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

Chapter 187 The Emperor Who Endures Hardship (10,000 words, seeking monthly votes)

Zhang Jiexi's headless corpse fell from the top of the wall and landed on the gravel ground with a dull thud. Blood gushed from his severed neck, spreading a dark red stain between the blue bricks.

Gu Guanqi stood on the wall, glanced down at the corpse, and pondered for a moment.

He recalled the bizarre scene of Yan Kunlun's resurrection and felt that if he didn't completely destroy the body, Zhang Jiexi would come back to life soon.

Immediately, he lightly touched the ground with his feet, and his body floated down like a falling leaf, landing next to Zhang Jiexi's corpse.

He then unleashed both hands simultaneously. His left hand wielded the Yin-cold True Qi of the Jade Brightness True Qi, while his right hand wielded the Yang-dominant True Qi of the Wedding Dress True Qi. The two opposing forces surged forth at the same time, enveloping the corpse and head entirely.

The Yin and Yang energies collided and merged violently at the core, producing a muffled explosion. Fragments of flesh and bone were crushed into powder, leaving not a trace of remains. Only a cloud of grayish-white powder was blown away by the wind and dissolved in the afternoon sunlight.

"It can't be brought back to life, can it?" Gu Guanqi muttered to himself. "If it could come back to life, I wouldn't have anything to say even if I were killed!"

However, even so, he still focused his senses for a moment to confirm that there were no remaining traces of energy around him before he could truly relax.

Immediately, he turned around, tapped his foot, and his figure swept across the sky like a wisp of green smoke, quickly flying out of the battlefield before landing in front of Shen Qingqiu.

Standing with Shen Qingqiu were Emperor Zhao Mingce and a group of court officials.

Upon seeing Gu Guanqi fly over, all the court officials were terrified, fearing that Gu Guanqi would harm the emperor. They instinctively stepped forward to protect the emperor.

However, Gu Guanqi didn't pay any attention to those people. Instead, he looked at Shen Qingqiu and asked, "Qingqiu, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Shen Qingqiu quickly shook her head, her clear eyes filled with worry as she anxiously asked, "How are you? Are you hurt?"

'

"Don't worry, I'm not hurt." Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly.

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingqiu let out a long sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

At this moment, Zhao Mingce stepped forward. His brocade robe was slightly dusty. He clasped his hands together, bowed deeply to Gu Guanqi, and said, "Thank you, Alliance Leader Gu, for quelling the disaster!"

'

Gu Guanqi waved his hand and said, "I only intervened to resolve my personal grudge with Zhang Jiexi. Your Majesty doesn't need to take it to heart." After saying that, he paused for a moment and then said, "I won't get involved in what happens next. Your Majesty can handle it yourself."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Mingce quickly said, "I will have someone take Alliance Leader Gu to rest immediately. Alliance Leader Gu must be exhausted, so he should rest well."

"I cannot stay in the palace any longer."

Gu Guanqi shook his head and refused.

First, he disliked the palace, a place devoid of human warmth and human connection. Second, if he continued to stay in the palace, no one would feel at ease.

Then, glancing at Shen Qingqiu beside him, he said to Zhao Mingce, "If it's convenient for Your Majesty, please grant Qingqiu a few days off. I should be leaving the capital soon, so it would be good to have Qingqiu accompany me to visit the sights of the capital these few days, so that this trip won't be in vain."

Zhao Mingce chuckled and said, "Taking a holiday is no problem. However, whether Shen Aiqing can accompany you is not up to me."

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As he spoke, he turned his head to look at Shen Qingqiu, his tone slightly teasing: "Minister Shen, do you agree?"

'

The remaining court officials, who had been listening intently to the commotion, all looked enlightened upon hearing Zhao Mingce's words, their gazes immediately falling on Shen Qingqiu.

Shen Qingqiu's cheeks flushed slightly, and he quickly cupped his hands to Zhao Mingce, his voice tinged with embarrassment: "Your Majesty, then, this humble subject will take Alliance Leader Gu away first."

After saying that, she reached out and grabbed Gu Guanqi's sleeve, turned around and walked away quickly. As she walked, she lowered her voice and said with a hint of annoyance, "What are you doing? Saying those things in front of so many people, you'll never be able to explain yourself later!"

"6

Gu Guanqi was being pulled by her sleeve, and followed at a leisurely pace. He glanced at her flushed profile and chuckled, "Then I won't explain."

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Shen Qingqiu pouted and said, "You don't want me to get married, do you?"

"Um.

