Simulated immortality allows me to calculate talent stats.

[Lu Zhen prepares the paper and grinds the ink. You observe his fingertips grinding the ink, a clear, luminous halo spreading, blending into the ink, and staining the tip of the brush.]

A maidservant entered the pavilion carrying writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

A moment later, Wei Zhi finished writing the text, which was then mounted on gold-embossed Xuan paper as a policy.

A maid carried out a wooden table, on which Wen Ce stood quietly.

Her steps were light and her expression solemn, as if she were carrying not a light, easy document, but some dangerous object.

Wei Qi glanced at it and then looked away, while Lü Zhen kept his eyes down, seemingly oblivious to what was happening.

The maid's expression grew increasingly anxious, her pleading gaze shifting between the three of you.

[They seem eager to hand over the written strategy they have.]

Despite your doubts, you still take a step forward, with "Prophecy" activated throughout.

[Only after receiving the wooden workbench and receiving no warning of sudden danger did I relax.]

[A sense of injustice welled up inside me; the tense expressions of these people made it seem like we were facing some ferocious beast.]

The maid handed over the wooden table, her eyes filled with gratitude and relief, and hurried back to the front of the pavilion.

A soft laugh drifted from the pavilion.

"Now that Mr. Wen has received my letter and the method to find the immortal sect, it is my turn to make my demands."

You raise your gaze, which has been observing Wen Ce, as if piercing through a thin veil to meet the gaze of the woman behind the scenes.

"A transaction is about give and take; it's only natural for the Queen to make demands."

"I've heard that you and Lü Zhen intend to weed out the powerful clans and ensure the well-being of all people?"

【"yes."】

You admitted it directly, without attempting any excuses.

"Do you know that the most powerful, prestigious, and profitable family in the world is surnamed Wei?"

Wei Zhi's voice was calm, yet it exuded a powerful and oppressive aura.

A vague sense of crisis permeated the air, enveloping the entire lake and making the frost and snow feel even colder.

Wei Qi's expression changed drastically; he was about to speak, but you stopped him.

You shook your head, your smile carrying a hidden meaning: "The Empress is wrong."

"Oh? What wrong have I done?"

Wei Zhi was not angered by your rebuttal; instead, he inquired with interest.

"The most powerful, prestigious, and influential family in the world, possessing all the wealth and influence, is not surnamed Wei, but rather... Yin!"

Upon hearing this, both Wei Qi and Lü Zhen were startled, their gazes towards you filled with incredulous shock.

[Consider your previous and subsequent responses; your remarks are utterly treasonous.]

"Hehehe..."

Wei Zhijing was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing: "Yes, I was wrong. It's not Wei, it's Yin, hehehe... Mr. Wen is really interesting. Living in Jingzhou for so long has really buried your talent."

If I had come to the capital earlier, perhaps I would have had a completely different experience.

You shook your head and said, "It's not too late now."

Wei Zhi's laughter subsided, his tone carrying an unfathomable meaning.

"Since the most powerful family in the world is surnamed Yin, do you and Lü Zhen dare to tear off the flesh and blood of the Yin family?"

"The Empress has misunderstood."

"Oh? I'm wrong again?"

[Behind the thin veil, one can vaguely see her supporting her delicate arm, seemingly waiting quietly for you to rescue her.]

"The imperial power is unshakeable; this is a rule that Lü Zhen told me many years ago."

"In my youthful arrogance, I may have been skeptical, but now I realize that individual strength has its limits and cannot contend with the prevailing trend, let alone defy the rules."

"Therefore, what Lü Zhen and I are going to dismantle and tear apart are the powerful families of the world after the Wei and Yin families are eliminated."

"To achieve our plan, we need to leverage the power of the emperor and seek the help of the empress to purge the powerful families of their assets using unshakeable rules."

Your eyes are clear and bright as you gaze at the figure behind the thin veil.

"This plan aligns with the interests of the Wei family and also with His Majesty's interests."

"As for the price, it will be borne by Lü Zhen alone, regardless of his life or eternal infamy."

When Lü Zhen heard you mention him, he raised his head, his gaze resolute, revealing a determination that transcended all others.

Wei remained silent, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

[Finally, he uttered exceptionally realistic and sharp words.]

"I have permitted your schemes, and the Emperor will tacitly approve. If the situation spirals out of control, don't blame me for being ruthless; I will quell it with your lives."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

[Lü Zhen, his slender figure bowing respectfully, his eyes revealing excitement.]

After you bow, step aside. The rest is up to Lü Zhen; let him try to gain more support from the Empress.

Wei Qi looked at you and Lü Zhen with mixed feelings of admiration and sadness upon learning of your plan.

"Brother Wei, the situation on the northern battlefield is stable. Could you stay a little longer?"

You tentatively inquired.

Wei Qi frowned slightly, naturally understanding the hidden meaning in your words.

"Brother Wen, is there anything I can do to help you?"

You stood with your hands behind your back: "Brother Lü is skilled at planning for the big picture and is willing to risk his life. I am adept at manipulating people's hearts and am used to walking in the shadows."

"This situation is too complex; to succeed, we need a sharp weapon."

Wei Qi suddenly realized: "So, Brother Lü's involvement in Han Jing's case and his exoneration was actually an attempt to take advantage of Han Jing's formidable reputation?"

Then Wei Qi shook his head with a wry smile.

"Brother Wen, this matter is not something I can decide on my own; it has nothing to do with my personal will. All that is needed is the Empress's nod."

You smile serenely, gazing at the lake view.

The wind and snow blur your eyes, making it impossible for anyone to see through your gaze.

"The Empress agreed to our reckless schemes because the interests involved in clearing up the powerful families and clans were unimaginable."

Even a tiny fraction of what they gain would be enough to elevate the Wei family to new heights.

You gaze intently at Wei Qi.

"We don't need Brother Wei to draw his sword and shed blood. This is Han Jing's mission. You only need to quietly assist him under the guise of accumulating benefits."

"After all, no matter how much influence the Empress exerts, it can't compare to the deterrent power of Brother Wei standing with us on the front lines."

Wei Qi understands what you mean.

As the second most powerful member of the Wei family after Wei Zhi, every action he takes represents the Wei family.

If he truly participated in your schemes and personally wielded the sword against the powerful clans, the Wei family will surely be held accountable.

[But if Han Jing were to wield the sword first, he would secretly assist him from behind the scenes under the pretext of accumulating benefits.]

[It makes it clear that Lü Zhen has the potential to become empress, but there is no conclusive evidence.]

[Once everything is over, I can deliver the final blow to Lü Zhen, bringing the matter to a complete close.]

At that time, Lü Zhen bore the blame, while the Wei family reaped the benefits.

This is your deal with the Queen.

"I will join you in persuading the Queen."

Wei Qi nodded in approval. His strategic acumen and insight were extraordinary; he instinctively sensed something amiss, yet restrained himself from delving deeper.

All he knows is that you were once a comrade-in-arms, a brother entrusted with something.

What we must do now is for the sake of all people.

Even if there's some scheming involved, I'm willing to do it.

You and Wei Qi exchanged glances, both understanding each other without a word.