The male supporting character was actually myself.

Ha, he even knows that I didn't bring my cavalry to court today. This emperor is truly extraordinary.

If the rumors from the outside world are true, and the Southern Qi Kingdom is truly the only one in power, then why was His Majesty able to seize power and effectively sideline the ruler after being sown apart in the later part of the story?

They have a trump card up their sleeve!

I'm like the CEO of a company, just a high-level employee, managing all sorts of random things. His Majesty, on the other hand, is the chairman of the board, able to manipulate the court at will simply by keeping an eye on me.

In this way, he could see clearly from behind the scenes how ministers, unaware of the truth, formed cliques and engaged in factionalism.

"It's like child's play for them to mess with whoever they want!"

The little white cat was even more confused. "That's not right. According to what the host said, this emperor is cunning and resourceful, so how could he be so easily manipulated and have his loyal and meritorious minister brought down?"

"First of all, the male protagonist has an intelligence-lowering aura. No matter who it is, as long as the plot arranges it, even the smartest person will immediately become an idiot."

To ascend to the throne, one must have fought one's way out of the power struggles among princes and ministers; how could one be so brainless?

However, since he is the main character, it's normal for him to cleverly manipulate the other supporting characters.

Otherwise, how can the male protagonist's political scheming and calculating abilities be demonstrated? How can he return to the country and become the most powerful minister?

Secondly, no one in the story knew Shangguan Xuanyu's true identity from beginning to end. It was only in the end that the Regent deduced that he was a spy from an enemy country through a trivial matter mentioned by his sister. However, at that time, he had no way to persuade him, so he led his assassins to intercept him halfway but was killed in the process.

If the emperor had known beforehand, he would not have been successfully provoked.

Finally, the original owner was not entirely without any precautions.

The Imperial Guard was a gift from the emperor and was never taken back until the end. But who were the men he brought when he intercepted Shangguan Xuanyu?

Not cavalry, but trusted elite warriors!

The original owner was cultivating his own power base, and then his sister betrayed him, allowing Shangguan Xuanyu to learn the news and secretly report it to the Emperor. Naturally, suspicion and estrangement arose. A ruler can tolerate his cronies being arrogant, domineering, and corrupt, but he will never allow them to have disloyal intentions.

How can I allow others to sleep soundly under my bed?

Once the emperor's power is offended, it touches his sore spot.

Even so, in the original storyline, His Majesty only stripped the Regent of his power; he didn't even reclaim the iron cavalry, clearly indicating a temporary cooling-off period. If he hadn't pursued Shangguan Xuanyu and been killed in the ensuing conflict, he could have easily returned home in triumph.

Chapter Six: A Glance That Lasts a Lifetime

The little dumpling's eyes rolled back in disbelief. "This sounds so complicated! Political intrigue and human scheming are too complex. So what do we do? Since His Majesty doesn't fully trust you, we might as well get rid of him as soon as possible!"

"Is that complicated?" Jiang Chen found its dizzy appearance adorable and couldn't help but pull it over and pet it, laughing, "It's just about using and being used."

Is there any such thing as 100% trust in this world?

As an emperor, the fact that he has reached this level shows that he trusts the original owner quite a bit. As long as the male lead doesn't have the opportunity to lower his intelligence and turn His Majesty the emperor into an idiot to be manipulated at will, we can maintain a tacit cooperation.

Besides, if we get rid of him, who will become emperor?

I was planning to win over the male lead, then resign and run away to focus on infrastructure development. Getting rid of this one and then having to support another is too much trouble.

The little white cat's ears immediately perked up, and it meowed, "Host, don't you want to try being the emperor? That's a dragon throne that so many people would kill for!"

What's so good about being an emperor?

Jiang Chen looked disgusted. "If you're going to be a wise ruler, you have to get up earlier than the chickens and go to bed later than the dogs. You have to be very disciplined in your actions and even when the concubines are serving you, you can't make a sound. You have to oversee the affairs of the country all year round. You can work diligently for decades and if you don't do one thing well, you might end up with a bad reputation for life."

