I am a director in Ark. If I am not banned, I will be considered successful.

"That's really amazing." As a shrewd man, Lao Li was also born into a prominent family. Although he had never set foot in the officialdom, he was also aware of the intricate relationships involved. He said, "If he can subdue all the officials, then doesn't that mean that the whole of Da Yan has become ruled by the Emperor Jiajing alone?"

"Even the late emperor wouldn't dare to say he had the guts to do that, right? The Duke of Wei's son is truly gifted - ah, I'm talking about the script."

Lao Li used the most unconventional way to express everyone's thoughts, so naturally he would not be blamed. Even the Great Yan Emperor could not help but nod and sighed:

"If that's true... I'm not as talented as you. I'm afraid that Emperor Jiajing's talent is even greater than my brother's."

"But, if that's the case, why did Director Chen Qi say that Emperor Jiajing was a tyrant? He had such talent, controlled the court, and all officials were afraid of him, so how could he be a tyrant?"

"Or... is his talent not being used properly? Is it going astray?"

The words of the Great Yan Emperor also let everyone understand that Chen Qi had something else to say. Although the Jiajing Emperor was so talented, Chen Qi's evaluation of him was that he was a tyrant. Obviously, this gifted monarch made some mistakes, which was a good reference for them.

"Your Majesty is half right." Chen Qi also nodded, and then began to introduce the background of "The Great Yan Dynasty 1566", saying:

"In the background of my drama, 'Sui' was completely wiped out during your majesty's reign. However, 'Sui''s true form awakened, and Da Yan fought for a city, and only one-third of the country's soldiers survived, and finally wiped out 'Sui'."

"It was under such circumstances that Emperor Jiajing became the emperor by mistake. The national strength of Great Yan was greatly damaged. In the north, Ursus harassed the border, in the east, Dongguo was eroded by Haisi, and the Deep Sea Church repeatedly plundered. Great Yan once again fell into more dangerous internal and external troubles."

Chen Qi briefly explained the background. Among them, when they heard that the original body of "Sui" was destroyed, the four "Sui" headed by Chongyue all had different expressions. Chongyue and Ling didn't react much, but Nian and Xi were frightened.

The Emperor of Dayan and others, on the other hand, focused on the loss of "three out of ten not surviving" and nodded secretly. This was in line with their expectations all along, which was why they did not dare to break up with "Sui" completely and had to keep the losses to a minimum.

And if a war really broke out between them and the original body of "Sui", there would be no doubt that the national strength of Dayan would suffer huge losses. The looting by the followers of Ursus and Haisi mentioned by Chen Qi was within the expected range.

"It will be hard for our descendants." The Emperor of Dayan could not help but sigh. Wei Yanwu also nodded. A Dayan with so many holes in its body would indeed make it difficult for the kings who came after it.

"In the first few years since Jiajing came to power, his achievements can be said to be quite good. He is expected to lead a devastated Yan Dynasty towards a path of rejuvenation." Chen Qi also continued to say to everyone:

"However, unfortunately, during his reign after Emperor Jiajing, he made a big mistake, which directly led to all his previous efforts in governing with diligence and frugality going down the drain."

"What is it?" Everyone asked curiously, and Chen Qi chuckled and said in a shocking tone:

"He was no longer satisfied with his status as an immortal species and wanted to become a new 'god'. He began his journey of cultivation. In other words, he began to want to become the only giant beast in Da Yan."

"So, for more than 20 years, Emperor Jiajing never attended court again. He retreated to the Western Garden, practicing Taoism and cultivating the mystical world. He even created an 'immortal elixir' to help himself become a new behemoth. He neglected state affairs, resulting in wasted money and lives, and the treasury was empty."

"boom!"

However, when Chen Qi just finished speaking, accompanied by a loud noise, the Emperor of Dayan suddenly stood up, and the chair under his feet burst directly in the middle, which showed how great an impact Chen Qi's words had on the Emperor of Dayan.

"...I lost my composure." It took the Great Yan Emperor a long time to calm himself down. It was not until the imperial guards outside the door brought a new chair that the Great Yan Emperor sat back down, his expression showing uncontrollable regret.

