Lost in his thoughts, Zhuang Gao Xian casually said, “The Grand Minister has indeed kept Fu Bao Song by his side lately. And Li Jian Qiu, you say?”

Du Ru Hui replied sincerely, “Fu Bao Song is an upright and forthright minister. I keep him by my side to let him learn the operation of court politics early, as well as some necessary political means. Li Jian Qiu is a minister loyal to the country. I have him independently in charge, handling the routine affairs of the prime minister’s mansion, hoping he matures quickly. Both of them are excellent prospects greatly beneficial to the country, and I dare not neglect them.”

Zhuang Gao Xian sighed and said, “Teacher Du, you teach according to their talents, truly a good teacher! I still think of Dong A now! With him there, you could have saved so much effort. This time, perhaps he would have also been recorded in the jade book.”

“How could a single Xiantian realm cultivator redeem a prosperous state?” Du Ru Hui’s voice held a hint of weariness he couldn’t conceal. “As long as His Majesty can make full use of people, the state can flourish. Even if I die now, I would have the face to see the benevolent emperor.”

“Teacher, do not say such things!” Only today did Zhuang Gao Xian notice that Du Ru Hui’s black hair was already interspersed with many white strands.

Xiantian realm cultivators are typically immune to aging, but he had overexerted his mind, which inevitably damaged his spirit.

Without Du Ru Hui, Fu Bao Song, Li Jian Qiu, and the others might not be able to shoulder the burden.

Zhuang Gao Xian said grandly, “We have endured wind and rain as monarch and minister for so many years, there is no hurdle we cannot overcome. I guarantee to the teacher here and now that within my lifetime, I will ensure Zhuang Country stands firm in the west border, awing the four directions. Before, the state’s power burdened you; afterward, the state’s power will assist you.”

What a grand ambition!

Du Ru Hui looked at Zhuang Gao Xian in front of him, as if seeing that babbling child from years past.

The benevolent emperor held his hand and said—

“From now on, I entrust this to Mister Du.”

The world’s benevolence, none surpassed Zhuang Ming Qi.

This second-generation lord of Zhuang Country, disciplined in his life and generous to others, convinced the masses with his virtue. It was precisely under his governance that Zhuang Country was able to rest and recuperate, allowing the people to hide their wealth. Then, after Zhuang Tai Zu’s unexpected death, he preserved Zhuang Country’s state and its altars of soil and grain. Moreover, he provided the foundation for today’s leap forward.

“Fu Bao Song and Li Jian Qiu can both be used. What about our Great Zhuang’s most arrogant son of heaven?”

Zhuang Gao Xian’s voice pulled Du Ru Hui out of his memories, like pulling a loose thread from old clothes.

He reacted slightly, then said, “Let him be used first. Before he reaches the Xiantian realm, I will personally help the monarch handle things properly.”

“Zhuang Country is still lacking in talent,” Zhuang Gao Xian sighed. “Besides Lin Zheng Ren, there is actually no one who can attend the Longgong Banquet.”

“At the time of the Maple Forest City incident, I already began to lay the groundwork, wanting to find an appropriate time to tactfully inform Zhu Wei Wo of the truth. His temperament is too proud and self-centered; if I told him abruptly, he would absolutely not accept it…” Du Ru Hui’s eyes held some coldness. “When Dong A died in battle, Lin Zheng Ren and Zhu Wei Wo met. After understanding Lin Zheng Ren more and more, I strongly suspect that it was precisely him who said something to Zhu Wei Wo at that time.”

Zhu Wei Wo’s edge was too sharp. He was a proud son of heaven cultivated by Zhuang Country with truly tilt-the-country power, and also good material consistently trusted by Zhuang Gao Xian and Du Ru Hui.

Pity, just as he was about to become a pillar of the state, he abandoned the country and left. Not only did he not bring sufficient return to the state, but he instead became a heart disease for the state.

Hearing Du Ru Hui trace back to that year’s events, he realized Lin Zheng Ren still had this aspect. Zhuang Gao Xian was slightly stunned but not angry. Instead, he chuckled softly, “This Lin Zheng Ren, he is so not simple? This time, I actually feel it’s a bit a pity not to kill him before he reaches the Xiantian realm.”

