Lu Xingzhou entered the Imperial Study and looked at the young new emperor, feeling a bit ironic.

This was not only his first audience with the new emperor but also his second time seeing Prince Qi, Gu Yiheng. The last time was during the collective gathering at the altar to observe Gu Zhanting, and he was far away, squeezed in the crowd, so he hadn’t seen clearly. This time could be considered their first proper meeting.

This name, which had only existed in the background, finally moved from the background into reality.

He was too low-key… While Prince Jin, Gu Yicheng, was aggressively forming factions and extending his influence further than anyone, Gu Yiheng was under house arrest in his residence.

After Prince Jin fell and Gu Yiheng was reinstated, he still didn’t step into the limelight, remaining reclusive.

Lu Xingzhou had been to the capital twice and stayed there for so long, yet he had never formally met him.

His first impression was that he was very handsome… Of course, he was handsome, because Gu Zhanting was a handsome middle-aged man with excellent temperament and appearance, so he could father a beautiful daughter like Shen Tang, and his sons naturally wouldn’t be bad.

Hmm… Theoretically, Shen Tang’s genetic advantages in appearance were even more superior because her mother was just an ordinary concubine. Gu Zhanting wasn’t a lecher, so an ordinary concubine who received favor must have been very beautiful, even attracting Gu Zhanting. In contrast, the empress who bore these sons might not have been as striking, but overall, she definitely wasn’t bad.

However, Prince Jin, Gu Yicheng, didn’t give Lu Xingzhou a “handsome” first impression; after all, temperament has a significant impact. Gu Yicheng was shallow and impetuous, like a brainless villain in a TV show who wouldn’t even need acting skills, just stand there; this Gu Yiheng, however, could play a polite but scummy ex-husband, at least his first impression was very good.

Gu Zhanting didn’t have much free time to educate his sons… Each person’s character was basically self-formed. After interacting with Gu Zhanting, Lu Xingzhou could conclude that Gu Zhanting’s prolonged delay in naming an heir wasn’t due to a lust for power or similar motives, but rather because none of his children truly met his expectations. He felt he was still in his prime and could wait for the younger ones to grow up and then reconsider.

But if he had to choose, Gu Zhanting would lean more towards Prince Qi… at least between Shen Tang and Prince Qi, he had clearly chosen Prince Qi.

Unfortunately, Prince Qi himself, or the usurper, didn’t think so. He still believed that the emperor didn’t want to choose anyone, and therefore orchestrated everything from behind the scenes.

In addition, Lu Xingzhou wanted to observe Gu Yiheng’s specific cultivation but found it shrouded in mist, making it impossible to discern. This either meant he had a special magic artifact for concealment, or his realm was far superior to Lu Xingzhou’s…

A thought flashed through Lu Xingzhou’s mind as he bowed: “Lu Xingzhou greets Your Majesty.”

Gu Yiheng smiled, “Marquis Dingyuan is probably seeing me for the first time today, but I have seen Marquis Dingyuan display his divine power many times.”

“Oh? Many times? Besides the altar, when else?”

“Once, Marquis Dingyuan was fighting Huo Heng in the Yan Yu Lou, and I happened to be passing by. I was under house arrest at the time, and occasionally sneaking out for some air wasn’t taken seriously by anyone.” Gu Yiheng’s attitude was very friendly, and he smiled, “There’s no need for us to beat around the bush. At that time, I was quite hostile towards Prince Jin, and Marquis Dingyuan beating his man right in front of him left a very good impression on me. It’s a pity I was disgraced then and dared not invite Marquis Dingyuan for a drink.”

Lu Xingzhou thought to himself, ‘You probably didn’t just see that one instance; you knew every detail of all the conflicts surrounding Prince Jin at that time.’

Gu Yiheng’s attitude was indeed more comfortable than Gu Zhanting’s, making it seem like he was humbling himself to make friends.

In reality, both sides knew in their hearts that they couldn’t have a very good relationship. Even if Gu Yiheng’s attack on Shen Tang hadn’t been exposed, Lu Xingzhou alone, with his ability to rally various forces this time, would be enough to alarm any emperor. Even Gu Zhanting, who had broken through to Qianyuan, had been overthrown; what naive emperor would dare to trust such a minister?