Being a tyrant is quite enjoyable; you can indulge in nightly revelry, neglect morning court, and select beauties from all over the land to satisfy your desires. However, with such a ruler, the court gradually becomes chaotic and the common people suffer greatly, which I cannot bear.

Training white gloves, like His Majesty, requires careful selection of suitable people. On the surface, he seems quite relaxed, but in reality, he is quite on edge.

What's more interesting than returning home in glory and spending time on infrastructure development?

Fluffy dumpling: (*ΦωΦ*)

"If I had to choose, I'd definitely be a tyrant!" It raised its paw and chuckled, "Being a tyrant is great! I can do whatever I want and use the power of the whole country to satisfy my own desires. Who dares to offer advice? Throw them out!"

Jiang Chen was amused and petted it a few more times. Then, she lifted her robe, climbed into the carriage outside the palace gate, leaned back, and closed her eyes to rest.

Exposing the protagonist's identity as a spy doesn't seem to have had much effect. The script hasn't even been updated yet, so it's obviously still moving forward according to the original plot. I wonder what's going on with the female lead, Shen Qingluan.

………………

Shangguan Xuanyu sent out invitations to many talented men and women to appreciate the blooming flowers and compose poems. As a result, by mid-morning, the area in front of the Orchid Garden was bustling with carriages and horses.

"As expected of Young Master Yu, gathering with friends in spring to appreciate the blooming flowers and compose poems is truly a sign of refined taste!"

"I've heard that many talented scholars have been invited, and they are sure to display their extraordinary abilities today. Perhaps they will even create poems that will be remembered for generations to come. This is truly a great honor!"

"The daughters of various families have been invited. I suppose Miss Xue will also participate in composing poems? I'll finally get to see her in person."

"It is said that Young Master Yu has even sent an invitation to the daughter of the Shen family, but it is unknown whether she will come."

"The nine-thousand-year-old's sister?!"

"Shh! Why are you shouting so loudly? You dare not speak ill of His Majesty!"

"Be careful what you say, I know. But will that person really come?"

"Who knows? Everyone knows that the Ninth Prince dotes on his younger sister. I wonder if he'll allow her to come on this occasion."

"If you come, you might have a chance to see her."

"Ha, you still want to catch a glimpse of her beauty? Don't be so presumptuous as to risk having your entire family wiped out..."

…………

At the main gate, many guests greeted each other, and many people gathered together to whisper and gossip about the poetry gathering. Just as the carriages and horses were bustling about, a group of cavalry suddenly appeared from the corner of the street!

The armored horses were in neat formation, their hooves striking the bluestone slabs with a powerful clang.

The two leading figures carried a large black banner bestowed upon the Regent by the Emperor, their full armor and iron cloaks billowing as they charged forward with overwhelming force!

"Iron cavalry! The Nine Thousand Years' Iron Cavalry! Quick, take cover!"

"With such a large commotion, has something happened at Lan Garden?"

"Could it be that Young Master Yu has ruined things?"

…………

The locals dared not gather around and hurriedly hid in the shops along the street, only daring to peek out from behind the windows and whisper among themselves.

The only one not wearing the beast-patterned armor mask was Xiao Wu, the Regent's trusted bodyguard. With a long sword at his waist, he led his cavalry straight towards Lan Garden.

"The guards of Prince Shen's mansion are here! Why don't you quickly invite the master of Lanyuan to come and see me?" Xiao Wu dismounted and stepped forward with his sword at his side, shouting loudly.

A group of scholars, who were too weak to even kill a chicken, hurriedly dodged away. The contrast between the battle-hardened general and the frail scholars was striking. Shen Qingluan, sitting in the carriage, took in the whole scene and felt a warm sense of security.

"To have iron cavalry clear the way and personally escort you, you are probably the only one in the world who has such an honor."

The maid Honglian covered her mouth and laughed, "Miss, the Prince truly loves you from the bottom of his heart. With a brother like this, what more could you ask for?"

Shen Qingluan was secretly delighted, her face beaming with an undisguised smile. She gently tapped her with her fan and said coquettishly, "Don't say anymore. I'm worried that if my brother sends cavalry to protect me at the poetry gathering, the other ministers might report it..."

"Miss, who in the world doesn't know that all the memorials to the throne in our Southern Qi Kingdom are reviewed by the Prince? Who would be so foolish as to impeach the Prince?"