"Stupid, really stupid! You are already an immortal species, why do you need to pursue immortality? During your reign, you should just focus on handling state affairs, why do you need to become a giant beast?"

"...Perhaps, it is because he is gifted and knows that if he lives long enough, he can use his talent to keep Da Yan going forever?"

At this time, Wei Yanwu also expressed his own judgment. Although he did not agree with Emperor Jiajing's approach, he could understand why Emperor Jiajing did so.

"What's more, if it's really as Chen Qi said, when he ascended the throne, you and I should have died of age, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to sit on the throne."

"Witnessing the death of our brothers, he wanted to become an immortal beast. This should be the reason why he did so."

"There is still a gap between the immortal species and the existence that can truly be called a 'god'."

Wei Yanwu's sigh made everyone understand why Emperor Jiajing wanted to become a giant beast. On the contrary, Chen Qi, who had adapted the story of Emperor Jiajing according to Terra's background, looked at Old Wei in surprise. He actually made this setting come true?

After all, in Chen Qi's world, Emperor Jiajing's obsession with Taoism was nothing new. There were so many emperors in the past, starting from Qin Shihuang, who were obsessed with taking elixirs and cultivating immortality. Chen Qi was still worried that his reason would seem too abrupt in Terra.

Chen Qi also slowly wrote down Wei Yanwu's words, thinking that he could use them in the preface of the first episode of the TV series. This way, the audiences of Dayan would not have any complaints about why Emperor Jiajing was obsessed with cultivating immortals.

"Dayan destroyed the giant beast, but the emperor is obsessed with becoming a giant beast. How ironic."

Xi also said that out of the blue, which immediately attracted everyone's attention. Although she was a little scared, because of Chen Qi, the timid Xi seemed a lot more unscrupulous. She just drank tea silently and pretended not to speak.

"Director Chen Qi, we already know the background, so what arrangements do you have for the important characters?"

Facing the awkward atmosphere, the master also stood up in time. Chen Qi knew that they were now talking about the highlight of the filming, so he immediately said:

"Emperor Jiajing is the most expressive character in this play, so he naturally needs someone who can handle it. My plan is to ask Lord Wei to help. I wonder..."

"He is willing to help. I have already discussed it with him." The Great Yan Emperor waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to discuss this further. Seeing this, Chen Qi immediately mentioned the next role:

"There are several very important characters here, and they are also the ministers who have the most contact with Emperor Jiajing. Among them, the chief minister of the cabinet, Yan Song, known as 'Yan Ge Lao', and his child, the little Ge Lao, who was the head of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Works at the time, Yan Shifan."

"These two characters, together with their disciples, form the 'Yan Party', which is the biggest force in the drama. Considering the relationship between the two characters, if I want to control these two characters, I think I need to find a pair of similar characters in terms of how they get along with each other."

As soon as Chen Qi finished speaking, everyone's eyes were involuntarily cast towards the Rat King, who was sitting quite far back, and Lin Yuxia, who was standing next to him.

The Rat King did not expect this. He originally thought that Chen Qi asked him and Lin Yuxia to come just to make a cameo appearance, but he never thought that Chen Qi would suddenly throw the position of "Prime Minister of the Cabinet" to him to play.

Moreover, this was of extraordinary significance to the Rat King. Lin Yuxia had only acted in a movie "Kung Fu" with Chen Qi. Although she was the heroine, she did not have a single line and was just a vase. Then, the Emperor of Dayan made her a seventh-rank official, completely clearing herself from the underworld family.

The Rat King had no hope of clearing his name. He had only wanted to be Old Wei's "black glove" for the rest of his life and protect his daughter's future. Unexpectedly, Chen Qi's actions made the Rat King see the possibility of clearing his name at this age. He was extremely surprised and delighted and cast his eyes on Chen Qi.

"Old man... is this really possible?"

"Of course you can, Rat King. I can't even think of a better candidate than you."

Chen Qi also bowed. He chose the Rat King for a reason. After all, Yan Song was very old. Among the immortals present, only the Rat King had the feeling of being old but still wise. Therefore, the Rat King had to play Yan Song.

Yan Shifan, played by Lin Yuxia, also made many "rude remarks" to Yan Song in the play. Chen Qi felt that based on this point, it was much easier for Lin Yuxia to play the role of Yan Shifan than ordinary people.