This time, Lu Xingzhou was merely a connector and a planner, not a leader. If he were the leader, he would undoubtedly be a powerful minister who could suppress the emperor.

However, it was almost the same now… Theoretically, there was indeed such a powerful minister who suppressed the emperor this time, and that was the Grand Tutor Ye Tinglan. Even the enthronement and the Spring Sacrifice were conducted under Ye Tinglan’s direction, which was not necessary before.

It’s just that Ye Tinglan was unlikely to interfere too much in politics, making the implication of a powerful minister not very obvious. And Lu Xingzhou could represent Ye Tinglan; as long as he wanted to wield power, he could become an alternative Regent.

Therefore, Meng Guan believed that Lu Xingzhou could form a faction, and Gu Yiheng was also probing Lu Xingzhou’s attitude.

Lu Xingzhou’s attitude indeed didn’t resemble that of a subordinate; he directly asked the emperor what “many times” referred to.

“So it was that time,” Lu Xingzhou said. “Even if Your Majesty wanted to invite me for a drink then, you couldn’t have. I left the capital right after beating Huo Heng.”

Gu Yiheng smiled, “There will be many opportunities in the future. Hmm… Marquis Dingyuan, have you come for an important matter?”

Lu Xingzhou said, “I wish to borrow the imperial palace from Your Majesty.”

The Grand Eunuch Hai Ruyuan beside him slightly changed color.

This idea, which Lu Xingzhou and Yuan Muyu casually thought of, was actually considered rebellious by ordinary people, especially with Lu Xingzhou’s way of saying it.

Translate, what does “borrow the imperial palace for a while” mean?

Gu Yiheng’s smile remained unchanged: “Is Marquis Dingyuan planning to receive his bride in the imperial palace?”

Lu Xingzhou chuckled, “Your Majesty is wise. The main reason is that Prime Minister Pei’s home was destroyed by Xuan Nu, and now the whole family is living in a side residence. It would be too demeaning for Chuyun to have the wedding at a side residence…”

This was a truly good reason, and Gu Yiheng found it increasingly amusing: “Very well, the Imperial Sister should indeed be married from the palace. Marquis Dingyuan’s situation is special this time, and having the entire wedding ceremony in the palace will also be a beautiful story.”

“Then I thank Your Majesty.” Lu Xingzhou was indeed a little surprised by Gu Yiheng’s casual attitude, as if he truly didn’t feel his authority was being challenged at all.

This fellow might indeed be harder to deal with than Gu Zhanting; at least, he truly knew how to endure.

Gu Yiheng said, “My ascension to the throne is under special circumstances, and I haven’t even had time to bestow rewards. Especially since Marquis Dingyuan largely led this campaign, I’m genuinely not clear about the extent of everyone’s merits. Since Marquis Dingyuan is here, perhaps we can discuss this matter?”

“I will write a detailed report and list for Your Majesty; Your Majesty can decide then.”

“Since you are here, why not discuss it in person?”

Lu Xingzhou gave an embarrassed smile: “It’s getting late. I need to go home and accompany my wife.”

Gu Yiheng: “…”

It felt like this was more of a provocation than borrowing the imperial palace. The emperor asked you to discuss personnel matters, which is such an important official business, and you refused to go home and accompany your wife?

But from another perspective, was Lu Xingzhou expressing that he didn’t have many intentions of overstepping his authority?

After several rounds of probing, neither side had a clear understanding of what the other was thinking. Gu Yiheng pondered for a moment and then simply asked, “Does Marquis Dingyuan have any requests himself? Hmm… I heard that the late emperor once promised you the position of Shilang?”

Lu Xingzhou replied, “I have no personal requests, but I do have some suggestions for the country.”

“Oh?” Gu Yiheng smiled. “Marquis Dingyuan, please speak freely.”

“Previously, a great many officials throughout the land were demonized, and now the localities are in chaos. From what I witnessed in Dongjiang, when a chief official is demonized, it often contaminates a whole area. Therefore, in addition to filling local vacancies, more personnel are needed to conduct inspections.”

