding martial arts techniques, and the wind can make the martial arts very powerful."

The art of internal alchemy involves recording the path of the wind to form talismans, which are then activated by the primordial energy to create the wind when needed.

Therefore, it's impossible to say whether someone is strong or weak. In direct combat, internal alchemy is certainly inferior to martial arts, but internal alchemy also has its unique and profound aspects. Unless absolutely necessary, it won't engage in direct combat.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "It's just that the things you cultivate are different, but there's no difference in quality."

Wen Shuyi nodded slightly and said, "That's a valid understanding. Just like martial arts, there are many types, such as internal energy cultivation..."

Horizontal training, hidden weapons, and spiritual mystic arts—most martial arts involve internal energy and true qi. However, spiritual cultivation methods cultivate spiritual power, while internal alchemy cultivates primordial energy.

For example, the Divine Strike that is still very popular in Qizhou cultivates something else entirely, called Divine Power. This is different from Martial Arts and Inner Alchemy. Martial Arts and Inner Alchemy belong to the cultivator himself, while Divine Strike is entirely borrowed.

There are many kinds of energy in the world, such as the energy of the five elements, the energy of yin and yang, the six evils and six pathogenic factors, the five spiritual energies, resentment energy, and evil energy, etc. Divine fighting borrows these energies, and the methods manifested vary greatly depending on the type of energy borrowed.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly. He had also seen the Qi Zhou Divine Strike Technique in Han Caiye's notebook, and it was also a kind of unorthodox method.

Gu Guanqi then asked, "Miss Wen, what was that 'battle for destiny' you were talking about with Lady Chu just now?"

Wen Shuyi said, "I don't know much about this either. I only practice talisman techniques and have never practiced the interaction between heaven and man, so I don't know much about this aspect. I've only heard my master talk about it."

The so-called struggle for destiny is simply a matter of changing times.

In my master's explanation, everything in the world follows certain rules, and these rules shape the evolution of the world. Each evolution will then manifest in a specific, single object.

For example, the evolution of human society will be specifically attributed to a certain person, who is the chosen one of that era. This person carries the mission of the operation of heaven and earth. In the process of completing this mission, he is favored by the heavens and blessed with destiny, and no one can defeat him.

For example, they always manage to escape from seemingly hopeless situations, turn misfortune into fortune, and experience various coincidences; even enemies might commit inexplicable and foolish acts. Once entangled with the chosen one, whether friend or foe, they become pawns in the chosen one's mission, entangled in karma and unable to control themselves.

Chu Yaoyin, standing to the side, exclaimed in surprise, "Is it really that strange?"

Wen Shuyi nodded and said, "According to my master, the previous Imperial Advisor was unfathomably powerful, but because he had a karmic connection with the chosen one, the once-powerful Imperial Observatory fell apart, and that Imperial Advisor went mad."

Not only that, my master also said that there are some transcendent people in this world, just like the legendary immortals, whose cultivation is boundless, yet they are single-mindedly reclusive, afraid to interfere in human affairs, for fear of being drawn into the karma of destiny and becoming pawns.

Chu Yaoyin suddenly realized, "So, the Imperial Preceptor ran away and went into hiding?"

"Yes," Wen Shuyi said, "My master foresaw that the destiny of heaven would change, which means that the mission of the previous chosen one has been completed and a new chosen one is about to appear. And this time, the chosen one will still appear in the capital."

At the turn of the year, major events are bound to occur, and one can easily be drawn into them if one is not careful. That's why my master wrote to me, urging me to leave the capital as soon as possible to avoid the storm.

Chu Yaoyin looked at Gu Guanqi with suspicion, then said, "This new Chosen One, could it be Alliance Leader Gu?"

"No," Wen Shuyi said, "If it were Alliance Leader Gu, I wouldn't dare to meet him today. My master has already deduced that the new chosen one comes from the west, which is different from Alliance Leader Gu's location."

Chu Yaoyin nodded and said, "I see!"