""

Shen Qingqiu was slightly taken aback.

Gu Guanqi suddenly reached out and grasped Shen Qingqiu's hand, then stepped forward.

Before Shen Qingqiu could react, she felt her feet lighten and was carried into the air by Gu Guanqi.

The wind whistled past their ears, and sunlight spread a bright golden light before their eyes. The two of them swept over the high palace walls, over the vermilion glazed tiles, and over the layers of flying eaves and brackets, leaving the entire imperial city behind in an instant.

Shen Qingqiu was pulled to Gu Guanqi's side, the wind blowing her hair back. She turned her head slightly, looking at Gu Guanqi's profile. Sunlight fell between his brow bone and the bridge of his nose, outlining a clean and neat arc.

As she looked at it, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curled up slightly.

Behind them, in the ruins of the imperial palace, Empress Dowager Yuwen, supported by Zhao Qingci, watched the white figure gradually disappear into the distance, sighed softly, and exclaimed, "Truly a celestial being!"

66

As she spoke, she looked at Zhao Qingci beside her, only to find that Zhao Qingci was staring blankly in the direction where Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu had disappeared.

"Celadon—" Empress Dowager Yuwen called softly.

"Sigh," Zhao Qingci said, "He seems to care a lot about Shen Qingqiu. He deliberately stood up for Shen Qingqiu before leaving."

Empress Dowager Yuwen nodded and said, "After some time, once the turmoil in the capital has subsided, let Shen Qingqiu be appointed as the Grand Supervisor of the Six Doors!"

"Hmm," Zhao Qingci said in a daze, "I suddenly feel that it's best not to meet someone too amazing when you're young!"

'

Empress Dowager Yuwen shook her head, preparing to speak, when suddenly she felt a tightness in her chest and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Zhao Qingci quickly helped Empress Dowager Yuwen up, saying, "Mother, please go and heal your wounds first!"

Empress Dowager Yuwen nodded, then coughed lightly, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of her mouth. She said, "This matter isn't over yet. I can't hold on any longer. Go back to Changchun Palace immediately and bring Mingrui out. You will assist him in taking control of the capital as soon as possible!"

"Yes, I understand!"

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Qingci helped Empress Dowager Yuwen leave quickly.

Not far away, Zhao Mingce watched the mother and daughter's departing figures, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

Then he turned around, dusted off his sleeves, and shouted to the officials, "My dear ministers, hurry, hurry, come with me and let's quell the army outside!"

'

Changchun Palace.

After Empress Dowager Yuwen returned, she immediately summoned Prince Duan, Zhao Mingrui.

Despite her injuries, she spoke at length to Prince Duan, Zhao Mingrui, each word tinged with barely suppressed urgency and exhaustion.

She leaned against the soft couch, her face as pale as paper.

"You must go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony immediately, gather men, and under the pretext of assisting the Emperor, quickly bring the Imperial Guards under your command. We cannot allow Zhao Mingce to get there first!"

Zhao Mingrui stood in front of the bed, but upon hearing this, he curled his lip indifferently: "Mother, you think too highly of Zhao Mingce."

Now that Zhang Jiexi is dead, and that vile woman Zhang Yan has lost her backer, would Zhao Mingce still dare to harbor any other thoughts? What trouble could a puppet emperor like him possibly cause?

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Yuwen frowned sharply, and with great effort, raised her hand and slammed it heavily on the edge of the bed: "Don't let your guard down! Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun have been killed, but their faction and followers are still around. Once they come to their senses, to avoid being purged, they will immediately pledge allegiance to Zhao Mingce, and then they won't be so easy to deal with!"

Zhao Mingrui remained unfazed, puffing out his chest and speaking with a hint of arrogance: "I don't believe anyone is still so fearless as to dare to oppose me. Gu Guanqi has already killed Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun. With Eunuch Wei and the Empress Dowager in my hands, I have the advantage of timing, location, and popular support. Can Zhao Mingce possibly turn the world upside down?"

"Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any problem, but I have a vague unease in my heart," Empress Dowager Yuwen took a deep breath, the wound in her chest making it almost impossible for her to breathe. She closed her eyes, suppressing the surging blood and qi, and said weakly, "I can't hold on any longer. I must treat my injury immediately, otherwise it will shake my foundation, and it will be extremely difficult to recover in the future."

As she spoke, she turned her head and looked at Zhao Qingci, who had been standing quietly in the corner of the hall, "Qingci, go and help Mingrui."

Zhao Qingci bowed slightly and said in a low voice, "Yes, Mother."

