Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

Wei Zhi's words and demeanor when discussing Emperor Xuanwu once again overturned your impression of him.

The plight of the common people, the deep-rooted exploitation by powerful clans, the indifference of the rebel army, and the abuse of power by officials...

All these phenomena reveal the state of a declining dynasty.

[As the one who wields imperial power.]

The image you've portrayed is almost a composite of the stereotypical image of an incompetent and defeated ruler.

[The result: our first meeting.]

[The other party was excessively humble, and their attitude was deeply moving and sincere when discussing the plight of the common people.]

[A complete reversal of the image you have in your mind.]

Goodness!

Could it be that Emperor Xuanwu also harbors rebellious intentions?

[Your inner jest dispelled the deep-seated apprehension.]

In this ghost world, the more enigmatic a being is, the more likely it is to be associated with darkness and filth.

[Especially as the Lord of the Great Azure Sky.]

If the Xuanwu Emperor has any schemes, they will surely affect the heavens and the earth, overturn the human world, and shatter the heavens.

I originally thought that entering the capital would be a game of manipulation and intrigue.

[And so, I accidentally wandered into the Heavenly Palace again.]

Could it be the problem with this dark-colored robe I'm wearing?

Is it unlucky for something to be too dark?

Next time, let's wear a bright red outfit.

But red...

You glanced at Wei Zhi's crimson-gold palace dress, and thought back to when you were the Red-Haired Old Monster.

Red doesn't seem like a lucky color either.

Wei Zhi suppressed his emotions and met your strange, wandering gaze.

I have a feeling you're thinking about something unsavory.

"If you have nothing else, please proceed."

You look up at her.

She was the one who stopped people, and she was also the one who made them leave.

They come when summoned and leave when called upon.

What a scumbag woman.

"Empress, what kind of person was Emperor Xuanwu?"

You asked her a question that surprised her.

Upon hearing this, I fell into deep thought.

[Because even she couldn't give a clear answer to the question.]

【moment.】

Wei Zhi shook his head: "I don't understand either."

Your doubts grew stronger.

[Previously, he spoke in a familiar tone, saying, "That's always been the case."]

【Now you're saying you're not familiar with them?】

[Faced with your suspicious gaze.]

Wei Zhi's radiant eyes gazed at the heavens through the magnificent palace.

[In a distant, reminiscent tone: "The first time I heard his name, he was the late emperor's younger brother, enfeoffed as the Prince of Qin, and all the officials praised his virtue."]

"Later, during the power struggle for the throne, I cooperated with them to survive."

"When he ascended the throne, I, burdened with the fate of being a femme fatale, also entered the palace to become empress."

Wei Zhi recounted the story in detail.

[This unveils a turbulent tapestry depicting the transition of imperial power.]

[Though the tone was casual, it concealed an unfathomable undercurrent of bloodshed.]

"Nearly thirty years have passed."

[You analyze the information revealed in Wei Zhi's words.]

[Following the timeline to deduce the trajectory.]

[When Emperor Xuanwu seized power and ascended the throne, Yin Qian was born in the same year.]

[This is also the point in time when you were reborn into this world.]

[Throughout history, that fabricated, warm home in Yongzhou...]

[This will draw you into the power struggle within the Great Azure Royal Family.]

Wei Zhi withdrew his reminiscing gaze and looked down at you.

"He was a wise king who, after ascending the throne, worked diligently to reverse the stagnant state of the Great Cang Kingdom. He was a truly enlightened ruler."

You heard her assessment, but your eyes remained noncommittal.

A light laugh tinged with sarcasm: "A diligent and wise ruler, yet why do the people suffer so much?"

【"well……"】

Wei Zhi sighed deeply, saying helplessly, "Things didn't go as planned. I'm sure you understand the meaning of those four words."

Your brow is slightly furrowed.

[Wei Zhi's meaning is naturally not simply interpreted as "things going against one's wishes."]

Rather, it stems from the various obstacles and helplessness that lie behind it.

Could it be that Emperor Xuanwu's ambition to become a wise ruler has shaken the powerful interest groups and even affected the schemes of those cunning old foxes?

[This makes one's heart truly devoted to the common people.]

[Will it instead push the world situation to an even more tragic state?]

[Please keep this analysis in mind, but reserve your opinion for now.]

Whether a wise ruler or a hypocritical schemer.

None of those who can survive in this hellish world are simple.

[Especially in the power struggles of the imperial court, the victor is the one who emerges victorious based on outcomes.]

Emperor Xuanwu was definitely a terrifying figure.

[Wei Zhi sees you lost in thought.]

[He urged, "Do you have any other questions? If not, please proceed."]

I heard she's trying to get rid of you again.

[Please set aside your analysis for now.]

He chuckled lightly, "The Empress seems unusually resistant to me."

Wei Zhi seemed amused by your words, glancing up at you sideways, a hint of charm in his eyes.

[Enough to shake even the strongest will.]

Thankfully, you're unaffected.

Her captivating gaze spoke volumes, needing no further explanation.

In short, it's about letting you look in the mirror and see just how dirty that billowing black smoke is.

I hope you have the self-awareness to know your place.

If it were someone else, you might have accepted it.

[Wei Zhi, who is destined to be a femme fatale, isn't exactly clean himself, so what right does he have to call you dirty?]

[Facing your defiant gaze.]

Wei Zhi felt a long-lost sense of provocation.

[Possessing high position and immense power, yet burdened by a predetermined destiny.]

All the officials, facing this, trembled with fear, bowing their heads and bending their backs, not daring to look up.

But from beginning to end, your attitude towards her has been one of fierce resistance.

[Each meeting.]

The city would inexplicably find itself in a tense, confrontational atmosphere.

Logically speaking, you and she have never met and do not know each other.

Even your only connection to her was when you led her beloved younger brother, whom she had painstakingly nurtured, into the Tomb of the God of War.

[Then they would spend all day shouting about enlightenment and true knowledge, and then kill, kill, kill, wanting rivers of blood to flow.]

[Even though she didn't blame you, she still managed to kill you; that's considered showing mercy.]

Instead, you turned around and confronted her head-on.

This man is completely inexplicable.

Wei Zhi cursed inwardly.

[Especially your defiance of fate, which can stir her strange emotions.]

This will only make her keep her distance from you, and it would be best if she never had anything to do with you again.

[You also noticed something unusual when you were with Wei Zhi.]

[Your struggle against fate, like a husky's, requires your utmost restraint.]

[Let's set aside the debate about who's dirtier.]

You are trying to extract more information about Emperor Xuanwu from Wei Zhi.

"Your Majesty, have you noticed this dark halo?"

Your right sleeve flutters, a wisp of black smoke curling upwards.

Wei Zhi's eyes glistened with moisture, and her cherry-red lips curled slightly.

[A dark halo?]

[Only you would have the audacity to call this filthy thing that name.]

Control the ebb and flow of emotions within.

[His tone was a soft sigh, seemingly imbued with the heat of the air.]

"Defying fate will naturally become apparent."

Upon hearing this, you showed an expression of surprise and nodded slightly.

Then they continued to press for answers.

"Did he notice?"

【"he?"】

Wei Zhi's eyes, shimmering with tears, first opened slightly in confusion.

Then his pupils suddenly contracted.