Wen Shuyi said, "Try to avoid it as much as possible, especially Alliance Leader Gu. In the process of the chosen one completing the mission, the more powerful a person is, the easier it is to be drawn into the cause and effect."

Alliance Leader Gu possesses unparalleled cultivation and is currently in the capital city. If he's not careful, he could easily become entangled in karma. Karma is a tangled mess that's hard to unravel; if he truly gets caught up in it, it will be very troublesome.

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Miss Wen. I will pay more attention."

"Mm." Wen Shuyi nodded slightly.

Just then, the sound of bells rang out outside the library.

Wen Shuyi looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, let's end our meeting here for today. I have to go give a lecture."

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Guanqi's mind:

[Blind date event concluded]

[Reward: Max level "A Sword Across Worlds" has been awarded]

Do you want to claim the reward?

Gu Guanqi silently recited "Receive" in his mind, and in an instant, a sharp sword light, almost blindingly bright, crashed into Gu Guanqi's sea of ​​consciousness.

Without the gradual progression of mental techniques or the complex and varied moves, the entire essence of the "One Sword, One World" technique at max level is instantly understood!

All forces are united, and all laws are broken.

A single sword strike can sever life and death, separating the living and the dead.

This is a sword path that has reached its end, abandoning all illusions and changes, all defenses and retreats, concentrating all the true energy, spirit, and fighting spirit of the whole body into a single point at the tip of the sword, and using absolute sharpness to pierce through all qi, moves, and barriers.

Once the sword is drawn, there is no way to retreat; once the blade falls, the world is separated. Those struck are instantly judged to be dead or alive, with no room for maneuver whatsoever.

This sword technique, which transcends lifetimes, has a flaw: excessive use can trigger a backlash of sword energy, eroding one's meridians and potentially causing the body to explode and die.

However, this problem does not affect Gu Guanqi, because he has the Heavenly Silkworm Demon Art, which makes him almost immortal. He is not afraid of backlash at all, and any damage caused can be repaired.

With a sword in hand, all techniques can be broken;

Once the sword is drawn, the world is separated from humanity.

Gu Guanqi regained his composure and said, "Alright, Miss Wen, please make yourself at home."

"Um.

""

Wen Shuyi stood up, picked up the book on the table, gently smoothed the cover, and put it back on the bookshelf. Then she turned to Gu Guanqi and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, if you think I might be able to help you with your cultivation, then we can meet again after I return to the capital. Or, once you've finished your business here, you can come to Qizhou to find me. If I can't provide any help with your cultivation, then it doesn't matter; it just means we're not meant to be."

Just then, the system notification sounded in Gu Guanqi's mind once again:

[A blind date invitation has been detected; advanced blind date event can be started]

[Enable?]

Without hesitation, Gu Guanqi silently recited in his mind: "Activate."

66

The next moment, a new notification sound appeared in my mind: [Blind Date Partner - Wen Shuyi]

[Rating - Six Stars]

[Advanced Dating Reward: Max Level "Longevity Manual"]

The Advanced Dating Event has begun. Players are encouraged to complete it diligently. Rewards will be distributed after the event concludes.

The Longevity Manual is one of the four great martial arts classics.

It is not a pure martial arts manual, but a method of cultivating qi and nourishing life that incorporates the profound principles of heaven and earth. Its core is the microcosm of the human body and the macrocosm of the external world, and the unity of the inner and outer worlds is the unity of heaven and man.

There are seven pictures in total, each corresponding to one of the five elements plus the yin and yang energies.

When one reaches perfection, Yin and Yang can complement each other, and the Five Elements can generate each other, leading to the unity of heaven and man. The microcosm of the human body is completely in sync with the macrocosm of the outside world, and one can directly absorb the original energy from heaven and earth to replenish oneself. There is no need for food or breathing exercises, and the whole body forms its own cycle. Every move is in harmony with the laws of heaven and earth.

Then comes the perfect harmony of form and spirit, where both the physical body and mind transcend the mortal realm, lifespan is nearly endless, youthful appearance remains unchanged, and all diseases do not arise. This transcends the category of "mortal martial artist," and theoretically, one can ultimately transcend the mortal world together, that is, shatter the void.