The issue of demonized officials was originally orchestrated by Gu Yiheng, and Lu Xingzhou specifically brought up the fact that there were still many demons in the localities that hadn’t been eliminated, wanting to see Gu Yiheng’s attitude.

Gu Yiheng merely nodded slightly: “Marquis Dingyuan’s concerns are valid; I will treat this matter as a top priority.”

Lu Xingzhou couldn’t discern anything, so he bowed and took his leave: “Then I am relieved.”

Back at Lu Mansion, Ye Tinglan and Shen Tang were waiting in the hall. Seeing Lu Xingzhou return home with a frown, they both stood up to greet him: “What’s wrong? Why the frown?”

Lu Xingzhou sighed: “I can’t see anything for now. He’s still being humble and reserved, acting as if I’m a pillar of the nation. I specifically brought up the issue of local demonization, and he actually expressed his intention to address it.”

Shen Tang said, “This governance is necessary. The late emperor was condemned by the world for this matter, so no matter who inherits this position, they must at least put on a show of rectifying it.”

Lu Xingzhou nodded and asked Ye Tinglan, “You presided over the ceremonies with him before. What do you think of his cultivation and qi channels?”

“There’s a magic artifact covering it… The artifact is extremely subtle; unless one deliberately tries to probe it, it’s impossible to discern just by looking. However, such a subtle artifact itself is absolutely not from this realm. Of course, it’s not impossible that it was acquired from an ancient ruin.”

“And his qi channels? Aside from the decaying Qi of Daqian, are there any other peculiarities?”

“If you’re referring to the signs of theft, transfer, or plunder that Zhao En and Gu Zhanting used, there are none,” Ye Tinglan pondered. “But there are indeed some strange aspects. Logically, with a new emperor ascending, even if the original Qi is scattered and decayed, there should be some signs of re-cohesion, a sense of renewal, but it’s not evident in him.”

Lu Xingzhou’s heart stirred slightly: “What does that imply? Could it be because of the portion Gu Zhanting retained?”

“There’s some influence, as there can’t be two suns in the sky… But there are also several other factors. For instance, not many people recognize this emperor, treating him like a puppet; and another possibility… he never intended to rule this kingdom at all.”

Shen Tang’s expression changed slightly.

Regarding being a puppet, it was somewhat fitting. Not to mention Ye Tinglan standing here, even Pei Qingyan might not be easily suppressed by Gu Yiheng.

However, judging by the previous unanimous public endorsement for him to become emperor, he wasn’t exactly a puppet.

If he himself had no intention of ruling this kingdom at all… an emperor who painstakingly orchestrated a grand scheme to ascend to the throne, yet had no intention of ruling this kingdom—what kind of concept was that?

Ye Tinglan said, “It should be a combination of multiple factors. From the current situation, Daqian will gradually become a huge mess… It is highly likely to evolve into a situation like Tianshuang Kingdom, where imperial power declines and sects proliferate. Being a盟主-like ruler, like Si Han, would be good, but it’s more probable to become an emperor of the last dynasty, burdened by the evils of the world. Tangtang was right not to take on this mess.”

Shen Tang glanced at her.

The old woman was calling her Tangtang now… wasn’t this different from when they were arguing on Danxia Mountain?

Lu Xingzhou frowned and thought for a long time before suddenly chuckling, “It seems that the ‘fierce’ prophecy of the ‘return to chaos’ hexagram, which you divined, Master, might not only refer to Gu Zhanting.”

Ye Tinglan asked, “What are your thoughts?”

Lu Xingzhou said, “We’ve been overthinking it… Analyzing his objective is secondary. Regardless of what he wants to do, the conflict is irreconcilable simply because he attacked Tangtang. Even if his intentions were good, could we really live in peace?”

Both of them smiled: “Indeed.”

Lu Xingzhou said, “So, the first thing we need to figure out is his strength. If he is Zhao En’s master, regardless of whether he is Mohe, the key is whether he is Qianyuan. If he is a Qianyuan soul who usurped a fourth-rank body, then he won’t be able to cultivate his body’s strength too high in a short time. Should we cut the Gordian knot and directly assassinate him, then installing a child as a puppet would be much simpler… to avoid having a Qianyuan enemy emerge after a long time.”