Immediately, Zhao Mingrui and Zhao Qingci exchanged a glance, and then walked towards the palace gate one after the other. Zhao Mingrui's steps were brisk, and his face showed barely suppressed excitement and eagerness.

However-

Just as the two reached the gate, a series of rapid and intense screams suddenly came from outside the palace, followed by the clanging of swords clashing, the dull thud of armor clashing, and the muffled thuds of soldiers falling to the ground.

"ah--!

"Enemy attack—!"

"Protect the Empress Dowager—!"

A chaotic shout erupted outside Changchun Palace, shattering the afternoon tranquility like a thunderclap.

Empress Dowager Yuwen's pupils contracted sharply, and she abruptly propped herself up on one side of the bed, a hint of panic flashing in her deep, cold eyes.

Zhao Mingrui abruptly stopped, his expression changed, and he quickly turned around and shouted, "Mother, I'll go see!"

Before the words were even finished, a series of heavy, orderly footsteps echoed outside the palace gates. The clanging of armor grew louder and louder as it approached, a dull and oppressive sound.

The next moment, a blood-soaked eunuch stumbled in from outside the palace gates. His clothes were tattered, and his face was covered in blood. He practically tumbled and crawled onto the floor tiles in the center of the hall, his voice hoarse and trembling: "Empress Dowager—it's terrible—His Majesty—His Majesty has led his men in!"

Zhao Mingrui was stunned for a moment, then his eyes widened and he roared, "What?! Zhao Mingce barged in? What nonsense are you spouting—where did he get the guts to do this?!"

He didn't finish his sentence.

Because outside the palace gate, a troop of imperial guards clad in black iron armor had already filed in from both sides, their steps orderly, their long spears like a forest, gleaming coldly.

They moved extremely quickly, and in just a few breaths, they had completely surrounded the main hall of Changchun Palace, even blocking the side doors and back windows with their shadows.

Zhao Mingrui's expression changed drastically. He subconsciously took half a step back and angrily shouted, "What are you doing? Are you trying to rebel?"

Who gave you permission to trespass into Changchun Palace?

No one answered him.

However, the imperial guards parted to the sides, and a figure slowly walked out from behind the crowd.

It was none other than Emperor Zhao Mingce.

He wore a black brocade robe, with a bloodstained longsword hanging at his waist. The dark red bloodstains on the sword were not yet dry and gleamed piercingly in the afternoon sunlight.

His steps were unhurried, and his face remained the same gentle and dignified one, but now his eyes no longer held the gentleness and languor of the past; instead, they held a calm yet sharp cold light.

He entered the palace, his gaze sweeping over Zhao Mingrui and Zhao Qingci before landing on Empress Dowager Yuwen on the soft couch. He said in a deep voice, "Mother, there is a rebellion in the court. Some traitors are plotting to assassinate you. Therefore, I have brought troops to protect you!"

As he spoke, he slightly raised his hand and waved to the imperial guards behind him.

The Imperial Guards immediately dispatched a team to escort all the panicked palace maids and eunuchs inside the hall to the entrance of the main hall, where they were all killed on the spot, blood splattering and heads rolling.

Zhao Mingrui stood frozen in place for two breaths, then flew into a rage, pointing at Zhao Mingce and shouting, "Zhao Mingce! Are you insane?! You dared to lead troops into Changchun Palace and kill people, you—"

Zhao Mingce raised his left hand and slapped out with a backhand, sending out a burst of energy.

“Pah!”

A crisp, clear slap echoed through the empty hall.

Zhao Mingrui was sent flying to the ground by the slap. Half of his cheek swelled up at a visible speed, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and he spat out two teeth mixed with blood.

Immediately, Zhao Qingci gripped the hilt of the short sword hidden in her sleeve with her right hand.

However-

In that instant, Zhao Mingce flicked his wrist, which was holding the longsword, and the bloodstained sword emerged.

This sword strike was incredibly fast.

Although Zhao Qingci had no reputation in the martial arts world, she was well aware of her own cultivation level, which was no weaker than that of martial arts masters in the martial arts world.

But at this moment, she couldn't even see how Zhao Mingce's sword was drawn.

However, Zhao Mingce did not harm Zhao Qingci. His longsword touched Zhao Qingci's acupoints, and instantly, like a nimble snake, it slid along her wrist bone into her palm, turned half a circle between her fingers, and then flicked Zhao Qingci's sword away, which fell to the ground. It landed right next to Zhao Mingrui, who was still lying on the ground, and stuck in his neck, scaring Zhao Mingrui so much that he trembled all over.

