Even now, Jin Wang Gu Yicheng felt quite wronged, for he had done nothing.

Although a little restless at heart, he had not acted on it, right? He had even resisted the urging of countless people.

Judge by actions, not by intentions. His imperial father would surely not mind those slanders and libels.

Yet, on the evening of Gu Zhanting’s return, he delivered a thunderbolt to Gu Yicheng: “Jin Wang Yicheng, publicly divulged secrets, leading to the defeat of the army; privately, he was wild and unfilial, contrary to the heart of a son. Both disloyal and unfilial, he is unfit for great responsibility. Therefore, his title of Jin Wang is stripped, he is demoted to a commoner, and confined to his estate for self-reflection. Qi Wang Yicheng, who prayed for his father day and night at home, his filial piety moving Heaven, presents a stark contrast and is likely not a cruel person. The Zhenmo Si is ordered to reopen the investigation into the Tianxing Jianzong case from that day.”

Gu Yicheng was dumbfounded.

Being unfilial was one thing; a matter between father and son, which would resolve itself once his imperial father calmed down, especially since he had no actual actions.

Just like Qi Wang Gu Yiheng, who was burdened with the grave accusation of harming Tianxing Jianzong and his elder sister. Although considered intolerable by the world, the fact that Shen Tang was Gu Yitang was kept secret. Most people didn’t know that his “burden” involved harming his sister, believing it was merely a massacre of a local sect. A prince slaughtering a local sect and plundering merchant caravans was sensational at the time, but with the passage of time, people would forget.

Furthermore, the head of the Zhenmo Si who had overseen the investigation at that time had already been replaced. As long as the Emperor ordered a reinvestigation, the new head, Sheng Qingfeng, could issue a new report stating that the original investigation was flawed and that the true culprit might not be Qi Wang. Even if the new culprit wasn’t found, Qi Wang would already be cleared.

So, if he only had issues of wild behavior and unfilial piety, he would have a chance once his imperial father’s anger subsided.

But being saddled with the accusation of leaking secrets that led to the army’s defeat—that changed the nature of things entirely!

Which military general would accept such a prince as heir apparent? Even if his imperial father dared to reinstate his princely title in the future, the court’s powerful officials would object—this might be the only issue that could unite Huo Xingyuan and Pei Qingyan in shared enmity. Huo Xingyuan himself was almost ruined, losing ten years of effort, and Pei Qingyan’s own nephew was almost killed. Generals like Zhao Jiayong and Xiang An now hated him to the core, and with the State Preceptor never having thought highly of him, what hope was there left?

Even restoring his princely title would be difficult, let alone the position of Crown Prince. It could be declared over and done with; there was no hope for it in this life.

He had indeed boasted at a banquet, telling Chen Yu and others some border news to prove how formidable he was. Some of the things he said were indeed confidential, but only a few. Things like loopholes in the defense system that would allow the demon race to pour into the rear like a sieve and rampage through cities—he himself wasn’t even that clear on such intelligence, so how could he tell Chen Yu?

This had nothing to do with him!

Unfortunately, no one would listen to his explanations anymore.

“Father, something’s not right about this,” Pei Chuyun, confined to the Pei mansion, still sought out Pei Qingyan. “Didn’t they say Shen Tang rescued them through immense hardship? What’s going on? She only got some mountains and a plaque. This Qi Wang, who did nothing but pray and chant at home, is now credited with a great achievement, and his past actions are all forgotten? The elder sister he harmed is the true hero, Shen Tang, this time. Isn’t the Emperor afraid of truly breaking Shen Tang’s heart?”

Pei Qingyan leisurely said, “I asked you that day… it might benefit someone else.”

Pei Chuyun was astonished: “Father, were you referring to Qi Wang back then?”

“Mm.” Pei Qingyan smiled, “Regarding what happened back then, those with insight naturally knew. Qi Wang was a scapegoat from beginning to end. From this perspective, Qi Wang was never guilty; on the contrary, he rendered a service, the service of taking the blame for his father. Now that Jin Wang is deposed, Qi Wang is the only adult prince left who can be used, so naturally, he must be released.”

“So why was he made a scapegoat back then?”

“It’s likely that Qi Wang did other things in secret that also angered His Majesty, so he was taught a lesson incidentally. As for what exactly happened, it’s very well hidden; even I haven’t heard any rumors. Perhaps Sheng Qingfeng knows more.”

“So it wasn’t Qi Wang who did it? Then Shen Tang…”

“Princess Chaohuang naturally knows in her heart who broke her leg; how could she not know? If she were to be heartbroken, she would have been long ago. Ironically, she has nothing to be heartbroken about this time.”