"What if... someone reports this to His Majesty the Emperor in private?"

"Oh, Miss, don't overthink it. Since the Prince sent someone out, there must be no problem!" Honglian secretly lifted a corner of the curtain on the window to peek out, and then excitedly tugged at Shen Qingluan's sleeve and whispered, "Miss, look! Isn't the one talking to Xiaowu Young Master Yu?"

Wow! No wonder he's 'a peerless gentleman, as handsome as jade!'

I used to think that there was no one in the world who could compare to the prince's handsome and dashing appearance, but I never expected that Young Master Yu's charm was just as good as the prince's!

I just don't know what his talent and character are like..."

Shen Qingluan didn't reply; she was already stunned.

If the little white cat were here, she would see a dazzling halo completely enveloping her, her heart pounding, as if she could be loved for eternity with just one glance!

Even after returning to her residence in the afternoon, Shen Qingluan was still unable to extricate herself from the sight of Young Master Yu's every smile, gesture, and movement that she had secretly observed.

She knew nothing about what those talented men and beautiful women said or what poems they wrote.

Even though the pavilion where the female guests were located was separated by a thin veil, and even though Xiao Wu and his iron cavalry stood in the entire corridor, completely blocking the view from that side, she could still make out the figure of Young Master Yu from the vague figures.

He spoke with the guests in a gentle and refined manner;

He displayed astonishing literary talent with a free and easy style;

He drank and sang, enlivening the atmosphere of the poetry gathering;

He was courteous and respectful, taking good care of the female guests without ever being rude or inappropriate in the slightest...

"Miss? Miss!" The maid Honglian tugged at her from behind and gently poked her waist, reminding her, "What are you grinning about? The Prince is asking you a question!"

Shen Qingluan only realized what was happening after being poked in the back. She blinked and looked at her brother, her face slightly flushed. "What did you say, brother? I was so focused on the poetry gathering today that I didn't hear you..."

"It's all over. Host, your human isolation measures have failed. So many people couldn't keep an eye on this little girl."

The fluffy little dumpling covered her face with her paws and sighed, "She's definitely bewitched by the male lead's halo. Let's see if we can turn her back on her. If we can't, you can't keep this little sister of yours!"

Chapter Seven: Unveiling the Identity

No wonder the script isn't being updated; judging by her dazed and confused state, there's probably no way to get her back on track...

Jiang Chen put down her teacup and smiled gently, "It seems today's poetry gathering was truly wonderful, one that you'll find unforgettable. Did you have a pleasant chat with your close friends?"

I happen to have some free time these days, and it's a sunny spring day, so I'll take you for a stroll around the various mansions.

"You'll meet with your close friends; I'm discussing some important national affairs with officials from various prefectures. How about we, brother and sister, go together?"

"Brother, you're so kind!" How could Shen Qingluan dare to say that her constant, uncontrollable smile was because of Young Master Yu?

She was happy to join her brother in visiting various residences and chatting with his friends during this beautiful spring weather, which would also help her relax. She might even be able to find out some information about Young Master Yu.

The next morning, Jiang Chen finished his official business early and returned to his residence. He personally gave a few instructions to the nanny who followed Shen Qingluan before leading his entourage to the Prime Minister's residence.

On the third day, I went to the residence of the Vice Minister of Revenue.

On the fourth day, we went to the Prince Ning's Mansion again;

On the fifth day, I went to the harem...

It wasn't until the sixth day that Jiang Chen summoned Shen Qingluan to his study.

"These past few days, I've taken you to various residences to meet many ladies, and also to the inner palace to see several imperial concubines." Jiang Chen took a sip of tea, put down the cup, wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, and then asked slowly, "Your nanny took you around to see the sights, and you chatted quite a bit, didn't you?"

Shen Qingluan was completely confused and didn't know what her brother meant. She nodded blankly and said, "We did talk a lot and saw many things I've never seen before. I wonder what you mean by this, brother?"

The little white cat also pricked up its ears, waiting to hear its host's explanation. The female lead was already surrounded by the male lead's halo, so what was the point of taking her around to visit other places?