Zhao Qingci's body stiffened abruptly.

As the saying goes, a true expert's skill is immediately apparent upon seeing their work.

Although Zhao Mingce did not hurt her, the swordsmanship he just displayed, whether in terms of control over sword intent or application of true energy, completely overwhelmed her.

"Brother, you—you've been hiding it so well!" Zhao Qingci said.

Zhao Mingce smiled slightly, then looked down at Zhao Mingrui and said, "Mingrui, as a prince, you entered the capital without an imperial edict, which is a capital offense. I could kill you right now."

Zhao Mingrui exclaimed in surprise, "You—"

Zhao Mingce's longsword was still pointed at Zhao Qingci, the tip resting steadily half an inch in front of her throat. The bloodstains on the blade gleamed darkly in the sunlight. He slightly raised his eyes, looking at Zhao Qingci, and said calmly, "Qingci, you are the eldest princess, a member of the royal family. The struggle for imperial power has nothing to do with you. I am only here today to reclaim what is rightfully mine. These matters are none of your concern. From now on, you will remain the eldest princess."

He paused, lowered the tip of his sword slightly, and said in a much gentler tone, "From childhood to adulthood, you are the only one among our Ming generation who truly regards me as an elder brother. I hope you will not put me in a difficult position."

Zhao Qingci's breath hitched for a moment, and she said, "Brother, are you going to kill Mother?"

Zhao Mingce sheathed his sword, looked at Empress Dowager Yuwen, and said, "I have endured for so many years not to leave behind an everlasting infamy. I want to be a restorer of the dynasty and be remembered in history. Therefore, I do not wish to bear the name of a matriarch."

With that, Zhao Mingce clasped his hands in a fist and bowed respectfully to Empress Dowager Yuwen, saying, "Please, Your Majesty, do not make things difficult for me!"

Empress Dowager Yuwen leaned back on the soft couch, looked at Zhao Mingce, and pondered for a long while before saying, "Zhao Mingce—you've been hiding your true intentions well. Some time ago, it was suspected that someone in the capital had mastered a fake art of self-destruction, which even involved the palace. Now it seems that person was you."

Zhao Mingce nodded and said, "It is indeed me."

Empress Dowager Yuwen took a deep breath and said, "Entering the Dao and cultivating to such a level is not something that can be achieved overnight. In all these years, under the noses of me and the Left Prime Minister, you have managed to cultivate to this level, and you still—cough cough—"

Empress Dowager Yuwen coughed up blood and continued, "You can still endure without using martial arts; with that kind of forbearance, you can win—"

—That makes sense!

Having said that, Empress Dowager Yuwen raised her head and asked, "So, this morning, you specifically told me that Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun were planning a coup to force the emperor to abdicate, just to reap the benefits?"

"Yes," Zhao Mingce said, "I can't let you lose so easily. I'll make sure you fight each other head-on. That way, no matter who wins today, I'll win in the end. After this battle, neither of you will be able to relax, and neither of you will be my match."

"What about Gu Guanqi?" Empress Dowager Yuwen asked.

Zhao Mingce said, "He has no conflict with me. He's just settling a personal score. Today's situation is what it is. If he wins, everyone's happy. If he loses, then I'll reveal myself early and fight alongside him to face Zhang Jiexi and Yan Kunlun. Even if we lose in the end, or even if we die, being able to fight alongside him would be a great blessing in life!"

"Indeed, Gu Guanqi has no conflict of interest with you, so you're the winner today no matter what." Empress Dowager Yuwen sighed and said, "I have one more question."

"you say."

Empress Dowager Yuwen said, "You've been under my surveillance since you were a child. You've never had the chance to learn advanced martial arts. How did you cultivate them?"

Zhao Mingce pondered for a moment and said, "Back then, the Imperial Observatory captured a Qilin for my grandfather, Emperor Wuxuan. After dissecting the Qilin, they found special symbols on its bones. Later, the Imperial Observatory and the Six Doors both tried to figure it out, but they didn't find anything."

Empress Dowager Yuwen said, "I know about this. In the end, the late emperor made soup from the bones."

Zhao Mingce shook his head and said, "Actually, no. The soup was made with beef bones instead. The real Qilin bones were collected by Emperor Wuxuan and kept in the imperial treasury. They have been forgotten."

Fifteen years ago, some eunuchs opened the box and found only some bones, intending to throw them away. I happened to see this, remembered the legend of the Qilin bone, and took it.