"Since Director Chen Qi has decided so, I agree."

"——Thank you, Your Majesty!"

As soon as the Emperor of Dayan spoke, the Rat King almost burst into tears. He knelt down before the Emperor of Dayan with great ceremony. Only with the help of Lin Yuxia at the side did he stand up.

"In addition to the Yan Party, there is also a group of 'Qingliu Party' that compete with it in the play. They are attached to the side of Jiajing's prince, Prince Yu. They are unwilling to worship under the Yan Party, so they compete with the Yan Party secretly and want to overthrow the Yan Party."

"I understand." Chen Huijie, who was standing aside, immediately understood what Chen Qi said and asked with a smile, "The Yan Party is a group of villains who form cliques for personal gain, and the Qingliu are some honest officials who don't like the Yan Party and want to overthrow them, right?"

“…You’ll know this later, Huijie.”

Chen Qi did not give a direct answer but just smiled. The Great Yan Emperor and Wei Yanwu also understood from Chen Qi's reaction that the "Qingliu Party", whose name sounded very decent, might not be much better than the Yan Party.

"Although the Qingliu had no nominal leader, they were mainly represented by three ministers, namely Xu Jie, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng."

"I was thinking, if possible, I would like to ask the Grand Tutor to play the role of Xu Jie. However, I have not yet decided on the roles of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng."

"Then let me decide." The Great Yan Emperor nodded, looked at the list in his hand, and suddenly caught a glimpse of the name "Si Li Jian". He couldn't help but ask:

"This Silijian has so many roles, what is the purpose of it?"

"This is a group of eunuchs who rely on the imperial power. Their power is given by the emperor, so they are loyal to the emperor and convey the emperor's will. All the cabinet's decrees need to be approved by the Silijian before they can be implemented. They can be regarded as exercising the emperor's power on his behalf."

Chen Qi also answered the Emperor of Dayan's meaning. When he heard the word "eunuch", the Emperor of Dayan frowned and said:

"This needs to be changed. Eunuchs have long been thrown into the garbage heap of history as dregs in our Great Yan. Can the Silijian be changed to a part of the 'Supervision Department'? At least we can't let eunuchs appear again."

"Of course, then the 'Si Li Jian' will be the department of the core members of the Supervisory Department. In addition to the few people who have already been determined, the rest of the roles will be in your hands, Your Majesty."

Soon, after a few words, the crew for the first episode of "Da Yan Dynasty 1566" was gradually determined. Now, except for Chen Qi, no one present knew how great the turmoil this drama would cause in the officialdom of Da Yan...

A drama that exposes the most realistic and scheming officialdom. There are no stereotyped characters and almost no absolute bad guys and good guys. What there is instead is a clash of interests and positions. The advent of this drama will release all the darkness in the officialdom that Dayan has never revealed to the world for so many years.

The conflicts and contradictions between the emperor and his subjects, the people and the officials will all be revealed in this drama.

Chapter 271: The completely different reactions of Nian and Xi made me realize the seriousness of the situation

"So, the scripts for episodes one and two are here, so we'll have the first audition in a week, right?"

"Okay, Director Chen Qi, don't worry. I have already asked them to set up the residence in the palace of Xiyuan according to your instructions. In a week, you will definitely see a satisfactory filming location."

After Chen Qi and his party greeted the Great Yan Emperor, they were arranged to live in the palace. Chen Qi did not refuse. He had a small map and knew that the Great Yan Emperor did not send anyone to monitor them. Moreover, if he really wanted to monitor them, it would be the same even if they were on the ship. This was someone else's territory.

Chen Qi gave the script and asked Tallulah to ask everyone on the ship to move their filming equipment and personal belongings to their residence in the palace. As soon as Tallulah left, Xi came up to her silently and said:

"...You don't have to take such a risk for us, Chen Qi."

Xi's words made Chen Qi turn his head slightly. However, Xi's face showed a gentle smile that Chen Qi found a little strange, but mixed with a bit of guilt and uneasiness. He said softly:

"I have forgotten what I said at the time. I was just angry... Nian and I were still under the surveillance of Simuang Tai at that time. We were far from the freedom we have now."

