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

Chapter 183 The Emperor Arrives, On the Eve of a Major Upheaval

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

Shen Qingqiu sat in the chair, looking around with a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Since she was promoted to the rank of Third-Rank Commander last year, she has frequently come to the palace to attend court assemblies, but she has never reported anything on her own. Therefore, this is the first time she has come to the Imperial Study.

However, the imperial study was not what she had imagined.

The large room contained only a few books and a few cats dozing. There were no books or mountains of official documents as I had imagined.

But this seems to make sense.

She had long heard that the memorials from civil and military officials and local governments never passed through the emperor's hands; they were either in the Prime Minister's residence or in Changchun Palace. The current emperor had been on the throne for over ten years and had never interfered in state affairs.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside.

Shen Qingqiu immediately regained his composure and sat up straight.

Then, Emperor Zhao Mingce appeared at the door.

Shen Qingqiu quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "Your humble servant Shen Qingqiu greets Your Majesty!"

"Meow" "Meow————"

Just then, several dozing cats woke up and ran towards Zhao Mingce.

Zhao Mingce squatted down and petted a few cats, then stood up while holding one, smiled slightly at Shen Qingqiu, walked into the room, and said, "Minister Shen, there's no need for such formalities, please sit down!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Shen Qingqiu bowed in thanks, and only sat down slowly after Zhao Mingce had taken his seat.

"I heard that Minister Shen has a case involving the palace? What's going on?" Zhao Mingce asked.

Shen Qingqiu immediately said, "Your Majesty, a mysterious case has recently emerged in the capital, with four people already dead. The cause of death is suicide, but it is quite bizarre—"

Shen Qingqiu then recounted the entire case from beginning to end.

Then, he recounted Master Ling's theory of the fake soldier's sacrifice.

"Your Majesty," Shen Qingqiu said, "this case is quite perplexing. I am concerned for Your Majesty, and therefore, I have dared to come and inquire whether there are any traitors attempting to bewitch you?"

After listening, Zhao Mingce said, "So that's how it is. That Daoist Ling's prediction must be true."

Shen Qingqiu was startled and quickly stood up, saying, "Could it be that a villain is bewitching Your Majesty? Your Majesty, you are responsible for the fate of the nation; you must not listen to slanderous words!"

Zhao Mingce waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, Minister Shen, I'm not that confused." He then beckoned Shen Qingqiu to sit down and continued, "The reason I say this is because a suicide also occurred in the palace a couple of days ago."

It was a palace eunuch who committed suicide in his room. His death was similar to the others you just described; his head was also severed. However, the Empress Dowager felt that this matter would damage the imperial dignity and cause panic, so she suppressed the news and forbade it to be publicized.

After saying that, Zhao Mingce looked towards the door and called out, "Someone come here."

2

Immediately, a eunuch walked in.

Zhao Mingce instructed, "Go and retrieve the identity file of the eunuch who committed suicide two days ago at Fuming Palace."

"yes.

""

The eunuch immediately went out the door.

Zhao Mingce then instructed another eunuch to serve tea to Shen Qingqiu, saying, "Minister Shen, please have a cup of tea first, and wait a moment."

"Yes."

Not long after, the eunuch brought over a folding book.

Zhao Mingce handed it to Shen Qingqiu and said, "Minister Shen, take a look. Does this eunuch's birth date and time match?"

Shen Qingqiu took the folded book and looked at it. Sure enough, it matched the birth date and time that Master Ling had mentioned.

"Your Majesty, it matches."

As Shen Qingqiu spoke, he handed the folding book back.

Zhao Mingce placed the cat he was holding on the table, then picked up the folding book and looked at it, saying, "This eunuch's birth date and time are the same as mine, but he's exactly one cycle older than me. He's been in the palace for almost twenty years, so he's quite an old man. What a pity!"

Having said that, he looked at Shen Qingqiu and said, "I'm sorry to have startled you, Minister Shen, but it seems that the person who faked his death has succeeded and probably has no intention of harming me!"

Shen Qingqiu said, "His Majesty's divine might is vast and boundless; those of low character cannot get close to him."