Empress Dowager Yuwen asked in surprise, "So, you've deciphered the mystery of the symbols on the Qilin bone?"

Zhao Mingce shook his head and said, "Those are not some mysterious symbols, they are just patterns on bones."

"And your martial arts skills?" Empress Dowager Yuwen asked in surprise.

Zhao Mingce said, "My martial arts skills were passed down from the head of the Tianji Pavilion. More than ten years ago, he sneaked into the palace once, but I don't know exactly what he did."

But I ran into him then, and he took pity on me, so he casually gave me a Taoist martial art called the Burning Heart Seeking the Dao Technique. It was different from ordinary martial arts, as it did not cultivate true qi, so no one could tell that I possessed cultivation.

Normally, even with exceptional talent, it would take thirty to fifty years to reach the Dao Realm. However, in the library, I accidentally discovered rumors of the Daoist Corpse-Dissolving Immortals, and the Disintegration Technique of the Burning Heart Seeking Dao Great Method is very similar to that of the Corpse-Dissolving Immortals.

So I took a gamble. I removed my own bones and replaced them with Qilin bones. Perhaps I was lucky, because the Qilin bones still retained the power of the Qilin, which actually allowed me to enter the state of corpse dissolution, and finally, the state of physical dissolution.

Empress Dowager Yuwen suddenly realized, "You can conceal your cultivation level, but you can't conceal your actions. How could you possibly gather five people with the destiny of an Emperor Star to be willing to sacrifice themselves for you?"

Zhao Mingce said, "I didn't do it. After I touched the realm of 'disintegration,' the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion found me again and arranged for someone to sacrifice themselves for me, helping me to complete a fake disintegration!"

Empress Dowager Yuwen asked, "Then? What do you want in return?"

"He didn't want anything," Zhao Mingce said. "I've only met him twice. The first time was when he gave me the cultivation technique, and the second time was after I entered the Dissolution Realm. He came to offer to help me pass through the false Dissolution Realm. I asked him what he needed from me, and he said he didn't want anything. Plus, I really didn't have much of a choice, so I naturally accepted his help."

Empress Dowager Yuwen said, "So, you believe there's such a thing as a free lunch?"

"I don't believe you," Zhao Mingce said, "That's why I'm telling you the truth!"

Empress Dowager Yuwen asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Zhao Mingce said, "I don't want to kill my mother, I don't want internal strife. I need you, Mother, to relinquish power. I don't know what the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's true purpose is. However, if I truly seize imperial power and still lose to the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, then I'll admit defeat outright!"

Empress Dowager Yuwen took a deep breath, suppressing the blood welling up in her throat, and asked, "What do you want me to do?"

Zhao Mingce said, "Mingrui, return to your fiefdom tomorrow. I will send people to protect you."

Zhao Mingrui angrily retorted, "Isn't this tantamount to placing me under house arrest?"

Zhao Mingce said, "Then I can help you choose to commit suicide."

Zhao Mingrui:

'

'

Empress Dowager Yuwen nodded slightly and said, "I have only one request: do not kill him."

Zhao Mingce said, "To be honest, as long as you, Mother, and the Yuwen family don't stir up trouble behind the scenes, with Mingrui's intelligence, even if I don't put him under house arrest, he won't be able to cause any trouble."

Zhao Mingrui retorted angrily, "Are you insulting me?"

Zhao Mingce ignored Zhao Mingrui and looked at Empress Dowager Yuwen, continuing, "The second thing is that Mother's injury should not be healed. It is better for both of us if you stay in Changchun Palace to recuperate."

As he spoke, Zhao Mingce took out a pill and handed it to Empress Dowager Yuwen, saying, "Mother, don't worry. It only damages your martial arts foundation and causes you to fall out of the Dao Realm. Your body itself will not have any problems, and you will not suffer from illness."

Empress Dowager Yuwen accepted the pill and said, "You've really thought this through!"

Zhao Mingce chuckled and said, "Third, Qingci will continue to be the eldest princess and can do whatever she wants, but she cannot have any contact with the Yuwen family."

Zhao Qingci remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

Zhao Mingce continued, "Fourth, from now on, no member of the Yuwen family shall enter the capital without an imperial edict, nor shall they contact the Empress Dowager again."

Empress Dowager Yuwen nodded and said, "Alright, if you have any other requests, please state them all at once!"

"That's all," Zhao Mingce said.

Empress Dowager Yuwen pondered for a moment and then said, "I have a request. Could you spare Wei Tanjin's life? I will make him hand over the Eastern Depot and allow him to retire to his hometown. He will absolutely no longer pose the slightest threat to you!"