Gu Guanqi was overjoyed.

The Longevity Manual, along with the Compassionate Sword Manual he currently knows, is one of the Four Great Classical Novels. However, the Compassionate Sword Manual barely touches the threshold, while the Longevity Manual can theoretically cross that threshold in this world, which is beyond the Dao.

With the system's blessing, he can directly reach the theoretical peak, which means that he can reach the highest theoretical level of the Longevity Technique.

Furthermore, with the Cihang Sword Manual, the Heavenly Silkworm Demon Art, the Bright Jade, the Wedding Dress, and the Innate Technique as his foundation, he can now truly enter the Shattered Void Realm of the world where the Longevity Manual is located, a level above the Dao Entry Realm in this world.

Gu Guanqi immediately asked Wen Shuyi, "Miss Wen, how long will it take you to return from Qizhou?"

Wen Shuyi said, "That's hard to say. I returned to Qizhou to avoid the major karmic consequences of the changes in the capital's destiny. I will definitely wait until the turmoil is completely over before I return. It's hard to say exactly when I will return."

"Then I'll come find you then," Gu Guanqi said.

-

Wen Shuyi smiled slightly and said, "Alright, if Alliance Leader Gu wants to see me, he can come to Qiongcang Academy in Chunjiang County, Qizhou to find me."

"Okay." Gu Guanqi nodded.

The two talked as they went downstairs.

Afterwards, Chu Yaoyin and Wen Shuyi escorted Gu Guanqi to the gate of the Imperial College.

Chu Yaoyin said, "Alliance Leader Gu, I won't see you back. Wen Shuyi is leaving tomorrow, and I happen to have a day off today, so I should spend some time with her. I'll wait for her to finish her lectures at the Imperial Academy before going to her house."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Alright, then I'll take my leave." He then cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Wen Shuyi and said, "Miss Wen, farewell!"

"Take care, Alliance Leader Gu."

Wen Shuyi bowed slightly.

Immediately, Gu Guanqi mounted his horse and quickly rode away.

Wen Shuyi and Chu Yaoyin stood at the door watching Gu Guanqi leave.

Chu Yaoyin chuckled and said, "Oh, you've already arranged to meet Alliance Leader Gu in Qizhou. It seems you have a very good impression of him!"

Wen Shuyi said calmly, "Given Alliance Leader Gu's charisma, I imagine very few women would have a bad first impression of him."

"That's true," Chu Yaoyin said. "When I first met him, I was completely smitten. Even though I knew he was a fickle person, I still eagerly went up to him. Unfortunately, he had no interest in me whatsoever."

"I don't care whether he's affectionate or not," Wen Shuyi said. "I am a Taoist practitioner who believes in following the natural way and letting things take their course. If we are destined to be together, we will naturally come together, regardless of his personality. If we are not destined to be together, even if he is devoted, we will not be able to be together."

Chu Yaoyin laughed and said, "I don't understand your mystical ideas. However, since Alliance Leader Gu is thinking about meeting you, it seems he is also attracted to you." As she spoke, she looked Wen Shuyi up and down and said, "It's normal for him to be attracted to you."

Wen Shuyi smiled slightly and said, "You can wander around here for a while. I'm going to give a lecture."

It was not yet noon when we left the Imperial College.

Gu Guanqi rode his horse back to the manor where he was temporarily staying.

He was very satisfied with this trip; the gains were enormous.

She acquired the ultimate, highly refined killing technique, "One Sword Separates Worlds." Furthermore, Wen Shuyi will also unlock the Longevity Technique in the future.

If he can unleash Zhao Qingci's Wind God Leg technique now, he will be much more confident in resolving his grudge against Zhang Jiexi.

Although he was always confident in his martial arts skills, it was, after all, a life-or-death battle. Before they actually fought to the death, no one knew what the outcome would be.

Moreover, having just learned about the concept of destiny from Wen Shuyi, he needed to be even more cautious.