Du Ru Hui said solemnly, “Your Majesty cannot have this thought. You must know that raising a tiger is easy to cause harm. This person is a ghost-tiger, treacherous, vicious, and cruel, but he has his slack. He must eat human lives.”

Zhuang Gao Xian smiled, “Of course, I was just speaking casually. This person’s life and death are entirely decided by Teacher Du, no need to tell me.”

He continued, “Speaking of ghost-tigers, how does Teacher Du view Du Ye Hu?”

Du Ru Hui said, “A good knife.”

Perhaps the country gates could finally open, and he himself wouldn’t need to be stared at by those two hateful bald donkeys, unable to unfold everywhere. Zhuang Gao Xian’s mood also relaxed considerably. He asked with interest, “Why only Du Ye Hu? Why doesn’t Mister evaluate his person, only his use?”

Du Ru Hui said, “Since Your Majesty finds it difficult to rest assured about his origin, then his character is also not important.”

Zhuang Gao Xian added, “Li Jian Qiu also originated from Maple Forest City, yet the Grand Minister doesn’t say this.”

Du Ru Hui knew, of course, that with Zhuang Gao Xian’s character, he equally distrusted everyone. Li Jian Qiu and Du Ye Hu, regardless of their respective characters or usual performance, were no different to him. Because of their Maple Forest City origin, they could never enter his list of approval and reduce his suspicion. This point became especially profound after Zhu Wei Wo betrayed the country.

But he still said as much as possible, “Because Dong A has already taught him very well. Li Jian Qiu understands Dong A and is also willing to become Dong A. On this point, I am not as good as that deceased vice minister.”

He always thought about how he failed to keep Zhu Wei Wo. He also wondered if Du Ye Hu would truly believe the so-called truth of Maple Forest City if he were to remedy it later.

How did Dong A persuade Li Jian Qiu?

He would often recall it, and often regret it. Regret that he didn’t protect well the future Grand Minister he recognized at the time.

The transfer of political power, no one could replace him.

Fu Bao Song, Li Jian Qiu, and these others, who knew how much time it would take for them to grow.

Zhuang Gao Xian smiled unconcernedly, “I still want to hear how Teacher views Du Ye Hu as a person.”

This time, Du Ru Hui thought for a while, then said, “If there were no Maple Forest City incident, Du Ye Hu would be a loyal and courageous first-class fierce general.”

Zhuang Gao Xian said plainly, “But this matter has already happened.”

Du Ru Hui thought for an even longer time, then said, “I still cannot say for sure. Ambushing and killing Jiang Wang, killing Duan Li, fighting to the death on the battlefield… Du Ye Hu has once again used life and death to prove his position. But I still have no way to completely trust him. Reason dictates that Du Ye Hu is not a person who hides his thoughts. His temperament is violent, his personality is staunch, his joy, anger, sorrow, and joy are all on his face. But precisely such a person, his deepest thoughts are even harder to see through. I am not sure what is hidden in the depths of his heart.”

Zhuang Gao Xian said calmly, “Since even Teacher Du is not sure, then find an opportunity to let him die heroically. I will give him a grand burial and praise his merits… Can anyone in the army replace him now?”

“There is no one who can completely replace him. He is able to gain the conviction of the army not only due to his talent as a general, but more importantly, his repeated experience of leading by example. Later individuals, even if their talent surpasses his, are ultimately lacking without those war experiences.” Du Ru Hui said, “The Shan Jun Wei who turned to Mo Country, his military strategy indeed surpasses him, but…”

He didn’t say the words after “but.”

Whether or not he gained the army’s heart was secondary.

Du Ye Hu, originating from Maple Forest City, wasn’t worth trusting. Could a general who turned from Mo Country be worth trusting?

Zhuang Gao Xian waved his hand, “Then keep him for now. The army has Huang Fu Duan Ming, the court has the teacher, even if they have different intentions, I reckon they can’t cause any waves.”

He continued, “I will immediately depart to participate in the Tai Xu Alliance, then transfer Du Ye Hu to guard my palace.”

The entrance to the Tai Xu Mountain Gate is located in the endless quicksand.

He was going so far away that he couldn’t let Du Ye Hu, whom he didn’t completely trust, hold military power, especially the Jiujiang Xuan Jia, one of Zhuang Country’s only two strong armies.