"That won't do," Zhao Mingce shook his head.

Empress Dowager Yuwen sighed and said, "Although he has obeyed my orders all these years, he has always respected you quite a bit. You—"

"Your Majesty, you misunderstand," Zhao Mingce said. "What I mean is that Wei Tanjin is a talented person, and as a eunuch, his power comes from the imperial power. If used well, he is a good knife and a good dog. As long as Your Majesty doesn't cause trouble, Wei Tanjin will be very useful. Therefore, I will not only not kill him, but will continue to give him important responsibilities."

"good!"

Empress Dowager Yuwen sighed and said, "You have a broad mind and the qualities of a ruler. I hope you can truly revitalize the Qian Dynasty!"

After saying that, she swallowed the pill directly.

The next moment, she spat out a mouthful of blood, her breath instantly weakened, and she began to sweat profusely, with wisps of mist rising from her body.

Zhao Mingce turned around, grabbed Zhao Mingrui by the collar with one hand, and walked out.

Zhao Mingrui hurriedly cried out, "Brother, brother, give me a chance! I won't go back to my fiefdom. Just let me stay in the capital. I promise I'll behave myself from now on!"

The turmoil in the capital has not subsided.

The entire imperial city remained under martial law, and none of the civil and military officials were able to leave.

On this day, blood was shed in the imperial city.

The mutiny was over, but the death toll continued.

For Zhao Mingce, no matter how ingenious the plan, it is far inferior to today's natural conditions.

He took control of the Imperial Guards, and since all the civil and military officials were in the capital, those who could threaten him in martial arts were either dead or injured.

Such a golden opportunity—

He naturally acted swiftly and decisively, eliminating those court officials he could not control.

Finally, it was announced that those people had all died in a mutiny.

The imperial city was filled with an atmosphere of unease and fear on this day. It was also a day that would haunt the dreams of many high-ranking officials of the Great Qian Dynasty.

No one expected that the usually gentle emperor would have such a ruthless side.

It wasn't until evening that the gates of the imperial city opened again. The court officials who came out looked at the setting sun and felt as if it were the dawn of a new life after a catastrophe.

But the light of the setting sun shone outside the imperial city, yet could not penetrate it; inside the imperial city, it was already dark.

Meanwhile, people continued to die in the palace.

Palace maids, eunuchs, nannies, and female officials—from the bottom up—were all undergoing a massive purge.

This continued until it was completely dark.

The story ended with screams outside the Empress's bedroom, Ciyuan Hall.

The great purge of the palace has finally ended, the air thick with the pungent smell of blood.

Zhao Mingce entered Ciyuan Hall.

Empress Zhang Yan sat in the hall, with only two maids behind her.

As Zhao Mingce stepped into the hall, a strong smell of blood emanated from him.

The two maids were so frightened that they immediately knelt on the ground.

Zhang Yan looked at Zhao Mingce, who walked in covered in blood, and felt a sense of disorientation. She couldn't reconcile the image of this killing god with that gentle emperor. She recalled Zhao Mingce's life from childhood to adulthood and felt only terror.

When she married Zhao Mingce, he was just an innocent child. Now, more than ten years later, in her eyes, Zhao Mingce is still the same harmless, innocent, gentle, and obedient man.

Only today did she realize that it was all fake, all a pretense, and she felt a chill run down her spine!

"Your Majesty, are you going to settle scores with me?" Zhang Yan asked.

Zhao Mingce looked at Zhang Yan and said, "The Left Chancellor was killed for plotting a rebellion, and the Empress passed away from excessive worry."

Zhang Yan chuckled lightly, "Indeed, the imperial family is the most ruthless. After sharing the same bed for so many years, doesn't Your Majesty show even a shred of affection?"

Zhao Mingce said, "Empress, don't say such things at a time like this. Haven't we been putting on an act for each other all along?"

You can't possibly have feelings for a child who's only a few years old, and I can't possibly fall in love with a woman who's monitored and oppressed me since I was a child.

Zhang Yan scoffed and said, "So all these years, all those times you kept saying you loved me, and that you left the harem empty for me, were all lies?"

Zhao Mingce said, "I said I love you so that you would treat me as a man, not a child who has to strictly follow your orders even when eating and drinking."

"I'm not holding a selection of concubines because I'm already exhausted enough trying to please you alone. If your father arranges for a few more to come, I'll have to appease a whole bunch of people, and that would really kill me!"

Zhang Yan asked, "You never loved me at all?"