Zhao Mingce said, "I don't know what to do about this matter either. If Minister Shen is willing to continue the investigation, then so be it; if not, then we can close the case here."

According to Shen Aiqing, that person has successfully faked his physical death and now possesses unfathomable cultivation. He is difficult to investigate and not easy to offend. Besides, since the sacrificers were all willing, it doesn't matter anymore.

Shen Qingqiu said, "Such a highly skilled cultivator, who can even win the loyalty of the palace eunuchs, doesn't that mean he can come and go as he pleases in the heavily guarded palace? I think we should investigate this thoroughly, for I fear he harbors ulterior motives and could harm Your Majesty!"

Zhao Mingce nodded slightly and said, "That's fine too. I don't really care. Anyway, the Empress Dowager and the Empress are in charge of the palace, and I've never interfered with it."

Shen Qingqiu sighed softly to himself.

"By the way, Minister Shen," Zhao Mingce said, "I've heard that you are the confidante of Gu Guanqi, the leader of the martial arts alliance in Qingyun and Hongzhou. Is that true?"

Shen Qingqiu blushed slightly and quickly said, "Your Majesty, these are all rumors. I am friends with Guan—I am friends with Alliance Leader Gu."

Zhao Mingce smiled slightly and said, "Friends are fine too. Have you two met since Alliance Leader Gu arrived in the capital?"

Shen Qingqiu replied, "We just met yesterday."

"Then it seems the relationship is quite close," Zhao Mingce said. "I would like to meet this extraordinary talent. Could I trouble Minister Shen to introduce me?"

Shen Qingqiu asked in confusion, "Your Majesty—why do you wish to see him?"

Zhao Mingce said, "I have some personal matters to attend to. At the same time, I have often heard legends about him and admire him greatly. When I heard that he had come to the capital, I really wanted to meet him."

Everyone says that the Sword Immortal Gu Guanqi is a celestial being among mortals; of the ten parts of the martial world's beauty, he alone possesses seven. It would be a great pity not to meet him.

Seeing Zhao Mingce's sincerity, Shen Qingqiu hesitated for a moment before saying, "Your Majesty, it's not that I'm unwilling to recommend him, but he is aloof and arrogant, and does things entirely according to his own whims. I'm not sure if he's willing; I need to ask him first."

"That's natural," Zhao Mingce said. "It would be strange if Gu Guanqi, the Sword Immortal of the Mortal Realm, wasn't arrogant. Such a person naturally has his own personality."

Zhao Mingce stood up and said, "How about this? I'll go with you out of the palace now. You take me to where he's currently staying, and then you go in and ask him. If he's willing to see me, I'll go find him again. If he's not willing to see me, I'll go back home. How about that?"

Shen Qingqiu was startled. He never expected that the emperor would respect and admire Gu Guanqi so much that he would personally go to visit him.

"Your Majesty, your sudden departure from the palace may be—"

"It's alright, it's alright," Zhao Mingce said. "I've already spoken to the Empress, and she will inform the Empress Dowager on my behalf. I haven't left the palace in a long time, so I don't think my mother will object."

As he spoke, Zhao Mingce couldn't wait to come out and said, "Let's go, let's go, Minister Shen, let's go now. If we delay any longer, we might not arrive until dark."

Shen Qingqiu had no choice but to follow Zhao Mingce out of the palace.

Soon, Zhao Mingce led a troop of imperial guards out of the palace in a carriage.

Indeed, no one came to stop them.

After a long time, Shen Qingqiu led a group of imperial guards to the manor where Gu Guanqi was temporarily staying.

Then, she went into the manor alone.

At this moment, Gu Guanqi was reading in the courtyard when he heard someone announce that Shen Qingqiu had arrived, so he went out to greet him.

"Qingqiu, why are you here looking for me instead of investigating the case?" Gu Guanqi asked.

Shen Qingqiu said in a low voice, "Guanqi, His Majesty wishes to see you—"

Then, Shen Qingqiu quickly recounted her journey to the palace to meet the emperor, and how Zhao Mingce wanted to see Gu Guanqi.

"This emperor is quite polite," Gu Guanqi said.