After returning to the manor, Gu Guanqi retrieved the fishing gear he had put back in the house that morning, preparing to continue his fishing activity.

However, just as he reached the doorway again with his fishing gear, he saw a group of red-armored knights galloping towards him in a carriage.

Gu Guanqi had a bad feeling; he realized he probably wouldn't be able to catch any fish today.

As expected, the group of red-armored knights stopped at the gate. The burly knight at the head dismounted, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Zhong Ping'an, Deputy Envoy of the Imperial City Guard. May I ask if you are Alliance Leader Gu Guanqi?"

"Yes, it's me," Gu Guanqi said.

Zhong Ping'an quickly said, "I am here on the Empress Dowager's orders to invite Alliance Leader Gu to have a simple meal at Changchun Palace." As he spoke, Zhong Ping'an glanced at the fishing gear in Gu Guanqi's hand and said, "The Empress Dowager also said that if Alliance Leader Gu is not available, he does not have to go. It is just a simple home-cooked meal, and the Princess will also be there."

Gu Guanqi thought for a moment. He also needed to ask the Empress Dowager about the appointment documents for officials in Hongzhou, so he said, "Alright, let's go!"

He then casually handed the fishing gear to the gatekeeper and followed Zhong Ping'an into the carriage.

The carriage then headed east, passing through several long streets, entering the imperial city, and then traveling for quite some time before finally stopping in front of a tall palace gate.

Zhong Pingan dismounted, personally lifted the carriage curtain for Gu Guanqi, and cupped his hands, saying, "Alliance Leader Gu, please."

Gu Guanqi got off the carriage and looked up.

The palace walls before us are towering, their vermilion surfaces covered with a layer of fine glazed tiles that gleam warmly in the sunlight.

Two bronze qilin statues stand proudly in front of the gate, their postures majestic. The plaque above the gate bears the three large characters "Changchun Palace".

As soon as Gu Guanqi arrived at the palace gate, he saw a figure quickly come out from inside the gate to greet him; it was Zhao Qingci.

Today she wore a lotus-colored palace dress with a silver cloak over it, and her long hair was still tied up with a jade hairpin, which made her already beautiful face even more elegant and otherworldly.

She walked briskly, reaching Gu Guanqi in a few steps, a faint smile on her lips, her tone filled with joy: "You've come! I was worried that Mother's invitation was too abrupt, and you wouldn't want to come!"

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "How could I refuse the Empress Dowager's invitation?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingci's eyes curved slightly. She stepped aside to lead the way, saying as she walked, "I came to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager today and mentioned our meeting yesterday. When the Empress Dowager heard that I was very satisfied with you, she insisted on seeing you. That's why she was so presumptuous. Please don't mind. The Empress Dowager—she was just acting out of maternal love."

Gu Guanqi waved his hand and said, "I understand."

"Thank you." Zhao Qingci tilted her head slightly to look at Gu Guanqi, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, you seem a little different today than yesterday. Hmm—has your cultivation improved?"

"Yes," Gu Guanqi said, "I must thank Your Highness. After meeting with Your Highness yesterday, my cultivation level made a small breakthrough."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qingci thought to herself: So, Alliance Leader Gu is also attracted to me.

Thinking of this, Zhao Qingci felt a surge of joy, but when she looked at Gu Guanqi again, she inexplicably felt a little embarrassed.

The two walked side by side through the palace gate and along a bluestone-paved path.

The palace walls on both sides were high and solemn. Occasionally, palace servants would walk by with their heads down. When they saw Zhao Qingci, they would stop and bow from a distance, but their eyes would involuntarily sweep over Gu Guanqi before quickly looking away.

After passing through a moon gate and around a screen wall, a palace came into view.

The palace doors were wide open, and sunlight streamed in through the high windows, illuminating the golden bricks paving the floor inside.

The interior furnishings were not luxurious, but they exuded a just-right elegance. Several pots of orchids were placed under the window, emitting a faint fragrance.

Gu Guanqi stepped across the threshold, his gaze sweeping over the area briefly.