"Now, Nian, Lingjie, and Big Brother, I have regained our freedom. You have done enough for us. There is no need to risk angering the Great Yan Emperor by filming this work... It is not too late to give up now before the Great Yan Emperor makes up his mind."

Give up? Chen Qi was also a little surprised to hear this word from Xi's mouth. If you want to talk about who has the most stubborn temper in the crew, Xi is definitely the first. Although Xi is responsible for the scenery, she doesn't want to accept the painting scroll, even Chen Qi can't persuade her. It can be imagined how much face Xi has in the crew. She has always adhered to the principle, not to ask for manuscripts, only to express her feelings, if she doesn't want to paint, no one can help her.

Now, he actually heard the word "give up" from Xi's mouth. Chen Qi didn't think much about it and smiled:

"Xi, you have your persistence, and I have mine. This drama has been in my plan for a long time. Even if you didn't ask me, I would have filmed this drama in Dayan when the time was right."

"...You lied." However, Xi said firmly after hearing this: "If it weren't for my words, how could you, a person who doesn't fight with the world, shoot such a spine-piercing drama?"

"Chen Qi, just consider it as my plea to you. Don't shoot again. Humans are untrustworthy. Even if it's the emperor, if you really made a lot of sharp remarks in there and angered the emperor of Dayan, you won't be strong enough to escape now."

"…This seems to be the first time you've advised me not to film a drama. Tallulah and everyone else have advised me before, but I convinced them."

Seeing Xi was obviously very serious, Chen Qi couldn't help but ask this question. At this moment, the anxious Xi almost reflexively said, even forgetting to suppress his voice:

"Because I'm afraid you'll die!"

"..."

After Xi finished speaking, a strange silence fell on the scene. Not far away, Nian, who was originally a hot-tempered man, was reluctant to interrupt when he heard the conversation between Xi and Chen Qi. When Xi said this, Nian did not even refute, but a trace of loneliness appeared in his eyes.

Afraid that he would die... Yes, Xi was afraid that Chen Qi would die, and Nian was actually afraid too. But Nian hid these words and did not say them out loud.

Like Nian and Xi, they had already known Chen Qi before they knew he was their "younger brother" and had established a deep friendship with him. Therefore, after knowing that Chen Qi was their thirteenth younger brother, they didn't know how to face Chen Qi for a while, but their feelings for Chen Qi had an additional reason of "love for a younger brother".

But what is different about Nian and Xi is that Xi thought about this problem for a whole year during his time in the scroll world. Finally, when he met Chen Qi, he had a sudden realization and understood that his feelings for Chen Qi were not that of a sister for her brother, but a love that was full of love.

And Nian didn't seem to be bothered by this, but in fact, although Nian seemed not to care, she was actually always making excuses for herself using her identity as "sister".

However, Nian knew Chen Qi earlier than Xi, and she realized even earlier than Xi that Chen Qi was her confidant and the person she wanted to learn from. It would be impossible for Nian to adapt to such a big change in identity immediately.

Nian was also afraid that Chen Qi would die, afraid that his confidant, the only person he admired, would die because of his sharp words and anger the emperor. He was even more afraid that Chen Qi's identity would be exposed, and the Great Yan Emperor would think that he was being plotted against by "Sui" and would kill Chen Qi in anger.

By then, she would be alone again, and it would be hard to find a confidant... She had waited for so many years to find someone who could stay with her forever. Where could she find such a person?

"You are my friend. Your works have given my paintings spirituality. I have a close cooperation with you. You are my true confidant."

Compared to Nian, who appears to be aggressive but hides his emotions deep inside, Xi, who looks calm but becomes increasingly uncontrollable once her emotions erupt, speaks out what Nian has in mind, her face slightly flushed with anxiety as she says:

"I don't want you to die because of this. If you die... I will go back to Huiqi Mountain, back to the mountains and rivers that I have seen countless times, back to that lonely life, forgetting time, forgetting temperature. I can no longer live that kind of immortal life."

"You let me get infected with smoke and dust, let my sister pull me out of Huiqi Mountain, and used your works to stir up waves in my heart... How could you be so cruel that you wanted to abandon me like this after doing all this?"