Zhao Mingce sighed and said, "You are my nightmare. I'm not sick. I could never fall in love with a woman who has forced me to do things I hate since I was a child under the guise of being his wife."

If you and I were to switch genders, it would be like a bandit abducting a little girl to be his wife and raising her. In the process, the little girl would have to coax the bandit with trepidation, because if the bandit displeased her, she would be starved and punished. In the end, the little girl would be forced to suppress her hatred and flatter him with sweet words every day.

Do you think that little girl could fall in love with that bandit?

Zhang Yan said dejectedly, "So, from your perspective, this is how our relationship is? I always felt like I was teaching you manners and etiquette!"

Zhao Mingce sneered, "That's your rule. You're not raising an emperor, but a puppet who must live according to your will!"

Having said that, Zhao Mingce took out a pill, handed it to Zhang Yan, and said, "Alright, I don't want to say any more. You should be more dignified!"

Zhang Yan sighed, tears rolling down her cheeks. She took the pill, popped it into her mouth, and said in a deep voice, "I hope you can be a good emperor!"

Zhao Mingce said in a deep voice: "I am not only a good emperor, but I will also become a great emperor for all time. I will not only revitalize the Great Qian Dynasty, but I will also conquer the south and the north, expand the territory, and I will make the banner of the Great Qian Dynasty fly all over the world."

I will ride my horse across the land, my sword crush the martial world, ensuring that all under heaven is my land, and all within my borders are my subjects. I will command all nations to pay homage, and may the Great Qian Dynasty last for a thousand generations!

The capital was in turmoil, with an oppressive atmosphere of fear and paranoia. The Imperial Guards and the Eastern Depot were constantly on the streets, either confiscating property or on their way to do so.

However, Gu Guanqi, who had participated in the initiation of this turmoil and influenced the outcome of the battle, felt nothing at all.

Since the battle in the capital, he had completely stopped paying attention to the aftermath and spent his days doing only one thing: following Shen Qingqiu to visit various scenic spots in the capital.

Later on, for convenience, he even moved into Shen Qingqiu's house.

So, besides playing, he had one more thing to do every night: guide Shen Qingqiu in his cultivation.

Gradually, the turmoil in the capital began to subside.

It was noon on this day.

-

Spring sunlight streamed in through the window, spreading a warm, dappled pattern on the blue brick floor.

Inside the room, Shen Qingqiu and Gu Guanqi were taking a nap.

Shen Qingqiu was lying on Gu Guanqi's chest, her eyes slightly closed, her eyelashes casting a faint shadow under her eyelids.

Gu Guanqi held Shen Qingqiu in his arms and closed his eyes to sleep.

Just then, a series of light footsteps came from outside the courtyard, followed by a maid's low voice announcing, "My lord, someone from the palace has arrived."

Shen Qingqiu's eyes suddenly opened.

"understood."

She responded to the outside, and then quickly got up and started getting dressed.

At this moment, Gu Guanqi suddenly reached out and stopped her.

Shen Qingqiu was fastening her belt when she quickly said, "Don't do anything naughty, I'll go out and take a look first." As she spoke, she leaned down and quickly kissed Gu Guanqi's lips, saying, "You sleep a little longer, we'll go for a stroll around Donghua Temple this afternoon."

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Gu Guanqi nodded slightly: "Okay."

Shen Qingqiu said no more, turned around and quickly left the room.

Before long, Shen Qingqiu arrived at the front hall.

The hall door was open, and the afternoon sunlight poured in from the entrance, turning a section of the blue brick floor inside the hall white.

Standing in the hall was a middle-aged eunuch dressed in a crimson round-necked robe. He was fair-skinned, beardless, and slender, with a dark gold silk sash tied around his waist. He held a roll of bright yellow silk in his hands. Behind him were four imperial guards, fully armed.

When the eunuch saw Shen Qingqiu enter, he quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Lord Shen, I apologize for disturbing you."

Shen Qingqiu recognized the eunuch; he was the chief eunuch who often accompanied Zhao Mingce, and his surname was Ma.

So she returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said, "Eunuch Ma, what troubles you to make this trip in person?"

Eunuch Ma hurriedly said, "First of all, congratulations on Lord Shen's promotion. I'm here to read the imperial edict."

As he spoke, he raised the roll of bright yellow silk in his hands, and his tone became more formal: "Shen Qingqiu, receive the imperial decree."

.

Shen Qingqiu straightened his clothes and bowed, saying, "Your subject Shen Qingqiu receives the imperial decree."