Shen Qingqiu nodded and said, "His Majesty is known for his gentle nature, but it's also because you, Alliance Leader Gu, have a lot of influence that His Majesty personally came to visit you."

Gu Guanqi thought for a moment and said, "Since he's already outside, let's invite him in to meet us!"

As a transmigrator, Gu Guanqi has no aversion to imperial power, and given his current cultivation level, it is indeed difficult for him to have any reverence for authority.

"Alright, I'll go and invite His Majesty."

Shen Qingqiu immediately turned around and went out.

Before long, Shen Qingqiu led a troop of soldiers in, escorting a young man with an elegant demeanor, handsome appearance, and a noble air, who was also carrying a large, fat orange cat in his arms.

Gu Guanqi immediately recognized the man's identity as Emperor Zhao Mingce.

Zhao Mingce also saw Gu Guanqi at this moment, and his eyes lit up immediately. He handed the big fat orange cat in his arms to the eunuch next to him, and his face showed joy. He strode forward, looked at Gu Guanqi's face, and said: "The rumors are indeed true. Everyone says that the sword immortal Gu Guanqi is a peerless beauty and has unparalleled elegance."

I've been wondering if this description of a man is appropriate. Now I realize it's because the person describing him hasn't read enough and can't think of any other words to describe him. This is completely insufficient to depict Leader Gu's charisma!

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty flatters me!"

Zhao Mingce reached out and grasped Gu Guanqi's hand tightly, saying excitedly, "Truly, from afar, it resembles the morning glow and rising sun, green waves and newly sprouted lotus leaves; up close, it's like light clouds veiling the moon, swirling snow in a gentle breeze!"

Gu Guanqi: "————"

This emperor was quite cultured.

Shen Qingqiu: "??"

Is Your Majesty a man?

"Cough cough————"

Gu Guanqi coughed lightly, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the man's intense gaze. He quietly withdrew his hand and asked, "May I ask what brings Your Majesty to see me?"

Zhao Mingce snapped out of his reverie and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, may we go inside for a private talk?"

Gu Guanqi thought for a moment and said, "If it's convenient for Your Majesty, then of course it's fine!"

Zhao Mingce was overjoyed and quickly said, "Please!"

Just then, the middle-aged eunuch beside Zhao Mingce hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! How can you be without guards by your side to protect your safety?!"

"Alright," Zhao Mingce waved his hand and said, "Alliance Leader Gu's martial arts are unparalleled, and his demeanor is otherworldly. With him by my side, what danger could I possibly face? Even if you brought all the Imperial Guards from the capital, they wouldn't be as safe as Alliance Leader Gu!"

"Your Majesty, you mustn't—"

Zhao Mingce rarely showed anger on his face, and said, "What? I don't even have this much power, do I need your permission? You relay these words verbatim to the Empress Dowager or the Empress!"

Seeing that the usually mild-mannered Zhao Mingce had become angry, the eunuch immediately dared not speak again.

Then, Zhao Mingce said to Gu Guanqi, "Alliance Leader Gu, please."

Gu Guanqi slightly raised his hand and said, "Your Majesty, please."

Then, Shen Qingqiu looked at the eunuch and said, "Sir, please be vigilant!"

"Ugh!"

The eunuch sighed and had no choice but to order the imperial guards to strengthen their defenses.

Gu Guanqi led Zhao Mingce into the room and then poured him a cup of tea.

Zhao Mingce accepted the teacup and quickly said, "Thank you, Alliance Leader Gu!"

"Your Majesty is too kind." Gu Guanqi poured himself another cup of tea and asked, "May I ask what brings Your Majesty to see me?"

Zhao Mingce said, "I am here today because I have heard a lot about Alliance Leader Gu and have long admired him. When I heard that Alliance Leader Gu had come to the capital, I was eager to meet him and wanted to avoid any regrets."

As he spoke, he took a sip of tea without any warning, and continued, "In addition, there are two private matters I would like to ask Alliance Leader Gu in person."

"Your Majesty, please speak," Gu Guanqi said.

-

Zhao Mingce thought for a moment and said, "Firstly, I want to act as a mediator to resolve the misunderstanding between Alliance Leader Gu and the Left Prime Minister."

Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly and said, "There is no misunderstanding between me and the Left Prime Minister."

Zhao Mingce said, "The Left Prime Minister told me several times that he does not resent Alliance Leader Gu for killing Donglou, because Donglou's actions were due to his own disregard for the law, and he deserved to be killed."

However, someone has been secretly causing trouble, leading to a deepening misunderstanding between Alliance Leader Gu and the Left Prime Minister, which has resulted in the current situation.

Gu Guanqi looked at Zhao Mingce and saw that his eyes were pure and his words seemed sincere, so he asked, "Are these the words of the Left Prime Minister?"

"Yes, the Left Prime Minister said it himself," Zhao Mingce said.

"Then Your Majesty has been deceived by the Left Chancellor," Gu Guanqi said. "After Zhang Donglou was killed, the Left Chancellor has been quite active. Does Your Majesty know the specific reason for my trip to the capital this time?"

Zhao Mingce shook his head slightly.

Gu Guanqi said, "In Hongzhou, the Hanyue Sect rebelled. Prince Rong, as a member of the imperial family, invited me to help him quell the rebellion. Afterwards, in order to avoid retaliation, Prince Rong removed the Hanyue Sect officials in the Hongzhou government and promoted talented people from the common people to local government positions, hoping to restore order to Hongzhou and improve the lives of the people there."

But the Left Chancellor, fearing that Prince Rong would protect me once Hongzhou stabilized, deliberately instructed the Ministry of Rites to withhold the appointment documents, keeping Hongzhou in chaos. His plan was that once he defeated the Eastern Depot in court, he could then send a large army to surround and kill me without any qualms.

"This—" Zhao Mingce was slightly taken aback.

Gu Guanqi continued, "On my way to the capital, the Left Prime Minister even had his men set a trap for me, plotting to kill me. In the vast mountains, the Left Prime Minister's top advisor Ji Sanqian, the General's top confidant Pan Daorong, and Hua Zhongjun of the Hua family..."

The four men from Hua Manshan joined forces to ambush me. If my martial arts skills had been even slightly inferior, His Majesty wouldn't have even seen me.

"This...is this really true?" Zhao Mingce exclaimed in surprise. "I've lived in the palace for so long, and I had no idea that such things had happened outside? The Hua family, is it the Hua family of Tianhu, who are said to be richer than a country?"

Gu Guanqi nodded.

"The Hua family actually obeys the Left Prime Minister?" Zhao Mingce asked in surprise.

Gu Guanqi said, "The Hua family is being secretly supported by the Left Prime Minister."

Zhao Mingce remained silent for a while before saying, "The Left Prime Minister kept telling me he was short of money, and I often used my own money to help him out—he actually cheated me out of my money!"

Gu Guanqi: "————"

"Alas," Zhao Mingce sighed and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, you flatter me. In fact, I am not a fool. I am aware of the current situation in the court, I am aware of the Left Prime Minister's immense power, and I am aware that many court officials are keeping things from me."

However, I've never cared about these things. I've never held power, so I don't have much of an attachment to it. It's just that I'm in love with the Empress, and the Left Chancellor is the Empress's father.

I really don't want the Left Prime Minister and Alliance Leader Gu to have a deep-seated hatred. If the two of you fight, one of you will surely be injured. So I thought I'd try to mediate. If it's really impossible to mediate, I won't force it.

Given the current situation, I won't say anything more.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty, please tell me about the second matter."

Zhao Mingce hesitated for a moment and said, "The second matter is my own private matter. I know that Alliance Leader Gu is a peerless martial artist. If he wants to take my life, even if I am in the Imperial Palace, you can do it as easily as taking something out of a bag."

I've heard that you're on good terms with the Empress Dowager and Wei, the Director of the Eastern Depot, and that the Empress Dowager intends to support Prince Duan's ascension to the throne, and has secretly sent assassins to try and kill me more than once. Therefore, I'd like to ask, Leader Gu, are you prepared to intervene in this matter?"

Gu Guanqi asked doubtfully, "Your Majesty, why would you directly ask me about something like this? You know I have an irreconcilable feud with the Left Chancellor, and because of that, I'm on good terms with the Empress Dowager's faction. Can you believe what I say?"

