Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

Amidst the surrounding chaos and confusion, you gradually come to understand Lü Zhen's experiences over the years.

[Powerful minister, isolated minister.]

This can be considered the most accurate portrayal of him.

Now you understand why Lü Zhen was able to break free from the monopoly of the Confucian system and ascend to the position of prime minister.

[Besides talent, ability, planning, and timing.]

The most important factor was Lü Zhen's self-positioning.

[This loyal minister, though second only to the emperor, has no cronies, no factions, and neither abuses power nor seeks personal gain.]

[Simply for the firm principles I held when I abandoned swordsmanship for literature.]

After becoming prime minister, Lü Zhen began to wield his power, taking charge of the realm and eliminating powerful clans.

[Daily remonstrances poured into the imperial study like snowflakes.]

[They were all suppressed by Emperor Xuanwu, who preserved their power and lives.]

Logically speaking, even if Lü Zhen was resented by powerful families, it's been so many years; it's impossible for people to be constantly criticizing him at gatherings.

The reason for this is that Lü Zhen has recently become involved in another matter.

[The Han Jing case.]

He wanted to help Han Jing clear his name and get him released from prison.

This angered Emperor Xuanwu, causing turmoil in the court and giving various forces and powerful families an opportunity to bring him down.

Meanwhile, you also hear another name in the conversations around you.

They mentioned it in a very secretive tone, and didn't even dare to talk about it casually when meeting in private.

[Empress, Wei Zhi.]

A beauty that could captivate all, and a fate destined to bring ruin.

[This is a simplified depiction based on the intelligence you gathered earlier.]

Wei Zhi also had another identity: his younger brother commanded hundreds of thousands of imperial guards, stationed at the northern border of the Great Cang Dynasty.

You and he are old acquaintances.

He was none other than General Wei Qi, the Cavalry Commander.

Wei Qi and Lü Zhen had an exceptionally good relationship.

[Lu Zhen's rise to prime minister was due not only to his connection with Emperor Xuanwu, but also to the support of Wei Zhi.]

This was introduced to him by Wei Qi.

Later, during the years Lü Zhen served as prime minister, he became Wei Qi's most steadfast supporter.

[Help him ensure the logistical support for the army at the Wall in the North.]

Currently, Lü Zhen's involvement in the Han Jing case has angered Emperor Xuanwu, while Wei Zhi is on Lü Zhen's side, resulting in a power struggle within the court.

"This Empress Wei is truly remarkable."

[Xu Kun sipped his wine, nodding and swaying as he commented.]

"It is no simple matter. When the late emperor passed away and Emperor Xuanwu ascended the throne, he immediately made Wei Zhi, who was only sixteen years old, his empress."

At the time, the intention was to leverage the prestige of the Wei family to stabilize the situation in the imperial court.

Unexpectedly, over the years, Wei Zhiquan's power and influence gradually increased.

His younger brother, Wei Qi, commanded the Imperial Guard and guarded the northern border.

He has shown great favor to Chancellor Lü Zhen and now firmly supports him.

It's fine if Lü Zhen falls because of this, but if Emperor Xuanwu still wants to use him...

Wei Zhi's power will only become more unchecked.

After listening to your analysis, Xu Kun nodded, then asked with a puzzled look, "What weakness does Wei Zhi have that makes Emperor Xuanwu so wary of him?"

You shook your head.

[It was already unusual, even rare, for an empress to hold power.]

Moreover, this is a golden age of imperial power, where dynasties have existed for ten thousand years and the emperor stands as a pillar of the world, upholding the rules of heaven and earth.

[Logically speaking, the Empress's life or death is solely determined by the Emperor's word.]

Wei Zhi, however, was someone even the Xuanwu Emperor couldn't do anything about.

Perhaps this involves some hidden secrets and mysterious methods.

[What kind of world is this? Ordinary people without a powerful family background or extensive connections have absolutely no chance of getting ahead.]

Even someone like Lü Zhen, a natural-born swordsman of the Canglan Sword Sect and a brilliant strategist, possessed extraordinary talent for governing the world.

[They were all suppressed by the unshakeable imperial power.]

Not only is it difficult to disobey, but one also needs the protection of imperial power to display one's talents.

It's truly bizarre, and leaves one feeling powerless and hopeless.

Thankfully, you have a cheat code.

Xu Kun didn't seem to care. He swirled his wine glass and chuckled teasingly, "Brother, it seems your connections in the capital are ruined. If you go to them now, not only will you not get any help, but you might also get yourself into trouble."

Your expression remained calm and your demeanor composed.

"My connections in the capital extend far beyond just Lü Zhen."

"Oh? Could it be that you, elder brother, have become acquainted with Empress Wei?"

You slowly sipped your wine.

"I don't recognize Empress Wei, but General Wei Qi was my comrade-in-arms decades ago."

Xu Kun's teasing smile froze, his expression gradually turning blank as he stared straight at you.

"Big brother, be honest with me, do you have some kind of earth-shattering background?"

"Pang Hai and Xu Hui entered the tomb of the God of War, and you were able to enter with them and even become their elder brother."

"Wei Qi, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, is your comrade-in-arms."

"You shall name the place where Lü Zhen, the prime minister, is second only to the emperor."

"Also, when we first met, the old Taoist priest hiding nearby, lurking around suspiciously, posed a terrifying threat to me."

"Also, Yin Cheng, you mentioned the aunt you met..."

You listen to him rattle off a long list of names, then wave your hand to interrupt.

If there were some truly earth-shattering background, would you need to act so cautiously?

[If you want to find someone to kill, just have the immortal sects deliver it to your door.]

There's no need to travel around like this.

[If he really has some kind of background... would it count as being dismissed?]

No, that's your own hard work; how can that be considered background?

Doesn't this negate all your efforts?

You, Wen Yu, have progressed step by step entirely through your own efforts!

"Second Brother, your elder brother has never asked anything of others in his life; I've relied entirely on my own efforts."

[Xu Kun gave me a look that said, "Are you kidding me?"]

After gathering sufficient intelligence, you and Xu Kun will discuss the next steps.

We still need to pay a visit to Lü Zhen; it would be best to use him to establish a connection with Empress Wei.

Given Wei Zhi's power and status.

[His understanding of the secrets was far deeper than Lü Zhen's.]

[I originally wanted to befriend Wei Zhi, and the best person to introduce me to was Wei Qi.]

But since he was stationed at the Wall in the north, he has rarely been able to return home, sometimes only once a year.

[You send him a visiting card, instructing Xu Kun to keep a low profile, familiarize himself with the capital, and gather intelligence.]

He headed towards the Prime Minister's residence.

Upon arriving at the Lü residence, one is struck by its magnificent and imposing gates, vast grounds, and solemn atmosphere.

An old man was waiting quietly at the door; upon your arrival, he bowed respectfully.

"Mr. Wen, the Prime Minister said that when an old friend visits, one should personally greet him, but due to his status and circumstances, it is inconvenient to receive him separately, lest it provoke hostility in you."

You nodded in acknowledgment and followed me inside.

Upon entering, the scene was vastly different from the outside. While it could be described as simple, compared to the grand structure of the mansion, the decor and furnishings appeared rather rudimentary.

[A sense of poverty and loneliness permeates the entire scene.]

Arriving at the lakeside pavilion, Lü Zhen stood with his back to the lake, a poignant reminder of their past friendship; his silhouette conveyed a sense of inexplicable desolation.

[No one is born with a sword-wielding talent that is so sharp and aloof, capable of astonishing the world.]

All that remains is a resolute decision.