"No way, Chen Qi. I will never leave you before you turn 100. If you want to die, I will definitely die before you. I don't want to go back to the Huiqi Mountain where only my own voice can respond."

Xi's attitude was rude, and her tone was tougher than ever. However, the words that came out of Xi's mouth sounded like pleading, and even gave people the feeling that if Chen Qi thought about it, she would follow him and die.

Maybe it was just as Xi said, that kind of secluded "immortal" life, now that she had tasted the feeling of being with Chen Qi, she never wanted to go back. But after these words came out, others heard them, and it was not the same thing.

"Oh my, my dear sister Xi, your words just now were so sweet that I almost sobered up. I never thought you would be so bold. It really opened my eyes."

At this time, Ling was carrying a wine jug and walked in front of the three people in a daze. However, Ling seemed half drunk and half awake, but in fact, she had listened to the whole process and completely understood Xi's thoughts. Now her mind was very clear.

After waking up, she was filled with uncontrollable anger and horror. She put her arm around Xi's shoulders, her mouth reeking of alcohol, and said with a fake smile:

"What's the matter? Which man did Sister Xi fall for? Tell me when the time comes. Don't stay in your empty painting tonight. Come and sleep with me. We can chat and spend some time with Big Brother."

"Sister Ling, I..."

However, Xi realized only after seeing Ling's arrival that besides her and Nian, Ling and his elder brother Chongyue were still in the palace. Her words just now were heard. Could it be that Sister Ling had guessed what she was thinking?

When Xi thought of this, alarm bells rang in his heart, and he subconsciously wanted to go back into the scroll and hide. However, before he could move, Ling grabbed the back of his neck and he immediately lost all strength.

"Don't be so quick to run away. Your sister won't force you to drink. She just wants to have a good chat."

"Ah, sister Nian, why don't you come too? The chef in the palace made a very good Sichuan dish last time, I'm sure you'll like it too."

Ling grabbed Nian who was trying to escape. She had not forgotten this. Nian had been silent just now, so there must be something on his mind. When Ling thought of a possibility, she felt so angry that her heart and lungs were about to explode. Her cheeks were red now, not because of the alcohol, but because of anger.

What made Ling angry was not that these two little sisters had ideas about their brother. The eldest brother might have such ideas, but Ling herself was free and easy, and was relatively indifferent to the secular world and rules. She was angry that these two sisters did not know how to judge the situation. They knew that Chen Qi was their brother. Now everyone was in the palace, under the emperor's nose, and Chen Qi was in danger of exposing his identity. Why did they do such an eye-catching thing and expose their only innocent brother?

Ling was always told by Chongyue that she was not good at being a sister. The main reason was that Ling felt that no matter what the twelve brothers and sisters did, it would be regarded as a conspiracy, so why bother to control Nian and Xi? Anyway, Si Suitai would make up his mind.

But Chen Qi is clean. He is the only one who can help them clear their suspicion completely. Now Chen Qi has succeeded halfway. If these two sisters make a big fuss over such a trivial matter, and by that time the little pure-blooded baby will be in her belly, won’t the Emperor of Dayan know what’s going on at a glance?

It is not impossible for behemoths and behemoths to have no offspring, but the offspring of two behemoths of different races will most likely be a chimera, and may even have a short lifespan (compared to the behemoths)... But if you give birth to a pure-blooded 14-year-old baby, people will definitely suspect Chen Qi!

If I don't beat you today, you might make life miserable for everyone! This is what makes me angry.

"Excuse me, Director Chen Qi, we have to take the two melon sisters back. You can focus on filming. By the way, my eldest brother also asked me to ask, in this movie "The Great Yan Dynasty 1566", are there any roles for us two?"

"Of course there are." Chen Qi looked at the sisters who were being held one in each hand by Ling, as if they were holding two cats. He was completely unable to help, so he could only answer Ling's question:

"Master Zhongyue, I plan to have him guest-star as a general of Dayan named 'Qi Jiguang'. As for Ling...if Ling doesn't mind, I have a role here that is very suitable for you."

"Oh? Who is it?" Ling asked curiously.

"Zhao Zhenji is a 'clean stream' who never leaves traces when doing things, keeps to himself, and neither makes enemies nor forms cliques with others."

"I think, considering your personality, maybe you can try this role?"