"I can believe it," Zhao Mingce said. "Because I know that someone like Alliance Leader Gu, even if he is on good terms with the Empress Dowager's faction, would never submit to them. At most, they would only cooperate because they have a common enemy."

Furthermore, someone as proud and aloof as Alliance Leader Gu wouldn't stoop to lying. Therefore, I absolutely believe what Alliance Leader Gu says.

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "Since Your Majesty trusts me, I will speak the truth. I am not interested in royal infighting. Moreover, I truly despise Prince Duan. He is frivolous and lacks the bearing of a ruler, so I cannot support him."

I have no intention of getting involved in this matter; I only wish to resolve my grievances with the Left Chancellor. However, I also know that His Majesty is currently siding with the Left Chancellor. Any conflict would inevitably affect His Majesty, and there's nothing I can do about it, but I have absolutely no intention of deliberately targeting His Majesty.”

"I naturally believe what Alliance Leader Gu says." Zhao Mingce sighed and said, "Actually, I also know that the Left Prime Minister has the ambition of a powerful minister. His monopolization of power is by no means a blessing for the country."

The best-case scenario would be a tug-of-war between the Empress Dowager's faction and the Left Chancellor's faction. Now, with the return of the Grand General, a three-way balance of power, mutually restraining each other, would be an even better situation. However, the Empress Dowager's desire to support Prince Duan is already hard to suppress, and I have no solution that satisfies both sides.

The Left Chancellor is both my teacher and my father-in-law. At least he won, and I can still keep my life. I don't covet power. As long as I can live a peaceful life with the Empress, I'm willing to be a puppet emperor.

Gu Guanqi looked at Zhao Mingce and really didn't know what to say.

Zhao Mingce smiled slightly and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, there's no need to pity me. I ascended the throne at a young age and have long been accustomed to this kind of life. I think it's quite good."

The reason I came to ask Alliance Leader Gu today is simply because I am worried about the upcoming power struggle between the Empress Dowager and the Left Prime Minister. If the Empress Dowager wins, I will take the initiative to abdicate. Theoretically, no one will dare to kill me, and no one will be willing to bear the name of regicide.

But only Alliance Leader Gu is aloof and arrogant, disdainful of human relationships and worldly affairs. I fear that Alliance Leader Gu might casually kill me with a single sword stroke, and then I would die unjustly.

Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I have no interest in royal infighting and would never do such a thing."

"Then I'm relieved."

After saying that, Zhao Mingce stood up and said, "Today I have fulfilled my wish, met Alliance Leader Gu, and asked the answers I wanted to know. I will not disturb Alliance Leader Gu any further."

I've been out for quite a while now. If I stay any longer, I'm afraid the Empress Dowager and the Empress will start to clash. Leader Gu, I hope we'll have the chance to meet again!

Gu Guanqi also stood up and said, "It will happen."

"Goodbye!"

"I'll see His Majesty off!"

Afterwards, Gu Guanqi saw Zhao Mingce off at the door.

Shen Qingqiu quickly stepped forward and asked, "Your Majesty, are you going back to the palace?"

"Return." Zhao Mingce nodded slightly, looked at Shen Qingqiu, and chuckled, "Minister Shen, Alliance Leader Gu's charisma is unparalleled. Seize this opportunity; I have high hopes for you!"

Shen Qingqiu blushed deeply and said repeatedly, "Your Majesty, Alliance Leader Gu and I are good friends."

"Yes, yes, I know." Zhao Mingce laughed heartily, then looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Alliance Leader Gu, no need to see me off, I'll go back on my own, um—" He then said to Shen Qingqiu, "Minister Shen, there's no need to escort me back to the palace either. You're usually busy with official duties and rarely get to spend time with Alliance Leader Gu, so consider this my personal approval for you to leave early today!"

Shen Qingqiu blushed and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Mingce waved his hand, strode out the door, and then the imperial guards quickly left as well.

Shen Qingqiu turned her head to look at Gu Guanqi and said, "Are you busy?"