Letting Du Ye Hu guard the imperial palace was meant to show the emperor’s trust in him and tie it to the safety of the imperial clan.

But in reality, it was a temporary removal of his military power.

After all, Du Ye Hu couldn’t bring the Jiujiang Xuan Jia to guard the imperial palace.

A stable state relied on solid military power.

As for the safety of the harem concubines and even the crown prince… that wasn’t that important.

If the concubines were gone, he could take more. If the crown prince was gone, he could have another.

Only that dragon chair was the most important thing to hold, the most irreplaceable.

Du Ru Hui was silent for a moment, then said, “Has Your Majesty already decided?”

“The arrow is on the string; it has to be shot.” Zhuang Gao Xian also felt a bit helpless. “This time is perhaps the last opportunity. When he reaches the Xiantian realm, can you and I give up all this and go to Yu Jing Mountain to cultivate the dao?”

Du Ru Hui didn’t speak.

Zhuang Gao Xian laughed coldly again, “Without Zhuang Country, whether or not that group of old things at Yu Jing Mountain are willing to let us seek refuge is another matter!”

His current situation was actually very awkward.

Although he had connected with the One True Dao and had an extremely thick thigh.

But the One True Dao covered states and absolutely couldn’t give him too much support.

Until now, the biggest support the One True Dao had given was to erase his activity in the demon world, allowing him to corner Jiang Wang in the demon world and retreat unharmed.

But Jiang Wang miraculously returned from the demon world, and the risk he took to exchange for this support also became meaningless.

The trip to the demon world instead molded Jiang Wang into a golden body of a human hero!

He had to admit, although he never gave up his efforts to eliminate Jiang Wang. But Jiang Wang, relying on his reputation, the shining of Yu Heng, and his turtle tactic of shrinking in Star Moon Plain and not going out, was truly difficult to deal with.

There were also the two plague-god bald donkeys, Ku Jue from Hanging Temple and Zhao Huai from Mount Sumeru, one in the east and one in the south, blocking the country gates, tying his hands and feet, making his countless schemes unable to unfold anywhere.

Unable to leave the country’s borders and being stared at by two Real Persons every moment, he actually had two plans targeting Jiang Wang.

One was to fish with Lin Zheng Ren.

As a result, Jiang Wang mysteriously disappeared. He sprinkled many baits, but the water was already without fish. When Lin Zheng Ren returned with nothing gained, the plan had already failed.

His second plan was to find a way to let Jiang Wang know about the existence of the One True Dao, and even some of the One True Dao’s secrets. This would lead the One True Dao to consider eliminating him. He would carry out this plan of killing with a borrowed knife!

This was inspired by the threat he received from the One True Dao.

But this plan had not yet been implemented. Because he needed to understand the reason for Jiang Wang’s disappearance during Lin Zheng Ren’s embassy. Was it intentional to avoid his hook, or a coincidence?

If he didn’t clarify this point, no plan would succeed.

As for letting Song Qing Yue visit the Dragon Lord, that was completely unrelated to Jiang Wang.

Of course, he couldn’t ask the Dragon Lord to do anything to Jiang Wang at the Longgong Banquet. Not only would the Dragon Lord not agree, but if he proposed such a stupid request, the Dragon Lord might even slap him several times.

That trip was merely preparation for devouring Lan River later and scheming for the state’s power. At any time, strengthening Zhuang Country and strengthening himself were the fundamentals for opposing the enemy.

He was always very clear that while sparing no effort to suppress the enemy, he never relaxed in strengthening himself.

But the world’s wind and clouds changed suddenly. Tai Xu Sect was overturned overnight, and as the lord of Zhuang Country, he had the qualification to participate in the Tai Xu Alliance.

He also saw an opportunity; there was no need to endure anymore!

His excitement was certainly not because of the Tai Xu Alliance.

Although that was a crucial alliance for the forces from all sides of the world to carve up Tai Xu’s interests… but in an alliance with a threshold of the Xiantian realm, what use could he, a single Real Person, be? Just standing there indicated that he also represented a country and had the qualification to share a cup of soup.

But whether he would get cold leftovers or hot soup remnants, that could only be seen later.

Besides, it was just unconditional support for Jing Country, contributing his loyalty to the great Dao Sect country.