A woman sat in the main seat in the hall.

Gu Guanqi immediately recognized her as Empress Dowager Yuwen, because Zhao Qingci and this woman bore a striking resemblance in their eyes and brows.

Both were extremely beautiful, but compared to Zhao Qingci, Empress Dowager Yuwen exuded a more mature and composed aura. Although she was already in her forties, she was very well-maintained and looked about the same age as someone in their early thirties.

At this moment, Empress Dowager Yuwen was slightly turned to the side, holding a cup of tea in her hand, but her gaze was fixed on Gu Guanqi. She looked him up and down several times, and a look of amazement flashed across her eyes first, then turned into a look of increasing satisfaction. A smile couldn't help but appear on her face.

There was another person sitting on the chair to the left of Empress Dowager Yuwen.

He was a young man in his early twenties, dressed in a black brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist. He had a handsome face and regular features, and sitting there, he was quite elegant and had an extraordinary temperament.

Gu Guanqi walked to the center of the hall, bowed slightly to Empress Dowager Yuwen, and said loudly, "Gu Guanqi greets the Empress Dowager."

Empress Dowager Yuwen nodded slightly and quickly said, "Alliance Leader Gu, there's no need for such formalities. Please come forward and sit down to talk."

Empress Dowager Yuwen's voice carried a natural gentleness and kindness, like the warm spring sun melting the stream.

Gu Guanqi sat down on the chair to the side as instructed, right opposite the young man in brocade.

The young man in brocade robes clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Gu Guanqi, saying, "Alliance Leader Gu, I am Prince Duan, Zhao Mingrui."

Gu Guanqi was a little puzzled because he had never heard of Zhao Mingrui. However, he had never really looked into the royal family, so it was normal that he didn't know.

He returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said, "So you are His Highness Prince Duan. I have long admired your name!"

Zhao Mingrui was overjoyed and said, "It seems even Alliance Leader Gu has heard of my virtuous reputation. I wonder what Alliance Leader Gu thinks of the praise bestowed upon me by the common people?"

Gu Guanqi: "————"

He was starting to wonder if Zhao Mingrui was a little mentally unstable, since he couldn't even recognize his obvious politeness.

He had never heard of this person before, so how would he know what praises people had for him?

Just then, Zhao Qingci sat down next to Gu Guanqi, looked at Zhao Mingrui, and said, "Zhao Mingrui, that's enough! How can you talk like that?"

Zhao Mingrui said with great displeasure, "Royal sister, what's wrong with what I said? I am compassionate towards the people, love them like my own children, and have a good reputation. Whenever there is a disaster, haven't I personally gone to the scene to help with disaster relief? I have done so much, can't I even listen to how the people praise me?"

Zhao Qingci rolled her eyes, looked at Empress Dowager Yuwen, and said, "Mother, you should do something about him!"

Empress Dowager Yuwen looked at Zhao Mingrui, smiled indulgently, and said, "Mingrui has indeed worked hard these past few years. He has done a lot of things to speak up for the people and provide disaster relief and rescue, and he certainly deserves praise."

However, the main purpose of today's invitation is for Leader Gu to have a meal together at the palace so that we can all meet. Let's not talk about those other things.

C

"Yes, Mother." Zhao Mingrui nodded.

Afterwards, Empress Dowager Yuwen had tea served to Gu Guanqi and then asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, previously, Prince Rong sent a letter saying that your trip to the capital was to handle the appointment documents for the transfer of officials in Hongzhou."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "It is indeed for this matter."

Empress Dowager Yuwen said, "You and I know that the Left Chancellor is creating trouble behind the scenes. But don't worry, I will find a way to mediate and get things settled as soon as possible."

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Empress Dowager Yuwen then asked, "Do you have a preferred candidate for the new governor of Hongzhou? The selection process is still undecided in the court."

0

Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly and said, "This matter is naturally a decision for the imperial court, so I will not get involved."