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Eunuch Ma unfolded the imperial edict, his voice sharp and clear, echoing in the hall word by word: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Shen Qingqiu, Commander of the Six Doors' Chasing Wind Division, is known for his talent and virtue, and for his effective governance. However, after careful consideration, I believe he is capable of undertaking great responsibilities. Therefore, I hereby promote him to the position of Grand Supervisor of the Six Doors, in charge of all matters related to arrests, criminal justice, and the affairs of the martial arts world. This is the imperial decree."

;

After reading the last word, Eunuch Ma rolled up the imperial edict and handed it to Shen Qingqiu with both hands, his face beaming with smiles: "Lord Shen, congratulations! You've been promoted directly from the third rank to the second rank. Since the founding of the Qian Kingdom, you are the first woman to assume such a great responsibility. You truly are a woman who is no less capable than any man!"

'

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"

Shen Qingqiu accepted the imperial edict, stood up, and carefully put it away with a solemn expression. He then bowed to Eunuch Ma and said, "Thank you, Eunuch Ma. May I ask which department Governor Lu has gone to?"

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"Lord Lu has been transferred by His Majesty to the Ministry of Justice to serve as Minister of Justice," said Eunuch Ma.

Shen Qingqiu breathed a sigh of relief. She was worried that the emperor's promotion of her would lead to the suppression of the former governor, Lu Hanchuan.

Lu Hanchuan was her mentor, and the two had a very good relationship.

Immediately, Shen Qingqiu handed a money pouch to Eunuch Ma, saying, "Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty. I will certainly fulfill my duties faithfully and live up to His Majesty's high expectations!"

Eunuch Ma repeatedly said, "Good, good, I will definitely pass on the message." Then, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said, "Lord Shen is busy with official duties, so I won't disturb you any longer. Farewell."

6

Shen Qingqiu escorted Eunuch Ma to the outside of the mansion.

Then, upon returning, they saw Gu Guanqi already standing by a pillar on the side of the hall, leaning against it, holding a cup of tea and slowly sipping it.

"When we parted, I said, 'I hope one day I'll hear that the Six Doors has a new governor named Shen Qingqiu,' and now it's really come true. Governor Shen, you'll have to look after me from now on!"

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Shen Qingqiu's lips curled up slightly: "Don't worry, you can walk sideways in the capital from now on, and no one will dare to stop you."

.

Upon hearing this, Gu Guanqi couldn't help but laugh: "Alright then, I can fight whichever one I want from now on!"

"Hmm. Once you get beaten up, I'll arrest you and put you under the protection of the Six Doors!"

Shen Qingqiu chuckled, her smile particularly bright in the afternoon sunlight. Then she said, "Actually, I was able to become governor because of you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to become governor."

Now, everyone in the court knows about our relationship. Appointing me as governor is both to appease you and to thank you. However, suddenly taking on such a heavy responsibility makes me a little apprehensive.

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Gu Guanqi said, "If you feel it's too rushed, can I go to the palace and ask His Majesty to give you some time to rest?"

Shen Qingqiu shook his head and said, "No need for that. This has always been my biggest dream. Now that I've got it, how could I let it go? I also need to use this identity to go back to the Tie family and get my mother's things back!"

Gu Guanqi asked, "Actually, I've never asked you about it. What exactly is going on between you and the Tie family?"

Shen Qingqiu pondered for a moment and said, "My father died fighting for the Tie family. However, my parents only had me as their daughter, so they were wiped out of the family line. Even my father's pension was taken by my second uncle."

I demanded that the clan uphold justice, but because I was a woman, the elders all sided with my second uncle. I was young and impulsive at the time, and I cursed at those elders, after which I began to be targeted and suppressed.

Later, when I was a little older, I thought about taking my mother away from the Tie family, but we were harassed. In the end, my mother used the jade hairpin that my maternal grandmother had passed down to her to get a chance for us to leave the Tie family.

When my mother passed away, she was still thinking about that jade hairpin. Therefore, I've always wanted to get my mother's jade hairpin back; I want to seek justice for what I did wrong.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and asked, "When do you plan to go?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "Let's wait two or three months, until things stabilize on the Six Doors side."

"Perfect timing, I should be back from Qizhou by then, I'll go with you," Gu Guanqi said.

Shen Qingqiu asked, "When do you plan to set off for Qizhou?"

"Let's wait a couple of days!"

He was still thinking about the reward for Wen Shuyi's subsequent blind date, which was the Longevity Manual, a martial art that could elevate his current martial arts level to a higher level.

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