Except for these, Zhuang Gao Xian couldn’t think of what else he could do by participating in the Tai Xu Alliance. The people in the alliance were all cunning giants and wily old things. There were no benefits to pick up, let alone rob. At that occasion, he didn’t even have the qualification to openly rob.

But besides the Tai Xu Alliance, he had great room to maneuver!

For no other reason than being able to drive away those two hateful monks and walk out of the country gates freely. The many schemes he had imagined earlier now had the opportunity to be realized!

He could immediately walk out of the country’s borders, obliquely pierce the present world and the alliance, and Jiang Wang was just participating in the Longgong Banquet.

After attending the meat distribution ceremony in the aftermath of Tai Xu’s victory, the Longgong Banquet should also be almost over. Now, he only needed to think about how to clear his relationship and how to give Jiang Wang a reason to die on his way back to Star Moon Plain after leaving the Dragon Palace!

On this point, he still needed to consult with Du Ru Hui.

This time, it must be absolutely safe.

Because Jiang Wang was already very close to the Xiantian realm, and except for this Longgong Banquet, before reaching the Xiantian realm, it was almost impossible for him to leave Star Moon Plain again.

Just as he had told Du Ru Hui.

This was perhaps the last opportunity.

An opportunity granted by heaven!

In the wilderness between Zhuang Country’s Yin Ge City and Mo Country’s Bi City.

The Emperor of Zhuang Country and Zen Master Zhao Huai of Mount Sumeru met once again.

At this moment, Zhuang Gao Xian was no longer in the appearance of a middle-aged official. Instead, he wore the emperor’s crown and robes, his majesty inherent, showing a noble human world. He was actually a good match for the unusually lavishly dressed Zen Master Zhao Huai.

It also made the old monk Ku Jue, who came to ask for news, appear even more pitiful.

“What are you doing, what are you doing!” Ku Jue began shouting from afar. “The monk from Mount Sumeru is just sitting here sunbathing. Who did he provoke? If you must be barbaric and unreasonable, I may have to help those in need on the road!”

Zen Master Zhao Huai was also a wonderful person. He still bowed to Ku Jue as a courtesy, “You are still quite good, you know!”

Facing the two Buddhist Real Persons, Zhuang Gao Xian was composed and unhurried, “You two have been sitting at my doorstep for several months. Haven’t you sat enough?”

“The feng shui here is good,” Ku Jue said seriously. “I plan to build a temple here to spread the lineage of my Three Treasures Mountain. What do you think?”

He didn’t even have a single brick, yet he was talking about building a temple here!

Zhuang Gao Xian was still gentle, “I am very curious. You two are both contemporary Real Persons, could you have nothing to do? Do you have no responsibilities to bear towards your sects?”

“This old monk is on leave,” Zen Master Zhao Huai said, glancing at Ku Jue. “He might indeed be idle.”

Ku Jue glared at him, “Dead bald donkey, don’t force Buddha grandpa to scold you in front of such a hateful person!”

It was hard to say exactly who he was scolding.

Zhuang Gao Xian stared intently at the two monks, “Your persistence in being enthusiastic guests at my home is something I will firmly remember.”

“Then you’ll have to remember it for a lifetime, you know,” Zen Master Zhao Huai said.

Ku Jue immediately followed up, “Your life will be very short. Remember to continue in your next life.”

Zhuang Gao Xian chuckled coldly, lightly brushed his large sleeves, shook the beads on his crown, and walked潇洒ly towards the outside of the country’s border.

“I will depart immediately to represent Zhuang Country and participate in the Tai Xu Alliance. If you have the guts, do not hesitate to continue following.”

Ku Jue and Zhao Huai exchanged glances, as if asking each other if they had the guts.

Although being a monk and having guts didn’t seem to affect anything… they still simultaneously turned and followed Zhuang Gao Xian!

But their feet lifted and then stopped.

An armored figure walked out of the void, a long spear held horizontally, blocking the two people.

“Stay right there, two venerable monks!”

This person was tall and had long arms. His features were sickly thin, and his skin was slightly pale. But killing intent permeated through his armor, stopping the roaring like a living creature.

It was indeed Kuang Ming, the commander of the Evil Suppressing Army from the Great Jing Empire!