"I'm not busy, I'm just sitting around doing nothing," Gu Guanqi said.

Shen Qingqiu said, "Then I'll take you out to get something to eat. It'll be dark soon, so we can stroll around the night market. The night markets in the capital are much more fun than those in Qingyang County."

Gu Guanqi laughed and said, "It's truly an honor to have Commander Shen, a rank of third grade, as my guide!"

Shen Qingqiu gently squeezed Gu Guanqi's arm and said, "You little rascal, Gu Guanqi, are you teasing me?"

"I was wrong, Qingqiu!"

"Hmph, what an insincere attitude!"

'

,

The capital city, the Eastern Depot.

Wei Tanjin was discussing matters with several trusted confidants when a subordinate came to report: "Lord Supervisor, Prince Duan is here to visit."

Wei Tanjin frowned, asking suspiciously, "Why did he come? Did he say what he wanted to do?"

The subordinate shook his head and said, "He didn't say, but he seemed quite anxious."

"lead the way!"

Wei Tanjin immediately went out.

Soon, they arrived at a large hall, and as soon as they entered, they saw Zhao Mingrui sitting inside.

"Your Highness, it's so late, is there something important?" Wei Tanjin asked.

Zhao Mingrui quickly said, "Governor Wei, haven't you received the news yet?"

"What news?" Wei Tanjin asked, puzzled.

"Zhao Mingce just left the palace to see Gu Guanqi," Zhao Mingrui said. "The Empress Dowager asked me to come and discuss this with you. Do you think we should also go and see Gu Guanqi?"

Wei Tanjin asked, puzzled, "So what if His Majesty goes to see Gu Guanqi? What's the big deal?"

Zhao Mingrui said anxiously, "My lord, how can you still not understand? Zhao Mingce is going to see Gu Guanqi now, he's definitely trying to win him over! At this crucial moment, if Gu Guanqi is won over by them, we'll have another formidable enemy!"

Wei Tanjin chuckled and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured, there is absolutely no need to worry about this matter."

"How could I not worry?" Zhao Mingrui said. "You don't know, I just received news that Zhao Mingce and Gu Guanqi met alone, and they had a very pleasant conversation!"

Wei Tanjin shook his head and said, "Your Highness, I arranged the place where Alliance Leader Gu stayed, and everyone there is one of my people. Do you think I wouldn't know that His Majesty just went to see Gu Guanqi?"

Zhao Mingrui was taken aback and said, "Yes, you know that, so why aren't you worried at all? Do you know what they talked about?"

"I don't know," Wei Tanjin said. "Although I arranged for the people at the manor where Gu Guanqi is staying, they weren't there to monitor him; they were there to serve him. How would I know what they specifically discussed?"

"and you?"

Wei Tanjin said, "There's no need to find out what they talked about. You should know that he is Gu Guanqi, the leader of the martial arts alliance of the three states, and a real warlord in Hongzhou. His martial arts skills are among the best in the world."

What does His Majesty have that could sway Gu Guanqi? Money? Power? A beautiful woman? Or a secret martial arts manual? His Majesty has far more of these things than Gu Guanqi. What can he offer Gu Guanqi?

Even you and the Empress Dowager couldn't find anything to sway Gu Guanqi, so what makes our Emperor think he can? Gu Guanqi is not exactly a loyal and patriotic person. Besides, why did Gu Guanqi join us? It's because he has an unresolved feud with Zhang Jiexi. Do you think His Majesty can resolve that feud?

"This—" Zhao Mingrui paused for a moment, then said, "That's true, so we just ignore everything?"

Wei Tanjin nodded and said, "Of course you don't need to worry about anything. Gu Guanqi is no ordinary person. Your Highness, you should pay attention to your attitude when you interact with him. Don't try to control him, or you'll easily turn him into an enemy."

Zhao Mingrui frowned and said, "What do you mean? Does that mean that even after I ascend the throne, I still can't subdue Gu Guanqi and make him work for me?"

Wei Tanjin said, "That's a matter for the future. At least for now, you are still the Prince of Duan, not the emperor. Given Gu Guanqi's level, if you want to bring him under your control, simply ascending the throne isn't enough. You must first purge the court and gain complete power before we can even talk about it!"