“Mm… if one were to speak of heartache, there might still be a little,” Pei Qingyan sighed. “She didn’t hold a grudge about her broken leg, still traveled thousands of miles to rescue them, and in the end, her imperial father still first thought of Qi Wang, who did nothing.”

Pei Chuyun didn’t understand: “But why does His Majesty dislike Princess Chaohuang so much? How can Jin Wang or Qi Wang compare to Shen Tang? They’re not even in the same league. Is it really just because of favoring sons over daughters?”

Pei Qingyan smiled meaningfully, “Firstly, don’t underestimate any of the princes. Qi Wang is much smarter than Jin Wang. The driving force behind Jin Wang’s downfall this time, the most diligent pusher, was Qi Wang. You bystanders couldn’t see it, could you? See, didn’t he ultimately reap the benefits…”

Pei Chuyun narrowed her eyes.

“Secondly, as for His Majesty disliking Princess Chaohuang… Heh. Everyone’s attention is drawn to the princes’ struggle for succession, but they’ve all overlooked the most fundamental thing. Even someone as clever as Lu Xingzhou couldn’t fully comprehend this matter. What’s the point of him digging a pit for Jin Wang before leaving… At most, it’s to avenge his assassination in Jiangmo Yu.”

“Avenge that is enough, Lu Xingzhou holds grudges,” Pei Chuyun casually threw a big hat onto her father’s head. “Oh, I know Father is the smartest. As the Prime Minister of a nation, the things you can see are not something we youngsters can understand, can you tell me more…”

“What, you want to help Shen Tang?” Pei Qingyan sneered, “After helping, will you simply be a concubine?”

Pei Chuyun’s eyes widened: “Who, who said that? Lu Xingzhou and I are innocent!”

“Innocent? If you weren’t still somewhat mindful of my attitude, I’d say you two would already have five children.”

Pei Qingyan scolded, but inwardly, he was actually more open-minded about this than Sheng Qingfeng. After all, Pei Chuyun came from Channü Hehuan origins; to only be devoted to one lover instead of flirting everywhere was already quite comforting. This was different from Sheng Qingfeng’s painstakingly cultivated pure disciple, whose mentality and bottom line were different.

He sighed softly, “Where is this talk of princes fighting for succession… If it were truly just princes fighting for succession, why would His Majesty personally act to depose his own daughter? Is it worth it?”

Pei Chuyun’s heart skipped a beat: “Father means… the Emperor is afraid that Shen Tang will grow too fast and contend for his throne! He doesn’t dislike Shen Tang; he values her too much!”

“I said nothing,” Pei Qingyan smiled slightly. “Being safe outside, far from view, not even treating her leg, is for the best. Including this time, rescuing the army without claiming credit, not even meeting His Majesty, retreating at the height of success, is also the smartest. Before, it was the State Preceptor’s help, I don’t know if this time it’s Shen Tang’s own planning or Lu Xingzhou’s guidance. If she thought this herself, then this woman is also clever, not the incompetent sect leader you imagine who only relies on Lu Xingzhou to make a living.”

“What kind of woman she is has nothing to do with me, I’m not talking to you anymore,” Pei Chuyun burned her bridges. “Can you tell me more” turned into “I’m not talking to you anymore” in a few breaths, and she left directly.

Pei Qingyan watched his daughter’s receding back and shook his head helplessly.

Shen Tang was too much of a genius, making Gu Zhanting see his inner demon, Ye Tinglan, which was deadly.

In fact, Gu Zhanting probably felt a little guilty towards his daughter, which could be seen from his occasionally contradictory actions. For example, he wanted to support Tianxing Jianzong but took no actual steps, leaving people to guess wildly and causing a lot of trouble. In reality, when Gu Zhanting said those words, he truly didn’t intend for those results; he genuinely wanted to offer some support, but he couldn’t take actual steps.

But no matter what, this time, at least, he had taken actual steps—compared to those mountains, the plaque was more valuable. Shen Tang had the ability, and with the prestige of this plaque, Tianxing Jianzong would rise.

But what after its rise? Gu Zhanting was of supreme rank, in his prime, and would live for many more years.

Pei Qingyan couldn’t see the future direction either; anyway, what happened to the imperial family had nothing to do with the Pei clan.

South, Miaoyin Shan.

“Gu Zhanting is sending Lu Xingzhou as an envoy to the demon realm? What is he doing!” Yuan Muyu leaped up from her seat. “Doesn’t he know Long Qinghuang wants to capture Lu Xingzhou! He’s aiding the enemy!”

Ji Wenchuan stood before her, hands clasped, silent.