Gu Guanqi truly didn't care about the choice of governor, because the main purpose of this choice was to represent the face of the imperial court. It didn't matter who went; he could even send a dog. After all, Hongzhou was now his territory, so whoever became governor would only play a symbolic role and be a puppet.

Just then, Prince Duan, Zhao Mingrui, suddenly lit up and said, "Empress Dowager, Alliance Leader Gu, you don't have a suitable candidate, but I do. I have someone under my command who is currently serving as the prefect of Nanjun in Cangzhou. He is exceptionally capable and has extraordinary talent. To be honest, it is a waste of his talent to serve as a prefect."

If he were to become the governor of Hongzhou, he would surely be able to utilize his knowledge and skills to govern Hongzhou effectively, ensuring social harmony, a peaceful and prosperous life for the people, and rapid economic development.

As he spoke, he looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, what do you think? I know you have many connections in Hongzhou. When I send him there, please give him your help. I'll keep an eye on the court, and he'll definitely be able to consolidate Hongzhou into an impenetrable force. This will be a great help to me, and I won't treat you unfairly!"

Gu Guanqi: "??"

He no longer doubted, but was certain that Zhao Mingrui was mentally unstable.

Zhao Mingrui seemed not to understand what the current relationship was between Hongzhou and him, or rather, whether Zhao Mingrui believed that his visit to the capital was to give Hongzhou to him.

Gu Guanqi immediately frowned slightly and looked at Empress Dowager Yuwen.

Empress Dowager Yuwen maintained her gentle smile, speaking with a slightly reproachful tone: "Mingrui, stop talking nonsense!"

Zhao Mingrui quickly said, "Mother, I'm not lying. The person I recommended truly has extraordinary talent. His name is Cai Yong. You can inquire about him. With his abilities, plus the help of Alliance Leader Gu and me, Hongzhou will definitely be governed very well, which will be a great help to me."

Zhao Qingci's face darkened, and she snapped, "Zhao Mingrui, this is the last time I'm telling you, if you can't speak properly, then don't speak at all."

Empress Dowager Yuwen quickly said, "Mingrui, stop talking nonsense." Then, she looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, the main reason I invited you here today is to see you. Let's not discuss official business; I've already arranged a banquet—"

"Mother Empress."

Just then, Zhao Qingci suddenly interrupted Empress Dowager Yuwen, saying, "Mother, let's skip dinner. I promised Alliance Leader Gu that I would take him to visit the Nine Wild Goose Pagoda today. If we stay here for dinner, there won't be enough time. I'll take Alliance Leader Gu out of the palace first."

Empress Dowager Yuwen quickly said, "It's already this late, time to eat. There's no rush."

Zhao Qingci said, "We can just grab something to eat outside." Then, she winked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, let's go!"

Gu Guanqi, having lost interest due to Zhao Mingrui's antics, indeed did not want to stay there any longer. So, following Zhao Qingci's words, he stood up and said, "Empress Dowager, I have indeed wanted to visit the Nine Wild Goose Pagoda for a long time, but I have never had the opportunity."

Empress Dowager Yuwen pondered for a moment, then said, "Very well, it's good for you young people to get to know each other better. Go then!"

"Goodbye!"

"Mother, I'm leaving!"

Afterwards, Zhao Qingci hurriedly took Gu Guanqi and left Changchun Palace.

After Zhao Qingci and Gu Guanqi left the palace gates, Zhao Mingrui said unhappily, "Mother, what's wrong with my elder sister? Is it wrong for me to have Gu Guanqi assist me? Isn't Gu Guanqi already one of my people?"

Empress Dowager Yuwen sighed and said, "Mingrui, Gu Guanqi is only standing with us now because he shares a common enemy; he is not one of us. We are still in the process of winning him over, do you understand?"

Zhao Mingrui frowned and said, "What's the point of trying to win them over? Once we bring down Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun, I can ascend the throne and become emperor. At that time, I will hold absolute power, and all thirteen states and five regions will be my land and my subjects. What other thoughts could Gu Guanqi possibly have? Besides, if he doesn't actively pledge allegiance, why should he marry my elder sister?"