Zhao Mingrui said, "Having come this far, do I really need another Gu Guanqi? Can't I recruit a large number of experts?"

Wei Tanjin said, "Gu Guanqi isn't just a master; he also controls Hongzhou!"

Zhao Mingrui waved his hand and said, "That's easy to say. I don't think Gu Guanqi is a power-hungry person. He's a romantic playboy. He's currently in contact with my elder sister. We can just have him use Hongzhou as a betrothal gift!"

Today he went to Changchun Palace to see my mother, and I also probed the matter with some words. He didn't object, so this matter is easy to resolve.

Wei Tanjin frowned slightly, but didn't continue. He said, "Alright, Your Highness, you should go back and prepare. Success or failure depends on tomorrow. Don't run around now. Prepare well; we have a tough battle tomorrow!"

"Alright, alright, I understand!" Zhao Mingrui said excitedly, "Eunuch Wei, are you sure there are no problems with the evidence regarding Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun?"

Wei Tanjin nodded and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, this is no laughing matter. Tomorrow I will deliver a heavy blow to Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun. After tomorrow, the Empress Dowager will be able to strip them of most of their power."

Zhao Mingrui asked, "Can't we just take them down directly?"

Wei Tanjin shook his head and said, "I do have enough evidence to bring them down directly, but releasing it all at once tomorrow will only push them to the brink. We must leave them with hope so that we can gradually erode their strength, until they lose the will to fight to the death, before we can completely defeat them. We can't be too hasty, otherwise, it will only backfire!"

"I understand," Zhao Mingrui said.

"Therefore, you don't need to worry about Gu Guanqi's matter," Wei Tanjin added. "Our cooperation with Gu Guanqi is not because we need his help in court struggles. He has no faction in court and cannot participate in court struggles at all. This level has nothing to do with him."

Zhao Mingrui nodded slightly and said, "That's true."

"His main purpose was to prevent Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun from resorting to desperate measures after their downfall," Wei Tanjin said. "By the way, Your Highness, have the Yuwen family arrived yet?"

Zhao Mingrui nodded and said, "He's here. My third uncle has come in person and is currently hiding in Changchun Palace."

Wei Tanjin pondered for a moment and said, "With Yuwen Yong, the top expert of the Yuwen family, the Empress Dowager, myself, and Gu Guanqi, we are enough to prevent Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun from resorting to desperate measures. Moreover, there will also be the Imperial City Guard, the Six Doors, and my Eastern Depot!"

Zhao Mingrui said excitedly, "Lord Wei, when I ascend the throne, I will never forget your contributions. People outside jokingly call you the 'Nine Thousand Years Old,' and I will truly bestow upon you the title of 'Nine Thousand Years Old,' second only to the emperor!"

Wei Tanjin cupped his hands and said, "My life was given to me by the Empress Dowager. As long as I can serve the Empress Dowager and His Highness, I don't care about high positions and generous salaries. I am a rootless person, and all I ask for is to be loyal to my lord!"

Zhao Mingrui said, "My mother and I will never forget Governor Wei's contributions!"

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Alright, since that's the case, I won't linger any longer," Zhao Mingrui said, standing up. "I'll head back to the palace now. I might run into my elder brother again, probably with his cat. When he comes down, I'll have his cat keep him company!"

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Mingrui left the Eastern Depot.

Just as he expected, he encountered Emperor Zhao Mingce, who was also returning to the palace, when he entered the imperial city.

Zhao Mingrui rode his horse directly to Zhao Mingce's carriage and said with a smile, "Brother, where have you been? It's already dark when you get back. If Mother finds out, she'll definitely scold you!"

Zhao Mingce lifted the carriage curtain, smiled slightly, and said, "Oh, it's Rui-di. Didn't you just get back now?"

"Can we be the same?" Zhao Mingrui said, "I can do whatever I want, can you do that, Your Majesty?"

At this moment, a cold voice came from the palace gate: "Judging from what Prince Duan is saying, are you more noble than His Majesty?"

'

Zhao Mingrui turned around and saw that it was Empress Zhang Yan leading a group of palace servants out.

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