Long Qinghuang wanted to capture Lu Xingzhou; only you were anxious about it. To the Emperor, he was just a young strategist; he wasn’t interested in Lu Xingzhou’s backside.

Anyway, Ji Wenchuan didn’t think much of it. Having personally experienced the Battle of Dongyue Hanchuan, Ji Wenchuan felt that Old Lu and the Demon Empress probably had something going on. Who knew, he might even pacify the demon realm with a single whip.

However, for Yan Jun or Tianyao Shengzhu and the others, it would be better not to pacify the demon realm; that whip must not be given.

“I painstakingly rescued Lu Xingzhou from the Demon Empress, and Gu Zhanting just sends him off like that!” Yuan Muyu was so angry she felt she would burst. “I shouldn’t have let Lu Xingzhou go back then; look at the unreliable things he’s following now!”

Ji Wenchuan: “…”

Yuan Muyu said, “Speak up, why are you acting like a mute? Aren’t you closest to Lu Xingzhou? He’s being captured, don’t you have anything to say?”

Ji Wenchuan finally sighed, “From what I’ve observed, the Demon Empress likely values Old Lu’s abilities. Snatching a man is probably not the case; Yan Jun herself made the same judgment, didn’t she?”

Yes, Yuan Muyu, after their fight at sea, calmed down and realized she had overreacted. If it were truly about snatching a man, why would she act openly in public? What about the Demon Empress’s reputation? She would only act like that to capture a strategist.

But Yuan Muyu didn’t regret the fight. Even if it was to capture a strategist, she couldn’t let her do it, could she? And then, in a blink, Gu Zhanting sent him!

It made a fish furious.

Seeing Ji Wenchuan’s indifferent expression, Yuan Muyu was still annoyed: “What, even if it’s just valuing his abilities, can we just sit by and watch Lu Xingzhou work for the demon race?”

“Old Lu has his own opinions; he doesn’t just work when told. Being a strategist is tricky. If he’s unwilling and forced to give advice, the Demon Empress might end up losing her underpants.”

Yuan Muyu stroked her chin, finding Ji Wenchuan’s words reasonable.

Lu Xingzhou was so stubborn, that scoundrel who left whenever he wanted.

Who could force him to give advice? If the advice were given under duress, the Demon Empress would truly lose her underpants.

No, why should she lose her underpants? Absolutely not!

Looking at it this way, it didn’t seem like a big deal. After all, it wasn’t like last time when he was almost captured; it was a formal diplomatic mission, which was different in nature. At least, the entire Great Gan stood behind him. With Xingzhou’s abilities, he would most likely be able to solve the problem himself.

Does this mean there’s no need to be too anxious…?

Yuan Muyu’s mind repeatedly flashed with her conversation with Lu Xingzhou at sea, her emotions complex and unclear.

It seemed she didn’t need to be anxious anymore… She shouldn’t let these matters affect her emotions again; it was truly detrimental to her cultivation.

“Furthermore, details of the Northern Frontier war have also arrived,” Ji Wenchuan said. “A black-clad person with a Yanluo Dian mask attacked Huo Xingyuan, injuring his back. Huo Xingyuan returned to the capital and immediately secluded himself to recover, appearing quite seriously injured.”

Yuan Muyu was stunned: “Yanluo Dian mask…”

Ji Wenchuan said, “Old Lu has a mask, but he’s never worn it, so outsiders wouldn’t know. From the description I heard, it was Old Lu’s.”

Yuan Muyu nodded slightly: “He deeply resents the Huo family; if it was him, it’s very normal.”

Ji Wenchuan said, “Wouldn’t Old Lu’s action make others think Yanluo Dian is colluding with the demon race? He could have avoided wearing the Yanluo Dian attire; couldn’t he have used other disguises?”

Yuan Muyu thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled: “He’s helping me reconcile with the Demon Empress.”

Ji Wenchuan blinked.

What time was it, and why hadn’t her inexplicable confidence waned yet…?

But then again, this confidence might be half right this time.

Lu Xingzhou might not be trying to reconcile Yan Jun with the Demon Empress, but he was probably trying to reconcile Yanluo Dian with the Demon Empress. Yanluo Dian was, after all, Old Lu’s brainchild. Seeing that the strategy of the Ten Halls of Yanluo was being developed these past two years, inexplicably offending the Demon Empress was not a good thing.

Seeing Yan Jun’s rare smiling expression, Ji Wenchuan truly couldn’t bear to tell the truth. Forget it, she had been so troubled since returning from the sea; it was good that she was finally smiling. Being confident was also good; a confident Yan Jun was the real deal.